Netherlands — Residency: Work Visa

Key facts

• The IND lists 2026 gross monthly salary requirements (excluding holiday pay) for highly skilled migrants of EUR 5,942 for age 30 and over and EUR 4,357 under 30.
• A reduced criterion of EUR 3,122 applies to some applicants; the EU Blue Card figures are EUR 5,942 and EUR 4,754 for the reduced version.
• Amounts change every 1 January, and the IND counts contract-based expense reimbursements and fixed allowances toward the salary criterion.
• In July 2025 the government said it was considering tightening the scheme, and fees rose 4.4% in 2026; confirm the current fee and decision period at ind.nl.

Steps

1. Step 1: Employer Sponsorship — The employer must obtain a work permit from the Dutch government and register the foreign employee with the UWV (Employee Insurance Agency).
2. Step 2: Visa Application — The foreign employee must submit a visa application at the Dutch embassy or consulate in their home country.
3. Step 3: Registration with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce — The employer must register the foreign employee with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK).