Non-EU professionals and international talent relocating to the Netherlands need to choose the best option when it comes to immigration. Amongst the available options, the HSM visa for the Netherlands is one of the most efficient routes available. HSM stands for Highly Skilled Migrant Visa, and is specifically designed to attract qualified professionals to the Dutch labour market.

With the HSM visa Netherlands, companies can bring skilled employees quickly into the Netherlands, with relatively limited administrative burden compared to other visa routes. However, there are strict requirements such as the involvement of a recognized sponsor and a salary threshold. In addition, employers must comply with ongoing obligations, and employees must make sure that their role and compensation meet the criteria set by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). In this article, we explain how the HSM visa works, who qualifies for it, and how employers and employees can complete the process of obtaining the visa successfully.

What is the HSM visa in the Netherlands? 

The Highly Skilled Migrant Visa, or the HSM visa Netherlands, is known in Dutch as the ‘kennismigrant visa.’ It is a permit that combines residency and work, designed for non-EU/EEA professionals who will work in the Netherlands as highly skilled workers. The purpose of the HSM visa is to attract international talent and in such, to support the Dutch economy. 

An important feature of the highly skilled migrant visa in the Netherlands is that the employer drives the process. Employers who want to sponsor applicants under this scheme need to be recognized by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). This makes the process more predictable, faster, and less bureaucratic than other routes for business immigration. For international professionals, it is an efficient route to live and work in the Netherlands, and for employers, it is a practical way to bring in global talent.

Who is eligible for the HSM visa? 

The following criteria must be met to qualify for the HSM visa:

• Applicants must have a job offer from an IND-recognized sponsor
• The minimum salary threshold must be met
• Applicants must hold a valid passport
• Applicants must not pose a risk to public order or national security

Most other visa programs require a formal diploma, but this is not the case for the ‘kennismigrant visa.’ However, the role of the applicant and the salary must clearly demonstrate that the person is a highly skilled professional. In practice, this means that roles are typically in management or specialized positions, and that salaries are above the defined threshold. 

Furthermore, employers should keep in mind that as an IND-recognized sponsor, they must be able to justify the position. The flexibility of the HSM visa requirements for the Netherlands makes it an attractive way to hire international professionals for fast-growing companies.

HSM visa salary thresholds 

One of the essential requirements for the HSM visa in the Netherlands is meeting the minimum salary threshold. The IND updates these thresholds annually. There are different categories: applicants aged 30 and over, applicants under 30, and recent graduates from top-200 universities. 

As per 2026, the gross salary threshold is as follows:

• €5,942 per month for applicants age 30 and over
• €4,357 per month for applicants under 30
• €3,122 per month for recent graduates

Employers should keep in mind that an 8% holiday allowance is excluded from these figures. These thresholds are a crucial feature of the USA-Netherlands tax treaty migration pathways. It is a way to use salary to show skill level, instead of diploma verification. 

What is a recognized sponsor?

A recognized sponsor, Netherlands (in Dutch: ‘erkend referent’) is an employer who is approved by the IND to hire foreign workers under certain procedures. Only a recognized sponsor can file for an HSM visa in the Netherlands. 

There are some benefits to being a recognized sponsor. If you want to acquire professionals from abroad, the process is faster than other business immigration routes. Most of the time, there is a decision within 2 weeks. Furthermore, there is no labour market test required, and sponsors have direct communication with the IND. Therefore, they have the ability to submit applications more efficiently.

Which employers are sponsors can be seen at the public register of recognized sponsors from the IND. The system ensures quality control and compliance with immigration rules. Trusted employers benefit from faster processing times. Beyond Solutions holds a recognized sponsor status, so we can directly sponsor highly skilled migrants and manage the complete process.

HSM visa application process step-by-step

Both employers and employees should fully understand how to apply for an HSM visa in the Netherlands. The process consists of 7 steps, and the highly skilled migrant Netherlands processing time makes it a preferable visa route for many foreign professionals and Dutch employers alike.

Step 1: Employer becomes a recognized sponsor

The employer should register or be registered with the IND in order to become a recognized sponsor.

Step 2: Employment contract

After registering successfully, the employer and employee sign a contract that meets salary thresholds and reflects a qualifying role within the company.

Step 3: Application submission

As a recognized sponsor, the employer can now submit the HSM application to the IND, together with the signed contract.

Step 4: IND processing

The IND will now process the application. Even though the official decision period is up to 90 days, the typical processing time for the HSM visa is 2 to 4 weeks.

Step 5: MVV (if required)

If the employee needs an entry visa (MVV), they should collect this at a Dutch embassy or consulate before arriving in the Netherlands.

Step 6: Arrival in the Netherlands

After approval, the employee travels to the Netherlands and collects their residence permit.

Step 7: Registration (BSN number)

The employee should register with the municipality, upon which he or she receives a BSN (citizen service number). 

Processing times and costs 

The processing time of an HSM visa is usually 2 to 4 weeks, even though the official number of days is 90. This makes the HSM visa Netherlands one of the fastest ways to obtain a work and residency permit in Europe.

The costs for this type of visa are relatively low, which makes it attractive for international hiring. In most cases, the employer pays the application fee, and payment is made via direct debit. For 2026, the cost of the HSM visa for the main applicant is €423. There is an additional cost for family members: bringing over a spouse costs €254, and a child costs €85. 

HSM visa benefits

The HSM visa offers many benefits for employers and employees, making it one of the most competitive migration options in Europe. Employers benefit from a fast way to hire international talent, while avoiding a labour market test. Besides, the immigration process is straightforward and streamlined. 

For employees, the HSM visa offers the legal right to live and work in the Netherlands and to travel free within the Schengen area. Furthermore, it opens the possibility of family reunification. A spouse or partner can join and benefit from full access to the labour market. In some cases, employees can be eligible for the 30% ruling with the Belastingdienst. Lastly, there is a path to permanent residency after 5 years.

The 30% ruling and the HSM visa

Many foreign professionals have little knowledge about the HSM and the 30% ruling that goes with it, if applicable. The 30% ruling is a Dutch tax benefit for foreign professionals. It allows employers to pay up to 30% of gross salary tax-free, to compensate for extraterritorial costs such as relocation.

There are some rules to this rule, such as a maximum duration of 5 years. Employers and employees should also keep in mind that from 2027, the percentage will drop from 30% to 27% for new applicants. To benefit from the 30% ruling, there must be an agreement between the employer and the employee, and it must be applied for jointly.

While the 30% ruling is not part of the Highly Skilled Migrant visa in the Netherlands itself, it significantly improves net income for eligible migrants. It is recommended that both employers and employees consult a tax specialist, as eligibility can vary depending on individual circumstances.

HSM visa vs EU Blue Card

Foreign entrepreneurs and non-EU professionals have the option to choose between an HSM visa or an EU Blue card. Both provide access to residency and working in the Netherlands, but there are some differences in processing time, salary threshold, sponsor requirements, and flexibility.

The HSM visa is processed within 2 to 4 weeks, and the EU Blue Card takes up to 30 days. The salary threshold for an HSM visa is lower for professionals younger than 30 years, and generally higher for the EU Blue Card.

A sponsor is not required for the EU Blue Card, but is indispensable for the HSM visa in the Netherlands. Foreign entrepreneurs or professionals have more flexibility with an HSM visa, whereas an EU Blue Card is more restrictive. Therefore, the HSM visa is often preferred because it is faster, the thresholds are lower, and the process is simpler. 

Employer obligations as a recognized sponsor 

Employers sponsoring employees through an HSM visa must comply with strict obligations and requirements. They must ensure correct employment conditions and have the obligation to notify the IND within 4 weeks of employment ending, or a change in salary or role of the employee. 

Recognized sponsors are also obliged to maintain accurate employee records. Furthermore, they must follow Dutch labour laws and meet salary requirements. If employers fail to comply, this can result in fines and ultimately, a loss of sponsor status. 

How Beyond Consultancy supports the HSM visa process 

Our team supports international business and professionals through the entire HSM visa Netherlands process. Beyond Consultancy is an IND-recognized sponsor and an SNA-certified payrolling company. 

We provide the following services, amongst others:

• We act as an official employer through payroll
• We handle the complete HSM visa application
• Our team manages compliance and reporting
• We support family reunification and a work permit for a spouse

Beyond Solutions works alongside tax advisors for accounting services to ensure correct structure and ongoing compliance, which results in smooth company incorporation and onboarding. Foreign entrepreneurs and professionals choose to work with us so they can focus on expansion into Europe, while we handle the operational and administrative processes. As a local partner, we simplify the immigration process for both employers and employees.

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