Skilled Migrant Program

The Highly Skilled Migrant Program allows Dutch companies to employ a highly educated foreign national through a fast and relatively simple application procedure. The employer must be approved by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) as a recognized sponsor and a specific income requirement must be met.

An advantage of the skilled migrant program is that the employer does not need to apply for a separate work permit (TWV). Partners of skilled migrants are also allowed to work without a work permit.

Recognized Sponsor

A company that wants to employ a highly skilled migrant must be recognized as a sponsor by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND). IND will look at the reliability, solvency and continuity of the company.

An advantage of the skilled migrant program is that the employer does not need to apply for a separate work permit (TWV). Partners of skilled migrants are also allowed to work without a work permit.

Income requirement Skilled Migrants

As of January 2024 the minimum monthly salary requirements for Skilled Migrants are:

• For foreign nationals under 30: a gross monthly salary of € 3.909 (excluding 8% holiday allowance)
• For foreign nationals 30 and older: a gross monthly salary of € 5.331 (excluding 8% holiday allowance)
• For foreign nationals who have graduated from an institute of higher education in the Netherlands: a gross monthly salary of € 2.801 (excluding 8% holiday allowance)

The application procedure requires the employer to provide an employment contract showing the job title, salary and duration of the contract.

Residence permit

The employment contract will determine the period for which the residence permit will be issued to the employee. Maximum duration of the residence permit is 5 years.

30% Ruling

The employer and employee can also file a request with the Tax Authorities (Belastingdienst) to fall under the 30% ruling, which provides tax benefits to employer and employee.