Residence permit for highly skilled migrant
kennismigrant
A Dutch residence permit for people hired by an employer or research institution that the IND has recognised as a sponsor. The employer applies, and the salary must meet the IND income requirement for the person's age or situation and be in line with the market. It allows work for that employer and self-employment.
Life in Netherlands
Money
3
Currency
Euro
EUR
Euro
Cost of living
87
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
35.75–49.5%
Income tax (national)
VAT 21%
Box 1 rates include national insurance premiums: 35.75% to EUR 38,883 (8.10% tax + 27.65% premiums), 37.56% to EUR 78,426, 49.50% above; lower first-bracket rate after state pension age.
Living
1
Happiness
#7 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
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Who it’s for
Non-EU professionals with an employment contract from a recognised sponsor in the Netherlands, including researchers and doctors in training under special salary rules.
Eligibility
Recognised sponsor
You need an employment contract with an employer or research institution in the Netherlands that is in the IND public register of recognised sponsors. The employer submits the application.
Income requirement (30 or older)Standard, age 30+
Your gross monthly salary must be at least the amount below if you are 30 or older.
Amounts for 2026EUR 5,942.00
Minimum gross monthly salary (age 30+)
- Amounts change every year on 1 January.
Official wording
Gross monthly salary of at least EUR 5,942.00 in 2026. Amounts change every year on 1 January.
Income requirement (under 30)Under 30
Your gross monthly salary must be at least the lower amount below if you are under 30.
Amounts for 2026EUR 4,357.00
Minimum gross monthly salary (under 30)
- The lower amount still applies if you change employer while under 30.
Official wording
Gross monthly salary of at least EUR 4,357.00 in 2026. This lower amount keeps applying if you change employer while still under 30.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementReduced salary criterion
- Document checklistApplication form 7511 (highly skilled migrant, recognised sponsor)
- FeesFirst application / change of purpose (highly skilled migrant)
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 6 more requirements
- 8 documents
- 5 fees
- 9 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Netherlands
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to Netherlands
- Visit & tourismSchengen tourist & business visa
- StudyStudent residence permit for university or higher professional education
- FamilyResidence permit to stay with a partner
- Asylum & protectionAsylum in the Netherlands
- CitizenshipNaturalisatie
Work permits in other countries
- NorwayResidence permit for skilled workers (oppholdstillatelse til faglærte), Immigration Regulations section 6-1
- NepalNon-Tourist Working Visa
- NauruBusiness Visa (Employment) and other business visa sub-classes
- OmanWork Permit, Employment (Work) Visa and Resident Card
- PanamaProvisional to Permanent Residence – Foreign Staff Hired by Private Companies
- PeruCalidad migratoria Trabajador Residente
