Changing employer
- The new employer must also be a recognised sponsor
- The salary must meet the criterion on the new start date
- The new employer reports the change to the IND
Process
From job offer to residence card
1
Free intake check
We check the employer’s recognition, your salary and your age against the 2026 amounts.
2
Contract
You sign an employment contract or appointment letter with a salary that meets the criterion.
3
Application
The employer files through the IND business portal – together with the MVV if your nationality needs one.
4
Decision
Often within 2 weeks with a recognised sponsor. The legal maximum is 90 days.
5
Arrival
Collect the MVV, travel, register for your BSN, pick up your residence card and arrange Dutch health insurance.
Family
Your family can come with you
Partner and children
Your spouse, registered or unmarried partner and minor children can apply for residence with you.
Partner may work
Your partner has free access to the Dutch labour market – no work permit needed.
No exam abroad
Family members of a highly skilled migrant do not need to pass the civic integration exam abroad.
IND fees 2026
€254 for a partner and €85 per child – filed together with your application.
After you arrive
Your rights as a highly skilled migrant
If you lose your job
- 3 months to find a new job as a highly skilled migrant
- 6 months once you have held the permit for 2 years
- Starting a business or another route may also be possible
Permanent residence
- Permanent residence after 5 years and the civic integration exam
- EU long-term resident status is a second option
- Dutch citizenship can follow later
The 30% ruling
- A possible tax facility for employees recruited abroad
- Its conditions and salary limits have changed
- Check your situation with a tax adviser
All work permits
Every work permit at a glance
14 ways to work in the Netherlands – and which one fits your situation.
| Permit | Our guide | Recognised sponsor | Labour market test | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highly skilled migrant | hsmvisa.nl | Required | No | Up to 5 years |
| EU Blue Card | bluecardvisa.nl | Optional | No | Contract + 3 months, max. 5 years |
| Intra-corporate transfer | ictvisa.nl | Optional | No | 3 years (trainees 1 year) |
| Researcher | On request | Required | No | Up to 5 years |
| Essential start-up personnel | On request | Not needed | No | Up to 3 years |
| Single permit (GVVA) | On request | Optional | Yes (UWV) | Usually up to 3 years |
| Seasonal work | On request | Not needed | Yes (UWV) | Up to 24 weeks |
| Trainee or apprentice | On request | Optional | No | Up to 1 year |
| Work experience, EU programme | On request | Optional | No | Up to 1 year |
| International Trade Regulation | On request | Not needed | UWV approval | Up to 3 years |
| Cross-border service provider | On request | Not needed | No | Up to 2 years |
| Orientation year | orientation-year.nl | Not needed | No | 1 year |
| Start-up | startup-visa.nl | RVO facilitator | No | 1 year |
| Self-employed | selfemployed-visa.nl | Not needed | RVO points test | 2 years (first permit) |
Costs
What it costs
Fees 2026
First consultation (30 min)Free
Our service feeFixed quote after the intake
IND fee – highly skilled migrant (2026)€423
IND fee – partner€254
IND fee – child under 18€85
Other routes
Other routes to the Netherlands
Work
EU Blue Card
For highly qualified professionals – any employer, with mobility across the EU.
bluecardvisa.nl Open website WorkIntra-Corporate Transfer
For managers, specialists and trainees moving to a Dutch branch of their company.
ictvisa.nl Open website BusinessStart-up visa
One year to build an innovative company, guided by a recognised facilitator.
startup-visa.nl Open website FamilyFamily reunification
Bring your children or other family members to live with you.
family-visa.nl Open websiteFigures valid for 2026, based on ind.nl. Amounts change every 1 January – always check the latest amounts with us or on ind.nl.