How much must a highly skilled migrant earn to get a residence permit in the Netherlands?

Checked on 2026-10-26

Key facts

The three tiers

The IND sets three income thresholds for highly skilled migrants (kennismigranten), adjusted each year on 1 January. The amount depends on your age and whether you qualify for the reduced salary criterion:

€5,942 per month gross — the standard threshold for highly skilled migrants aged 30 or older. This applies for a first application, an extension with the same employer, or a change to a new employer.

€4,357 per month gross — the threshold for highly skilled migrants younger than 30. This also applies across a first application, an extension or a change of employer. If the migrant changed employer during the first permit, they must have been under 30 at that time to keep the lower threshold.

€3,122 per month gross — the reduced salary criterion. It applies regardless of age in three cases: (1) the application is made while holding an orientation year permit for highly educated persons; (2) the applicant no longer holds the orientation year permit but applies for the highly skilled migrant permit within 3 years of the graduation date or doctoral defence date, or within 3 years of the end of a research residence permit; (3) the applicant never held an orientation year permit but meets the requirements for one, and applies within the same 3-year window.

The employer must be a recognised sponsor

The income threshold is only one of the conditions. The employer must be listed in the IND’s public register of recognised sponsors. The migrant must also have a valid passport, not be a danger to public order or national security, and be willing to undergo a tuberculosis test on arrival unless their nationality is exempt.

Related questions

• How to apply as a highly skilled migrant and what documents are needed: see the IND’s highly skilled migrant page.
• The employer applies for the residence permit; the migrant does not apply on their own.

This is general information, not legal advice, and Lumen is not a law firm. Rules change and offices differ: check the official sources above before you act. Found something wrong or out of date? Write to support@lumen.observer.