The Netherlands is one of the easiest European countries to work in if you have the right job offer – and the Netherlands highly skilled migrant visa (the kennismigrant permit) is the main route. It has a clear salary rule, a fixed government fee and no points test. The catch: only an employer recognised by the IND can apply for it. This guide explains the 2026 salary requirements, the reduced criterion for recent graduates, the fees and how an Indian professional can use the route.
Quick answer
| Who applies | Your employer, which must be recognised by the IND |
| Main condition | A job in the Netherlands with a gross salary that meets the required monthly amount |
| Government fee (first application or extension) | EUR 423 |
| When amounts change | Every year on 1 January |
| Type of permit | First residence permit | Extension (same employer) | Changing employer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highly skilled migrant – reduced salary criterion | EUR 3,122 | EUR 3,122 | EUR 3,122 |
| Highly skilled migrant under 30 | EUR 4,357 | EUR 4,357 | EUR 4,357 (if you changed employers while still under 30; once you are 30 or older: EUR 5,942) |
| Highly skilled migrant 30 or older | EUR 5,942 | EUR 5,942 | EUR 5,942 |
| European Blue Card | EUR 5,942 | EUR 5,942 | EUR 5,942 |
| European Blue Card – reduced criterion | EUR 4,754 | EUR 4,754 | EUR 4,754 |
The salary the IND looks at is the gross social security salary (sv-loon) shown on your payslip – the gross salary on which wage tax and national insurance contributions are calculated. If you change employers, you must meet the required amount that applies on the date your new employment contract starts.
The lower EUR 3,122 amount applies in three cases:
| Application | IND fee |
|---|---|
| Highly skilled migrant – first application or change in purpose of stay | EUR 423 |
| Highly skilled migrant – extension | EUR 423 |
| Highly skilled migrant – holder of EU long-term resident status in another EU member state | EUR 254 |
| Work as a holder of a European Blue Card – first application or extension | EUR 423 |
Pro tip
If you are a recent graduate, ask whether the reduced salary criterion applies to you. It lowers the monthly salary an employer needs to offer by EUR 1,235 compared with the under-30 amount and by EUR 2,820 compared with the 30-and-over amount.
Watch out
Salary thresholds are published for a calendar year. A job offer that met the amount in December may fall short in January. Check the new amount before you sign or apply.
If your skills are in IT, read our guide to the Europe job seeker visa for IT professionals and compare other destinations in best European countries for Indian job seekers. See also the Germany Blue Card route and the New Zealand AEWV for comparison.
The IND also offers a residence permit for looking for a job after study, promotion or scientific research – the orientation year. Its first application fee is EUR 254. The orientation year matters for the highly skilled migrant route because applying during it (or within 3 years of graduating) lets an employer use the reduced salary criterion.
| Netherlands highly skilled migrant | Germany EU Blue Card | |
|---|---|---|
| Who applies | The employer, which must be IND-recognised | You apply for a national visa with an employment contract and recognised qualification |
| Salary figure | EUR 5,942 per month (age 30+), EUR 4,357 (under 30) | EUR 50,700 per year; EUR 45,934.20 for shortage professions, recent graduates and IT specialists (May 2026 embassy checklist) |
| Thresholds change | Every 1 January | Reset once a year by the Federal Ministry of the Interior |
The figures use different bases (monthly vs yearly gross salary), so read each official definition before comparing offers.
| Situation (2026 amounts) | Result |
|---|---|
| A 27-year-old with a job offer of EUR 4,400 gross per month | Meets the under-30 amount of EUR 4,357 |
| A 31-year-old with the same offer of EUR 4,400 | Does not meet the EUR 5,942 amount for age 30 and over, unless the reduced criterion applies |
| A graduate within 3 years of graduating, offered EUR 3,300 gross per month | May meet the reduced criterion of EUR 3,122 if one of the three listed cases applies |
| A 35-year-old offered EUR 5,942 gross per month | Meets the required amount exactly – check that the figure is the gross social security salary on the payslip |
These examples only apply the published amounts. The IND decides each application, and the recognised-sponsor and other conditions must also be met.
EUR 5,942 gross per month for people aged 30 or older and EUR 4,357 for people younger than 30. A reduced criterion of EUR 3,122 applies in certain cases for recent graduates.
No. Only an employer recognised by the IND can apply for the permit.
EUR 423 for a first application, change in purpose of stay or extension. EUR 254 applies for a holder of EU long-term resident status in another EU member state.
EUR 5,942 per month, or EUR 4,754 under the reduced criterion.
Every year on 1 January. You must meet the amount that applies on the date of your application.
Facts on this page were checked against the official sources listed at the end on 6 October 2026. Immigration rules, fees and thresholds change often, so confirm the current figure on the official site before you apply.
Looking for a job in Europe? Our work visa consultants in Hyderabad will help you compare the Netherlands, Germany and other countries for your profile. Book a free consultation or call +91 95055 15154.
