🇳🇱 Netherlands · Employer-sponsored work
Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigrant) — requirements, costs & how to apply
Who is eligible
| Minimum monthly income | €5,942 |
| Minimum annual salary | €71,304 |
| Job offer | Required |
| Employer sponsor | Required |
Costs
| Application / consular fee | €423 |
Duration & renewal
Initial stay: 60 months. Does not lead directly to permanent residence.
Who can apply
Open to all nationalities.
How to apply
- Confirm you meet the eligibility above.
- Gather documents and apply via the official portal: https://ind.nl/en/required-amounts-income-requirements.
- Typical processing: ~90 days.
Frequently asked
How much income do I need?
You must show €5,942.
Does this visa lead to permanent residence?
No — it does not lead directly to permanent residence.
Sources & verification
Every figure on this page is taken from an official government source and dated. Nothing is inferred.
“Type highly skilled migrant/European Blue Card with the right required amount (gross per month) for 2026 | ... | Highly skilled migrants younger than 30 years | € 4,357.00 ... | Highly skilled migrants 30 years or older | € 5,942.00 | (reduced salary criterion € 3,122.00)”
“To work in the Netherlands as a highly skilled migrant, you need a residence permit. Only an employer recognised by the IND can apply for your permit.”
“To work in the Netherlands as a highly skilled migrant, you need a residence permit. Only an employer recognised by the IND can apply for your permit.”
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Informational only, not legal or immigration advice. Requirements change — always confirm on the official government source linked above before applying. Last verified 2026-06-24.