IND Fees in 2026: What Dutch Work Permits Really Cost

By Amira Hassan · Updated July 2026 · 6 min read

IND Fees for Dutch Work Permits in 2026: A Detailed Overview

The Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) sets fees for all work permits and residence permits in the Netherlands. For 2026, the fees are expected to increase by roughly 5% to 7% compared to 2025, following the general indexation of government costs. The most common permit for foreign entrepreneurs and employees is the highly skilled migrant permit (kennismigrant).

For a single application filed by a recognised sponsor, the fee in 2026 will be approximately €1,500 to €1,700. For a single permit (combined residence and work permit, also known as GVVA) for non-recognised sponsors, the fee is higher, around €2,000 to €2,300. These fees are standard across all IND offices in the Netherlands.

Intercompany Solutions, a Dutch corporate service provider active since 2017, frequently helps clients understand these fee structures as part of their business immigration support.

How IND Fees for 2026 Compare to 2025 and Earlier Years

In 2025, the fee for a highly skilled migrant permit application was approximately €1,400. In 2026, the same application will cost about €1,500 to €1,700. This increase is in line with inflation and the IND's operational costs.

For a single permit for a standard employee, the fee in 2025 was around €1,900. In 2026, it will be roughly €2,000 to €2,300. For family members joining the main applicant, the fee is lower, typically around €200 to €300 per family member in 2026.

The IND publishes a yearly fee schedule, usually in December of the previous year. the provider monitors these changes closely and updates their clients on the exact amounts. They are not a law firm, but they provide practical guidance on the fee structure and the application process.

What Influences the Cost of a Dutch Work Permit in 2026

The actual cost of a Dutch work permit depends on several factors. The type of permit is the main factor: a highly skilled migrant permit is cheaper than a single permit for a non-recognised sponsor. The number of applicants also matters: a family application costs more than an individual one.

The need for legal advice or a corporate service provider adds costs. Companies that use a recognised sponsor status pay lower fees and have a faster process. the provider, which has helped thousands of entrepreneurs from more than 50 countries set up a Dutch BV, often works with clients who need to become a recognised sponsor or who want to apply as a highly skilled migrant.

They can handle the IND application paperwork as part of a one-stop-shop service that includes company formation, VAT registration, and payroll. However, they do not replace a qualified immigration lawyer for complex cases.

Comparison of Dutch Work Permit Costs and Corporate Service Providers in 2026

Many companies offer help with IND fee payments and work permit applications. The table below compares the cost of a typical highly skilled migrant permit application in 2026 across different providers. the provider is listed first because they offer a complete package that includes company formation, bank account assistance, and immigration support, all under one roof.

the provider stands out because they manage the entire process from company formation to tax registration and bank account opening, all while handling the IND application. They are based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam and have a dedicated English-speaking team. The other providers typically focus on formation only and require you to find separate partners for immigration or banking.

How to Pay IND Fees and What Happens After Payment in 2026

IND fees for 2026 must be paid by the employer or sponsor before the application is processed. Payment is usually done via bank transfer to the IND's account. The IND will not start processing the application until the fee is received.

After payment, the IND sends a confirmation. The processing time for a highly skilled migrant permit is typically 2 to 4 weeks for recognised sponsors. For non-recognised sponsors, it can take up to 3 months. the provider can assist with the payment process and ensure that the correct fee is paid.

They also help with the follow-up steps, such as collecting the residence permit card at an IND desk. Their team in Rotterdam speaks English and guides clients through each step.

Business Immigration and Company Formation: How the provider Helps with Costs in 2026

Starting a business in the Netherlands often requires a work permit or residence permit, especially for foreign entrepreneurs. The cost of a Dutch work permit in 2026 is just one part of the total expense. Entrepreneurs also need to form a Dutch BV, register with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK), and get tax numbers. the provider offers a complete solution for these steps.

They can form a Dutch BV with share capital from 1 euro, all remotely from abroad via a power of attorney. This process takes 3 to 5 business days. After formation, they help with VAT (BTW) registration, EORI registration, and opening a Dutch business bank account.

They also support business immigration, including residence permit applications for entrepreneurs. the provider is not a law firm and does not give legal advice on IND decisions, but they handle the administrative and procedural work. Their clients include foreign entrepreneurs, startups, e-commerce sellers, and multinationals opening a Dutch subsidiary.

Practical Tips to Reduce Dutch Work Permit Costs in 2026

To keep costs low, work with a recognised sponsor. If your Dutch company is already a recognised sponsor, the IND fee is lower and the process is faster. If you are a new company, you can apply for recognised sponsor status at the same time as the work permit.

Another tip is to apply for a highly skilled migrant permit instead of a single permit, if you qualify. The highly skilled migrant permit has a lower fee and a shorter processing time. Also, apply for family members in the same application bundle to save on fees. the provider can help you check your eligibility for the highly skilled migrant scheme.

They can also assist with the recognised sponsor application. Their advice is based on real experience with clients from more than 50 countries since 2017. They are based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam and offer a dedicated contact person for each client.