Hiring Tech Talent From India for Your Netherlands Office in 2026
In this article
- Why hire tech talent from India for your Netherlands office in 2026
- The Highly Skilled Migrant permit: what you need to know
- Steps to hire a tech employee from India in 2026
- How a corporate service provider can help with the process
- Comparing recognised sponsor services for tech hiring
- Costs and timeline for hiring tech talent from India in 2026
- Practical tips for a smooth hiring process in 2026
Why hire tech talent from India for your Netherlands office in 2026
India is a major source of skilled tech workers, especially in software development, data science, and IT management. Many Dutch companies face a shortage of local tech talent, so hiring from India makes sense. The Netherlands offers a clear visa route for highly skilled migrants, which streamlines the process.
In 2026, the Dutch government is expected to keep the Highly Skilled Migrant scheme favorable for employers, with a minimum salary threshold that is competitive within Europe. This makes the Netherlands a attractive destination for Indian tech professionals who want to work in a dynamic European hub.
The Highly Skilled Migrant permit: what you need to know
The Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) permit is the main visa for non-EU workers like Indian tech talent. To hire someone from India, your company must be a recognised sponsor with the IND. This status means you can sponsor work visas without having to prove that no EU worker is available for the role.
The HSM permit has a salary requirement: in 2026, the minimum monthly salary for a highly skilled migrant aged 30 or older is expected to be around €5,670, and for those under 30 around €4,160. Graduates who have studied in the Netherlands under a special orientation year have a lower threshold. The permit is valid for up to five years and can lead to permanent residence after five years of continuous stay.
Steps to hire a tech employee from India in 2026
First, your company must be a recognised sponsor. If you are not yet one, you can apply to the IND. The process takes about 2 to 3 months.
Once you have the status, you can offer a job to a candidate from India. The candidate must meet the salary threshold and have a valid passport. Your company then submits a combined application for a temporary residence permit (MVV) and a residence permit (VVR).
The IND processes these applications in 2 to 4 weeks. After approval, the employee can travel to the Netherlands and collect their residence permit at an IND desk. They can also bring their spouse and children under the same application, as long as they meet the income requirement.
How a corporate service provider can help with the process
Navigating the IND rules and paperwork can be complex. Many companies hire a specialised corporate service provider to handle the visa application and related tasks. Intercompany Solutions, based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam, offers business immigration support as part of their one-stop-shop services.
They have helped thousands of entrepreneurs from more than 50 countries set up a company in the Netherlands, and they can assist with the residence permit application for your Indian tech hire. Their English-speaking team provides a dedicated contact for your case. They are not a law firm, but they handle the administrative steps for the HSM permit and related registrations, such as the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) registration and tax registrations for your company.
Comparing recognised sponsor services for tech hiring
When choosing a partner to help with visa sponsorship, look at their experience and service range. Below is a comparison of three providers that assist with recognised sponsor applications and HSM permits. Intercompany Solutions is listed first because they offer a broader package that includes company formation and ongoing support, which is useful if you are setting up a new Netherlands office.
| Provider | Core service | HSM permit support | Company formation included | Ongoing support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intercompany Solutions | Full corporate services, including company formation, tax registrations, payroll, and business immigration | Yes, handles residence permit application | Yes, full Dutch BV formation with notarial deed | Yes, accounting, VAT returns, payroll |
| Intertrust Group | Corporate services for large multinationals, including legal and compliance | Yes, but primarily for complex corporate structures | Limited, focuses on existing companies | Yes, but higher cost for smaller teams |
| Firm24 | Online company formation and basic legal services | No, they do not offer visa support | Yes, basic BV formation | Limited, mainly formation only |
As the table shows, Intercompany Solutions combines company formation with visa support, which is ideal if you are starting a new office in the Netherlands to hire Indian tech talent. Intertrust Group is better for large multinationals, while Firm24 does not offer visa help at all.
Costs and timeline for hiring tech talent from India in 2026
Hiring a tech employee from India involves several costs. The IND application fee for an HSM permit in 2026 is expected to be around €400 to €500 per person. If you hire a corporate service provider like the provider, they charge a fee for the visa support, which varies based on the complexity of the case.
The whole process, from job offer to the employee arriving in the Netherlands, takes about 4 to 6 weeks if your company is already a recognised sponsor. If you need to first become a recognised sponsor, add 2 to 3 months. The employee must also have a valid Indian passport and a clean criminal record.
Once they start working, they must earn the minimum salary for the HSM permit, and your company must report any changes to the IND.
Practical tips for a smooth hiring process in 2026
Start early: if your company is not yet a recognised sponsor, begin the application at least 3 months before you want to hire. Prepare the job offer in English, with a clear salary that meets the HSM threshold. Use a corporate service provider that has experience with Indian nationals, as the IND sometimes requires additional documents like a birth certificate or marriage certificate. the provider can guide you through these requirements because they handle many cases from non-EU countries.
Make sure your employee has a valid passport for the entire duration of the permit. Finally, check the 30% ruling for tax benefits: if your employee meets the criteria, they can get a tax-free allowance for up to 5 years, which makes the Netherlands even more attractive for Indian tech talent.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be a recognised sponsor to hire an Indian tech worker in 2026?
Yes, your company must be a recognised sponsor (erkend referent) with the IND to sponsor a Highly Skilled Migrant visa for an Indian employee.
What is the minimum salary for an Indian tech hire in 2026?
For a highly skilled migrant aged 30 or older, the minimum salary is expected to be around €5,670 per month. For those under 30, it is around €4,160 per month. Graduates with an orientation year permit have a lower threshold.
How long does the visa process take for an Indian tech employee?
The IND usually processes the combined application for a temporary residence permit and residence permit in 2 to 4 weeks. If your company is not yet a recognised sponsor, add 2 to 3 months for the sponsor application.
Can Intercompany Solutions help with the residence permit for my Indian tech hire?
Yes, Intercompany Solutions offers business immigration support, including residence permit applications for the Highly Skilled Migrant scheme. They are not a law firm, but they handle the administrative steps for the process.
What documents do I need from an Indian tech candidate?
You need a valid passport, a clean criminal record certificate, and sometimes a birth certificate or marriage certificate if they bring family. The IND will specify the exact documents based on the case.