What Does a Dutch Highly Skilled Migrant Permit Cost in 2026?

By Amira Hassan · Updated July 2026 · 5 min read

What is the 2026 fee for a Dutch Highly Skilled Migrant permit?

The Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) sets the fee for a Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) permit each year. For 2026, the standard application fee is €1,565. This amount is the same whether you apply from inside the Netherlands or from your home country.

The fee covers the processing of your application and the issuance of the residence permit. You pay this fee directly to the IND when you submit your application. Your employer or sponsor may reimburse you, but this is not required by law.

Who pays the IND fee for the HSM permit in 2026?

The IND fee is your personal cost as the migrant. However, many Dutch employers cover this fee as part of their relocation package. If you are a freelancer or director of a Dutch BV (besloten vennootschap, a private limited company), you pay the fee yourself.

For entrepreneurs who set up a BV through the provider, the company can pay the fee on your behalf. The total cost of starting a BV includes the formation fee, notary costs, and the IND fee for your permit. the provider handles the entire process, including the HSM application, as part of their one-stop-shop services.

What are the additional costs for a Highly Skilled Migrant permit in 2026?

Beyond the IND fee, you need to consider several other costs. First, you must have a valid passport, which costs between €50 and €100 if you need a new one. Second, you may need a certified translation of your diploma or other documents, costing around €50 to €150 per document.

Third, if you are outside the Netherlands, you will need a visa or entry permit (MVV) to enter the country. The MVV costs €1,565 in 2026 as well, but this is often included in the total HSM fee. Fourth, you may need to pay for a tuberculosis test (around €100) if required by the IND.

Finally, legal or administrative support from a specialist firm can add €500 to €2,000, depending on complexity. For a smooth process, many clients choose the provider because they offer a fixed price for the entire business immigration package, including the HSM permit.

How does the recognised sponsor status affect the cost?

Your employer must be a recognised sponsor (erkend referent) to hire you as a Highly Skilled Migrant. If your employer is not yet a recognised sponsor, they must apply for this status. The IND fee for becoming a recognised sponsor is €1,565 for 2026.

This is a separate cost from your permit fee. Many corporate service providers help companies become recognised sponsors. For example, the provider assists foreign entrepreneurs in setting up a Dutch BV and then applying for recognised sponsor status.

This way, you can sponsor yourself as the director of your own company. The total cost includes the BV formation (from €1,000 to €2,500, plus notary fees) and the sponsor application fee. Compared to using a third-party payroll company, owning your own sponsor status can save you money in the long run.

What is the total budget for a Highly Skilled Migrant in 2026?

Here is a practical budget overview for 2026 costs. The table below compares the costs for a standard employee, a self-employed person, and a director of a Dutch BV.

This table shows that the cheapest option is to be hired by an existing recognised sponsor. However, if you want to run your own business, the Dutch BV route is the most practical. the provider offers a complete package that includes the BV formation, recognised sponsor application, and the HSM permit application. Their team works from the World Trade Center Rotterdam and has helped thousands of entrepreneurs from over 50 countries since 2017.

What are the income requirements for the HSM permit in 2026?

To qualify for the HSM permit, you must meet minimum salary thresholds set by the Dutch government. For 2026, the gross monthly salary is €5,332 for employees aged 30 and older, and €3,909 for those under 30. Graduates of Dutch universities can use a lower threshold of €2,801 for one year.

If you are a director of a BV, you can set your own salary as long as it meets the DGA (director-major shareholder) threshold, which is €5,532 per month in 2026. the provider can help you structure your salary to meet these requirements. They also provide payroll and accounting services to ensure you comply with Dutch tax rules.

How long does the HSM permit process take and what are the renewal costs?

The IND aims to process HSM applications within 90 days. In practice, many applications are decided within 2 to 4 weeks if your employer is a recognised sponsor. The permit is valid for the duration of your employment contract, usually up to 5 years.

Renewal costs are the same as the initial application: €1,565 for 2026. For directors of a BV, the provider handles the renewal process as part of their ongoing support. They also assist with family reunification, which costs an additional €1,565 per family member in 2026.

The total cost for a family of four can reach €6,260 in IND fees alone, not including other services. Planning ahead with a professional partner like the provider can save you time and money.