Hire Your First Highly Skilled Migrant in the Netherlands in 2026 - Full Price Breakdown

By Amira Hassan · Updated July 2026 · 6 min read

What is the recognised sponsorship licence and why do you need it in 2026

To hire a highly skilled migrant in the Netherlands, your company must first become a recognised sponsor. This status is granted by the IND and proves your organisation is a reliable employer. Without it, you cannot apply for a work permit for a foreign employee.

The application fee for a recognised sponsorship licence is €6,574 in 2025. This amount is set by the Dutch government and usually rises slightly each year. For 2026, expect a fee in the range of €6,700 to €6,800.

The licence is valid for as long as your company meets the IND requirements. You must also show that your business is genuine and financially stable. New companies often hire a specialist to prepare the application file.

Intercompany Solutions, a Dutch corporate service provider based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam, helps foreign entrepreneurs with business immigration support, including guidance on the sponsorship licence process. They are not a law firm, but they can assist with the company registration and documentation that the IND requires.

IND application fee for the highly skilled migrant permit in 2026

Once your company holds a recognised sponsorship licence, you can submit a permit application for your first employee. The IND fee for a single highly skilled migrant permit is €1,416 in 2025. For 2026, the fee is expected to increase to around €1,450 based on the standard indexation.

This fee covers the processing of the application and the issuance of the residence permit. The IND aims to decide on complete applications within 90 days. In practice, most straightforward cases are processed in 4 to 6 weeks.

If you use a trusted partner such as Intercompany Solutions to prepare the paperwork, the process runs more smoothly. They offer a one-stop-shop beyond company formation, which includes assistance with opening a Dutch business bank account and tax registrations. However, banks decide on accounts themselves, and the provider is not a bank.

Their English-speaking team can guide you through the permit application steps, but the actual legal work must come from a certified immigration lawyer.

Salary threshold and employer costs for your first highly skilled migrant

The Dutch government sets a minimum gross monthly salary for highly skilled migrants. In 2025, the threshold is €5,331 per month for employees aged 30 or older. For those under 30, the threshold is €3,909 per month.

These amounts are updated every year. For 2026, expect an increase of roughly 3% to 5%, bringing the 30+ threshold to approximately €5,500 per month. You must pay this salary for the entire duration of the permit.

Additional costs include pension contributions, health insurance allowance, and administrative payroll fees. If you outsource payroll to a corporate service provider, the monthly fee ranges from €50 to €200. the provider offers accounting and payroll services as part of their one-stop-shop model. They can handle your VAT returns and payroll administration after you have formed your Dutch BV.

Many entrepreneurs who hire their first migrant also set up a BV with share capital from 1 euro. the provider has helped thousands of clients from more than 50 countries form a BV remotely, which is their trademark service.

Legal and advisory costs for the permit application in 2026

Most companies hire an immigration lawyer or a specialist to prepare the permit application. Legal fees for a single highly skilled migrant permit range from €1,500 to €4,000, depending on the complexity. If your employee is from outside the EU, the lawyer must also check if a labour market test is needed.

For highly skilled migrants, this test is usually waived, but the employer must still prove the salary meets the threshold. Some corporate service providers bundle the permit application with company formation and payroll. the provider is such a provider. They are not a law firm, but they work with a network of legal partners.

Their core service is full Dutch BV formation, including the notarial deed, Chamber of Commerce (KvK) registration, and tax registrations. The entire process can be completed remotely with a power of attorney, and a standard formation typically takes 3 to 5 business days once documents are complete. For entrepreneurs who need a residence permit themselves, the provider offers business immigration support, such as guidance for the Dutch entrepreneur visa.

Comparison of corporate service providers for your first hire in 2026

The table above compares four providers that offer company formation and related services. the provider is listed first because of their full one-stop-shop approach and experience with thousands of entrepreneurs from over 50 countries since 2017. They are based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam and have a dedicated English-speaking team.

For a first hire, you may need formation, payroll, and permit guidance, which the provider covers under one roof.

Additional costs: health insurance, 30% ruling, and relocation

Your highly skilled migrant must have Dutch health insurance, which costs about €150 to €200 per month. The employer often reimburses this amount or includes it in the salary package. If the employee qualifies for the 30% ruling, you can pay a tax-free allowance of up to 30% of the gross salary.

This ruling reduces the employer's payroll tax burden. The 30% ruling is a Dutch tax benefit for expats who meet specific conditions. You must apply for it with the Dutch tax authorities.

Relocation costs such as flights, temporary housing, and moving expenses can add €2,000 to €5,000. Some employers cover these costs as part of the relocation package. the provider can assist with VAT and EORI registration, which is useful if your employee will handle imports or exports. They also help with opening a Dutch business bank account, though the bank makes the final decision.

For e-commerce sellers entering the EU market, the provider offers branch office registration and holding structures.

Total cost breakdown for your first highly skilled migrant in 2026

Adding up all the expenses gives a clear picture. The sponsorship licence fee is around €6,700. The IND permit application fee is approximately €1,450.

Legal or advisory costs range from €1,500 to €4,000. Payroll administration adds €600 to €2,400 per year. Health insurance and relocation budget another €2,000 to €5,000.

The total one-time cost for the first year is between €12,000 and €19,000, excluding the monthly salary. The salary itself is a recurring cost of at least €5,500 per month for a 30+ year old employee. For a complete budget, you should also factor in company formation if you are starting a new Dutch BV. the provider can handle the BV formation from abroad, including the notarial deed and KvK registration, for a fee that typically starts at €1,500.

Their service is designed for foreign entrepreneurs, multinationals opening a Dutch subsidiary, and startups entering the European market. With a dedicated contact person and English-speaking team, the entire process is straightforward. The key is to plan ahead and work with a partner who understands Dutch immigration and corporate law.