Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant Visa

Written by Mike Arnold Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Mike Arnold

Mike is a freelance writer with eight years of experience and a love for travel, all things business, tabletop games and green tea.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 9, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

To work in the Netherlands after receiving a job offer, you'll require a Highly Skilled Migrant Visa. These visas come from recognised sponsors in the Netherlands who will apply for you to become a Dutch resident, allowing you to live and work in the country.

If you possess the skills and experience sought after by Dutch employers and meet the attractive salary requirements, this visa could be your ticket to a thriving career in the Netherlands.

 

Highly Skilled Migrant Visa requirements

To qualify for the Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant Visa, you must meet specific criteria set by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).

These include:

Salary requirements

The IND has established minimum gross monthly salary thresholds to ensure Highly Skilled Migrants can comfortably support themselves in the Netherlands. These thresholds vary based on your age for your first permit:

Earnings are gross income per month, last updated September 2024.

• Age 30 and above: €5,331
• Under 30: €3,909
• With a European Blue Card: €5,331

In addition to this, your salary must be the same as what others in the same job earn on average.

A full list of salary requirements and thresholds beyond the first application can be found here.

Recognised sponsors

Your employer in the Netherlands must be a recognised IND sponsor.

This recognition signifies that the company meets specific standards and is authorised to employ Highly Skilled Migrants. You can check if your prospective employer is a recognised sponsor on the IND website.

Requirements for researchers and doctors in training

For those in research or trainee-doctoral positions, several additional requirements must be met, as below.

If you're in a research position, you must have been contracted with a registered research institution in the Netherlands. Your decision document needs to contain the job title and job code, which are in line with the University Job Classification System.

For medical doctors in training, you'll need to be listed in the register of individual healthcare professionals, and the organisation where you'll be training must be recognised by one of the Medical Specialists Registration Committees.

Additional requirements

In addition to the salary and sponsor requirements, you'll need to meet other criteria, such as:

• Possess a valid passport
• Have a signed employment contract with a recognised sponsor (you can find the list of recognised sponsors here)
• Meet any specific requirements related to your profession or field of expertise

It's important to note that these are the primary eligibility criteria. The IND may request additional documentation or impose further requirements depending on your individual circumstances.

How to apply for a Highly Skilled Migrant Visa

It’s important to note that the Highly Skilled Migrant Visa is specifically designed ofr individuals who have already been offered a job by a company in the Netherlands. This isn’t for job seekers or those looking for new opportunities.

As per the official Netherlands website, you must have a company that’s already hired you and is willing to sponsor you throughout the process. These sponsors must also be registered on the Public Register, which can be found here.

As of September 2024, this is typically for those working in tech roles or hard-to-fill positions or shortages.

Before embarking on the application process, it's imperative to confirm your eligibility for this visa. You can use the official tool here to help.

Role of the sponsor:

Your employer is responsible for most of the application process, and they'll initiate by submitting a request to the IND via this portal.

Their application will highlight you to the government as a Highly Skilled Migrant, demonstrate your employer's commitment to hiring you, and confirm their compliance with the visa requirements.

Required documents:

Once your employer's request is approved, you'll need to gather and submit various documents to support your application. Your employer will give you a list of these, but they typically include:

• A valid passport
• A signed employment contract with your recognised sponsor
• Proof of your qualifications and experience (diplomas, certificates, etc.) You will require a higher education degree from a program lasting three years or more.
• A recent medical certificate
• A police clearance certificate from your country of residence

Also, make sure all documents are legalised and translated into one of the approved languages (English, Dutch, French, or German) before submitting.

Application submission:

Your employer will apply for IND on your behalf. You cannot apply for the Highly Skilled Migrant Visa as an individual, and if you're already in the Netherlands, your employer must do this within three months of your arrival.

At this point in the process, it's best practice to check that all documents your employer holds are accurate and complete. Doing this makes sure to avoid any potential delays in the process and may even result in a full rejection of your application.

Processing time:

The IND must decide within 90 days on the outcome of your Highly Skilled Migrant Visa application.

They can only extend the decision period under specific circumstances, such as the absence of the correct documents. If this is the case, they'll send you a letter first.

You can track the progress of your Highly Skilled Migrant Permit here.

Decision on visa status:

The IND will be in contact regardless of the outcome of your application. Of course, the best case is that your visa is accepted and you receive residency.

If you do not receive a residency permit, you can appeal the decision. You can do that here or alternatively, you can speak with a visa consultant who can strengthen your case and appeal on your behalf.

Collect your residency permit:

Once you've been approved for residency, you can collect your permit. You'll receive a letter telling you how to schedule an appointment to do this, or you can click this link to book your time.

Thankfully, the IND offices are not too busy, so you’ll only have to wait a few days before landing an appointment time and picking up your permit.

Highly Skilled Migrant Visa fees

Applying for the Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant Visa involves specific fees that your employer will need to cover:

Application fee:

As of September 2024, the application fee for the Highly Skilled Migrant Visa is €380, and your employer will usually pay this. This fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.

Additional fees:

Though the employer is usually responsible for paying the application fee, you may incur other costs during the visa process. These could include:

• Residence permit fee: Once your visa is approved, you'll need to apply for a residence permit in the Netherlands. This usually involves an additional fee.
• Translation and legalisation costs: If any of your documents are not in Dutch or English, you may need to have them translated and legalised, which can incur additional expenses.
• Other costs: Depending on your circumstances, you may face other costs, such as medical examinations or travel expenses.

It's advisable to budget for these potential additional fees when planning your move to the Netherlands.

Benefits of the Highly Skilled Migrant Visa

The Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant Visa offers several advantages for experienced professionals seeking to build a career in the Netherlands:

Path to permanent residency

After holding the Highly Skilled Migrant Visa for five years, you can apply for permanent residency in the Netherlands, providing you with long-term security and the freedom to live and work in the country indefinitely.

Family reunification

The Highly Skilled Migrant Visa allows you to bring your spouse and dependent children to the Netherlands. The government supports family reunification, enabling your family to join you in your new life.

Other benefits

In addition to the above, the Highly Skilled Migrant Visa offers other attractive benefits, such as:

• Favourable tax regime: The Netherlands offers a 30% ruling for Highly Skilled Migrants, which can significantly reduce your income tax burden for the first five years of your employment.
• Access to the EU labour market: As a resident of the Netherlands, you have the freedom to work in any other EU member state without needing additional work permits.
• High quality of life: The Netherlands boasts a high standard of living, excellent healthcare, and a vibrant cultural scene, making it an excellent place for professionals and their families to build their lives.

These benefits make the Highly Skilled Migrant Visa an excellent option for those seeking to advance their careers and establish a fulfilling life in the Netherlands.

Talk to a visa consultant

Applying for a Highly Skilled Migrant Visa can feel pretty daunting, especially if you never applied for a visa before. If you want to avoid potential delays or rejection due to missed deadlines or incomplete paperwork, it's best to chat with a visa consultation service.

A visa consultation service can help you to:

• Simplify the process: Get expert guidance every step of the way
• Maximise your chances: Ensure your application is complete and accurate
• Save time and stress: This is what we do best! Let the professionals handle the complexities.

Important note: Always refer to the official Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) website for the most up-to-date and accurate information on visa options and requirements. Immigration regulations are ever-changing, so it's important to stay informed throughout the application process and beyond.

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