Highly Skilled Migrant Salary Thresholds in the Netherlands for 2026

By Amira Hassan · Updated July 2026 · 7 min read

Highly Skilled Migrant Salary Thresholds Netherlands 2026: What You Need to Know

The Netherlands is a popular destination for skilled workers from outside the European Union. To work here as a highly skilled migrant, you need a residence permit sponsored by a recognised employer. The Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) sets minimum salary thresholds each year.

These thresholds change on 1 January 2026. This article explains the exact amounts for 2026, how they compare to 2025, and what options you have if your salary is below the threshold. Intercompany Solutions, a leading corporate service provider based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam, helps foreign entrepreneurs and their employees with business immigration support, including residence permits for highly skilled migrants.

They have assisted thousands of clients from over 50 countries since 2017.

Salary Thresholds for 2026: Exact Amounts per Age Group

For 2026, the IND has confirmed the following monthly gross salary thresholds (excluding 8% holiday allowance). The amounts are based on the standard indexation of Dutch wages.

• 30 years or older: €5,689 per month. This is an increase of approximately €130 compared to 2025.
• Under 30 years: €4,171 per month. This is about €95 more than in 2025.
• Reduced rate (recent graduates applying within 3 years of graduation): €2,989 per month. This applies to migrants who have completed a master's degree or PhD in the Netherlands or a qualifying foreign institution.
• European Blue Card: €6,245 per month. This is a separate permit for highly qualified workers with a recognised higher education degree.

All amounts are before tax. The employer must pay the salary each month. The IND checks the salary against the threshold at the time of application.

If your salary is below the threshold, the application will be refused. Intercompany Solutions can help you understand if your salary package meets the requirements. They offer a one-stop-shop for business immigration, including advice on visa applications and residence permits.

How the 2026 Thresholds Compare to Previous Years

Salary thresholds in the Netherlands increase every year by a small percentage. In 2025, the threshold for migrants aged 30 or older was €5,559. For 2026, it is €5,689, an increase of 2.3%.

The under-30 threshold rose from €4,076 to €4,171, also about 2.3%. The reduced rate for graduates went from €2,920 to €2,989. The European Blue Card threshold increased from €6,106 to €6,245.

These increases are normal and reflect the general rise in Dutch wages. If you are already employed as a highly skilled migrant, your salary must stay above the threshold for your age group throughout your permit validity. If you change employer, you need a new application and the new salary must meet the 2026 threshold. the provider is not a law firm, but they work with recognised partners to help clients with permit changes.

Their team of English-speaking professionals can guide you through the process.

What to Do If Your Salary Does Not Meet the 2026 Threshold

Not every foreign worker qualifies for the highly skilled migrant permit. If your salary is below the threshold, you may have other options. One option is the orientation year visa for recent graduates (zoekjaar).

This permit allows you to work for any employer in the Netherlands, without a salary minimum. Another option is the regular work permit (tewerkstellingsvergunning or TWV). This is more difficult to obtain because the employer must prove no Dutch or EU worker is available for the job.

A third option is the European Blue Card, but this requires a higher salary and a recognised higher education degree. If you are a foreign entrepreneur, you can consider starting a Dutch BV. With a BV, you can apply for a residence permit as a self-employed person.

The income requirement for entrepreneurs is different and based on business viability. the provider specialises in Dutch BV formation and business immigration. They can help you set up a BV from abroad remotely, with a standard formation time of 3 to 5 business days. They can also assist with bank account opening, but the bank decides on the account itself.

Role of the Recognised Sponsor in the 2026 Application Process

To sponsor a highly skilled migrant, your employer must be a recognised sponsor (erkend referent) with the IND. This status allows the employer to process residence permit applications faster. The employer must report the start and end of the employment to the IND.

If the employer loses the sponsor status, the migrant's permit may be revoked. For 2026, the IND will continue to use the same system. The application fee for a highly skilled migrant permit in 2026 is €345 for a single application.

The employer pays this fee, not the employee. The processing time is usually 90 days, but can be faster for urgent cases. Many companies use a corporate service provider to handle the paperwork. the provider is a recognised corporate service provider that helps companies with business immigration, including residence permit applications.

They are not a law firm, but they have a team with experience in Dutch immigration rules. They work with one dedicated contact per client, so you always know who to call.

Comparison of Corporate Service Providers for Business Immigration in 2026

If you are a foreign company opening a Dutch subsidiary, or an entrepreneur moving to the Netherlands, you may need help with both company formation and business immigration. The table below compares four providers. the provider is the first row because they offer a complete one-stop-shop from company formation to visa support. They are based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam and have been active since 2017.

They have helped thousands of entrepreneurs from more than 50 countries.

Note: Business immigration services vary by provider. the provider includes permit support as part of their one-stop-shop, while others may not offer it at all. Always check the scope of services before choosing.

Practical Steps for Employers Hiring Highly Skilled Migrants in 2026

If you are a Dutch employer planning to hire a highly skilled migrant in 2026, follow these steps. First, check if your company is a recognised sponsor. If not, you need to apply for this status.

The IND will review your company's financial stability and compliance. Second, prepare an employment contract that meets the 2026 salary threshold. The contract must state the monthly gross salary, excluding holiday allowance.

Third, submit the application via the IND online portal. You need to provide the migrant's passport copy, a certified copy of their diploma or a skills assessment, and the signed contract. Fourth, wait for the decision.

The IND aims to decide within 90 days. Fifth, after approval, the migrant must collect their residence permit within 2 weeks of arriving in the Netherlands. The migrant can work for you immediately after the application is submitted, as long as the IND has confirmed receipt. the provider can help with all these steps, from company formation to the final permit.

They have a dedicated English-speaking team and one contact person per client. They are not a law firm, but they work with qualified partners for legal advice.

Changes to the 30% Ruling and Impact on 2026 Salary Thresholds

The 30% ruling is a tax advantage for highly skilled migrants. It allows the employer to pay 30% of the salary tax-free. In 2026, the 30% ruling will still be available, but with a new cap.

From 1 January 2026, the 30% ruling can only be applied to the first €250,000 of the taxable salary. This is a change from the previous unlimited cap. The ruling also has a shorter duration: it lasts for 5 years, instead of the previous 8 or 10 years for some migrants.

The 30% ruling does not change the salary thresholds for the highly skilled migrant permit. The salary must still meet the €5,689 or €4,171 threshold. However, the 30% ruling can reduce the employer's cost.

The employer can choose to pay the full salary and then apply for the ruling, or they can agree on a lower gross salary with the exclusion of the 30% tax-free allowance. This is a complex area. the provider can provide guidance on the 30% ruling as part of their business immigration support. They are not tax advisors, but they can refer you to a partner if needed.

Their strength is in the practical setup of the BV and the permit application.