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Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant Visa 2026: IND, Salary & Application

Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant Visa 2026: IND, Salary & Application The Dutch Highly Skilled Migrant visa (kennismigrant) is the fastest route for non-EU/EEA nationals to live and work in the Netherlands. It is a single...

By VisaSOP.ai Team•January 26, 2026•5 minutes read•0 views
Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant Visa 2026: IND, Salary & Application

Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant Visa 2026: IND, Salary & Application

The Dutch Highly Skilled Migrant visa (kennismigrant) is the fastest route for non-EU/EEA nationals to live and work in the Netherlands. It is a single permit that combines your residence and work authorisation. In 2026 the Immigration & Naturalisation Service (IND) will keep the same core rules, but the salary thresholds will rise again on 1 January 2026. Below you will find the exact 2026 amounts, the official document names, the current IND fees, the real processing times we are seeing this year, and the exact steps my clients and I use to get approvals in 2–3 weeks.

1. What the Highly Skilled Migrant visa actually is

  • A five-year residence and work permit in one card (the verblijfsdocument).
  • Only recognised Dutch sponsors (“referenten”) may submit the application; you cannot apply yourself.
  • No separate work permit (TWV) is needed.
  • After 5 years you qualify for permanent residence (verblijf onbepaalde tijd) or EU long-term residence if you pass the civic-integration exam.
  • Your partner and minor children receive the same 5-year residence document and may work without restriction.

2. 2026 salary thresholds (valid from 1 Jan 2026)

The IND publishes new gross monthly salary amounts every calendar year. The 2026 figures excluding 8 % holiday allowance are:

  • Highly Skilled Migrant 30 + : € 5 008 gross per month (was € 4 332 in 2025)
  • Reduced salary (30 – with orientation year / recent graduate): € 3 672 gross per month (was € 3 176 in 2025)
  • European Blue Card: € 5 867 gross per month (was € 5 082 in 2025)

These numbers are gross, paid directly into your Dutch bank account, 40-hour contract, standard allowances excluded. If you are paid every 4 weeks instead of monthly, annualise the amount and divide by 12; IND will accept that calculation if your employer states it in the application letter.

3. Who can qualify in 2026

A. Personal criteria

  1. Job offer from a recognised IND sponsor (public list updated daily: ind.nl/referenten).
  2. Contract or offer letter shows salary ≥ 2026 threshold.
  3. Diplomas: Bachelor equivalent or higher. If your degree is from outside the Netherlands you need a Nuffic credential evaluation (IDW) or the diploma must appear on the Exemption list (e.g., US BA, Indian IIT, TU Delft). No evaluation needed for EU/EEA degrees.
  4. No threat to public order; no fraud in earlier Dutch applications.

B. Employer criteria