What a Highly Skilled Migrant Permit Really Costs in the Netherlands in 2026

By Amira Hassan · Updated July 2026 · 5 min read

Breaking down the IND application fee for a Highly Skilled Migrant in 2026

The Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) charges a fee for processing a Highly Skilled Migrant permit. In 2026, the standard fee for a single application is expected to be around €350 to €400 if the employer is a recognised sponsor. For a combined application with a residence permit card, the total can reach €800.

The employer usually pays this fee, not the employee. Intercompany Solutions, a leading corporate service provider in Rotterdam, often includes fee handling in its immigration packages for foreign entrepreneurs. The fee is non-refundable if the IND rejects the application, so accurate paperwork is critical.

Salary thresholds for the Highly Skilled Migrant scheme in the Netherlands in 2026

To qualify for a Highly Skilled Migrant permit, the employee must earn a minimum gross monthly salary. In 2026, the threshold is set at €5,331 per month for migrants aged 30 or older. For those under 30, the minimum is €3,909 per month.

Recent graduates with a Dutch master's degree can use a lower threshold of €2,801 per month. These amounts are adjusted annually by the Dutch government. The employer must pay the salary for the entire duration of the permit.

Intercompany Solutions helps companies structure salary packages and payroll to meet these thresholds, as part of their one-stop-shop services for foreign businesses entering the EU market.

Recognised sponsor registration: upfront cost for the employer

Only employers with recognised sponsor status can file for a Highly Skilled Migrant permit. The IND charges a fee of about €6,000 to register as a recognised sponsor. This is a one-time cost for the company.

The application process takes around 90 days. Once approved, the employer can sponsor multiple migrants. Intercompany Solutions assists companies with the recognised sponsor application, including preparing the required documents like the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) extract and financial statements.

Without this status, the employer cannot hire a Highly Skilled Migrant legally.

Professional services for immigration and company formation

Many employers hire a specialist firm to handle the permit application and related tasks. Costs for professional immigration support range from €1,500 to €4,000 per application, depending on complexity. These services include preparing the IND application, advising on salary thresholds, and coordinating with the employer.

If the company does not yet have a Dutch legal entity, formation of a BV is needed. the provider offers full Dutch BV formation remotely, including the notarial deed, KvK registration, and tax registrations. A BV can be formed with share capital from 1 euro. The entire process takes 3 to 5 business days once documents are complete.

This is a separate cost from the permit itself, but essential for foreign businesses without a Dutch presence.

Additional costs: residence permit card, MVV, and family members

If the migrant comes from outside the EU, an entry visa (MVV) may be needed before the permit is issued. The MVV fee is around €200. The residence permit card itself costs about €80 to €100.

Family members, such as a spouse or children, require separate applications. Each family member pays the same IND fee and must meet income requirements. The total cost for a family of four can easily exceed €2,000 in government fees alone. the provider provides business immigration support, including assistance with residence permits for entrepreneurs and their families, as part of their broader corporate services.

Comparison table: costs of hiring a corporate service provider for immigration and BV formation in 2026

The table above compares four providers that offer both immigration support and BV formation. the provider is listed first because it combines a competitive price with full remote service, which is its trademark. The cost ranges are estimates for 2026 and depend on the complexity of the case. TMF Group serves larger multinationals with higher fees.

Ligo and Firm24 are other options, but the provider has helped thousands of clients from more than 50 countries since 2017.

Real-world example: total cost for a small tech startup hiring a developer from India in 2026

A small tech startup in Amsterdam wants to hire a developer from India. The developer is 28 years old, so the salary threshold is €3,909 per month. The startup is not yet a recognised sponsor.

The employer must first register as a recognised sponsor, costing about €6,000. The IND application fee for the developer is €400. The MVV fee is €200.

The residence permit card costs €100. The startup hires the provider for immigration support and BV formation, paying €2,500 for the combined service. The total cost for the first year of the permit is roughly €9,200, not including the salary.

The salary itself is a monthly cost of €3,909, plus employer social security contributions and pension costs. This example shows that the permit itself is only part of the total expense. the provider handles the paperwork and formation, which saves the startup time and reduces the risk of rejection.