🇳🇱 Netherlands · Employer-sponsored work
European Blue Card — requirements, costs & how to apply
Who is eligible
| Minimum monthly income | €5,942 |
| Minimum annual salary | €71,304 (≈ EUR 71,304 · FX 2026-06-22) |
| Job offer | Required |
| Employer sponsor | Required |
| Work experience | 5+ years |
| Language level | B1 |
| Health insurance | Required (valid in-country) |
| Age range | 18–65 |
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: ~30 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.
Do I need health insurance?
Yes — valid health insurance in the country is required.
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... European Blue Card | € 5,942.00 | € 5,942.00 | € 5,942.00 (Reduced salary criterion European Blue Card | € 4,754.00). These amounts are valid from 1 January 2026 up to and including 30 June 2026.”
“Application for the purpose of residence 'holder of the EU Blue Card' (IND form 7515) requirements: the completed and signed Employer's Declaration European Blue Card; the completed and signed appendix 'Declaration by sponsor (employment)'; a copy of the salary slips over the past 3 months. If you have a Dutch diploma for higher education that is in line with the profession ... a certified copy of the diploma.”
“Health insurance is required for this permit.”
“IND required-amounts page; states the salary criterion only and is silent on whether the European Blue Card leads to permanent residence.”
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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.