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If your company relies on specialized knowledge or international experience, finding qualified staff in the Netherlands can be a challenge. That is why many Dutch companies look for talent outside the European Union. But how do you bring someone with the necessary expertise to the Netherlands while complying with regulations, IND procedures, and administrative requirements?
Highly Skilled Migrants are therefore becoming increasingly important to the Dutch labor market, and the Highly Skilled Migrant Scheme makes it possible to bring in this type of specialized expertise. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what a highly skilled migrant is, what conditions apply in 2026, how to submit an application, and how you, as an employer, can handle this practically. We’ll also show how companies can do this without becoming a recognized sponsor themselves, through solutions such as payroll services.
What is a highly skilled migrant?
In the Netherlands, a highly skilled migrant is defined as a highly educated or specialized employee from outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland who comes to the Netherlands to work. The associated scheme is called the Highly Skilled Migrant Scheme. It was specifically established to attract international talent and to strengthen the Dutch knowledge economy.
It is important for companies to know that there is no mandatory diploma or educational level required of the highly skilled migrant. The most important conditions that a highly skilled migrant must meet are as follows:
- The highly skilled migrant must have entered into an employment contract with a recognized sponsor.
- The highly skilled migrant salary criterion, as established in the Highly Skilled Migrant Scheme, must be met.
- A valid application for a residence permit must have been submitted.
This makes the scheme accessible and flexible for employers who wish to attract specialized talent. It is also a favorable solution for specialists who would like to pursue their careers in the Netherlands, although other routes are available regarding business immigration, such as starting a business in the Netherlands.
Who qualifies as a highly skilled migrant in the Netherlands?
An employee must meet a number of basic requirements to come to the Netherlands to work as a highly skilled migrant. For example, the highly skilled migrant must not be a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland. The person must also have a job offer from a recognized IND sponsor. Furthermore, this offer must meet the established salary criterion.
If these details are correct, it is finally necessary to obtain an employment contract that meets all conditions. This scheme does not apply to EU or EEA citizens; they are free to come and work in the Netherlands.
Furthermore, it is important for employers to know that there is an alternative to the highly skilled migrant scheme. This alternative is the European Blue Card. However, the Blue Card is less flexible and requires a bachelor’s degree and a contract with a minimum duration of 12 months. A highly skilled migrant has no degree requirement, the contract may be flexible, and the procedure is fast. That is why most companies opt for the highly skilled migrant scheme, which is faster and more practical in practice.
Salary Criteria for Highly Skilled Migrants in 2026
The salary amounts for highly skilled migrants are indexed annually. It is important that both the highly skilled migrant and the company hiring them fully understand this salary criterion. The amounts listed below for the 2026 highly skilled migrant salary criterion are indicative for this specific year and may change annually.
Salary thresholds for 2026 (indicative)
Category Gross monthly salary (excl. 8% vacation pay)
30 years and older €5,942
Under 30 years €4,357
Recent graduates/gap year €3,122
As an employer, you must ensure that the salary is in line with market rates and that bonuses and overtime generally do not count toward the above salary criteria for highly skilled migrants in 2026. The salary must be guaranteed on a monthly basis. Even a slight deviation below the threshold can lead to the revocation of the permit or rejection, with all the associated consequences.
Becoming a Recognized Sponsor: Requirements for Employers
To be eligible to hire a Highly Skilled Migrant, you must be a recognized IND sponsor as an employer. This means that your company or organization is officially registered with the IND and meets all specific obligations prescribed by the national government.
As an IND-recognized sponsor, a company has certain obligations: the duty to provide information, the duty to maintain records, and the duty of care. The duty to provide information requires that changes be reported to the IND, such as the termination of employment or a change in salary.
The record-keeping obligation requires companies to retain documents such as contracts, pay stubs, or identification documents. Under the duty of care, companies are obligated to act correctly toward the employee and to comply with all legal regulations. Failure to comply with these obligations can result in fines and ultimately in the revocation of the accreditation.
Companies wishing to become accredited sponsors should expect an average processing time of 2 to 4 weeks. If international companies wish to establish an entity in the Netherlands, they must first complete the steps for this company formation before they can become accredited sponsors. The costs associated with company formation are important to factor into the budget for the formation and the decision to hire highly skilled migrants.
How do you apply for a residence permit for a highly skilled migrant in the Netherlands?
The procedure for applying for a highly skilled migrant residence permit follows a number of clear steps.
Step 1: Employer becomes an accredited sponsor (if necessary)
The employer must become an IND-recognized sponsor. It is also possible for an employer to collaborate with an existing recognized sponsor to hire the highly skilled migrant.
Step 2: Drafting the employment contract
The employment contract for the highly skilled migrant must meet various conditions, such as the established salary criterion. This must be specified in the contract.
Step 3: Submit the application via the IND Business Portal
The IND-recognized sponsor must submit the application for the highly skilled migrant via the IND Business Portal, including all required documents.
For some nationalities, an MVV (Authorization for Provisional Stay) is required.
If necessary, an MVV application can be submitted directly during this step. Certain nationalities are exempt from this requirement, such as the United States or Japan.
Step 4: IND Decision
For recognized sponsors, the IND typically makes a decision within 2 weeks.
Step 5: Biometrics and Registration
Upon approval, the employee provides biometric data as part of the registration process.
Step 6: Issuance of Residence Permit
Finally, the residence permit is issued to the highly skilled migrant.
If the process is followed step by step and all documentation is correct, the average processing time for the procedure is 5 to 7 weeks. If an MVV is required, this is also included within this processing time.
Benefits of the Highly Skilled Migrant Scheme
Both employers and employees can benefit from the Highly Skilled Migrant Scheme. It is a fast procedure that typically takes only 2 weeks and does not require a work permit (TWV).
Other benefits of the Highly Skilled Migrant Scheme include:
- No labor market test (UWV)
- Family reunification is possible, with the partner usually also permitted to work
- Access to the 30% tax ruling
The 30% ruling relates to taxation. This scheme is a tax benefit whereby up to 30% of the salary can be paid tax-free as compensation for extraterritorial costs. The 30% ruling makes the Netherlands financially attractive to professionals who are nationals of countries outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland.
Highly Skilled Migrant via a Payroll Company
Not every employer wants to or can become a recognized sponsor. In that case, a highly skilled migrant via a payroll company is a practical solution. If an employer chooses this option, the payroll company is the formal employer.
The payroll company is a recognized sponsor with the IND, while the employee actually works for you as the employer. In this case, the payroll company handles the submission of the application. The payroll company’s responsibilities also include managing payroll, paying taxes and social security contributions, and ensuring compliance.
Hiring a highly skilled migrant through a payroll company is an attractive option for startups, small businesses, international entrepreneurs, and companies without HR or immigration expertise. For these parties, it is usually the fastest way to hire a highly skilled migrant.
Furthermore, it is often important for international entrepreneurs to first establish a Dutch BV as a foreign director. Once this process is complete, further steps can be taken, such as hiring highly skilled migrants.
Common mistakes when applying for highly skilled migrants
Employers often make the same mistakes when applying for a highly skilled migrant. For example, the salary is often set below the threshold, such as through part-time employment or assigned leave. Applications are also frequently submitted incomplete with missing documents.
Furthermore, the following common mistakes often occur:
- Changes are not reported to the IND
- Poor, incomplete record-keeping
- Confusion with other regulations
These errors can lead to rejection of the application, revocation of the permit, or fines. To mitigate these risks, most companies choose to engage the help of a consultant or a certified sponsor when they wish to hire a highly skilled migrant.
How Beyond Consultancy Assists with Highly Skilled Migrant Applications
Experience and knowledge of the regulations are essential for a successful Highly Skilled Migrant application in the Netherlands. Beyond Consultancy can handle this process for you. We work meticulously and provide comprehensive support to companies and professionals throughout this process.
We act as an IND-accredited sponsor and are an SNA-certified payroll company. Beyond Consultancy can assist you with, among other things:
- Handling a complete IND application
- Acting as the formal employer
- Payroll administration and tax processing
- Support with the 30% ruling for the tax-free portion of salary
- Guidance on company formation and business registration
- Assistance with opening a business bank account in the Netherlands
- Ongoing compliance and administration
- Legal services
Our team has already helped over 100 companies with international talent recruitment. We understand that the Highly Skilled Migrant Scheme is a powerful and efficient way to bring international talent to the Netherlands for your company.
To do this successfully, it is essential to have a recognized sponsor (or payroll partner), maintain the correct salary criteria, and submit a complete and accurate application. For many companies, partnering with an experienced firm is therefore the fastest and safest route to hiring a highly skilled migrant.
Schedule a no-obligation consultation and discover how we can ensure you can quickly hire a highly skilled migrant in the Netherlands without administrative hassle. Beyond Consultancy handles the entire process for you, from the IND application to payroll and compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Highly Skilled Migrants
Do I need a degree to work as a highly skilled migrant?
No, you do not need a degree, as there is no formal degree requirement under this scheme. However, the position and compensation (the salary criterion) must be commensurate with highly skilled work.
Can my family come with me to the Netherlands?
Yes, it is possible for your family to come with you to the Netherlands. This is also known as family reunification. In most cases, partners are also allowed to work in the Netherlands.
How long does the application process take?
The application process typically takes 2 weeks with recognized IND sponsors. If an MVV is required, the entire process can take 5 to 7 weeks.
What happens if my employment ends?
If your employment ends, your employer is required to report this within 4 weeks. The employee is then granted a job search period during which they can look for a new job.
Can I start my own business as a highly skilled migrant?
No, a highly skilled migrant cannot start their own business. This is because the permit is tied to an employer. If you are interested in entrepreneurship in the Netherlands, there are other options for obtaining a visa.
What is the difference between a highly skilled migrant and the European Blue Card?
The Blue Card requires a degree and a longer-term contract. That is why the highly skilled migrant scheme is more flexible and usually the fastest route.
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