The Netherlands has a scheme specifically for highly skilled migrant. The scheme makes it easier and faster for companies to bring in highly skilled migrants from outside the Euro zone.

In a nutshell the highly skilled migrant scheme facilitates the admission requirements and time for highly skilled migrants and their employers. Not every company can make use of the highly skilled migrant scheme and not every migrant from outside the EU is eligible either. There are various conditions for the employer and requirements for the highly skilled migrant.

The conditions for this scheme are:

  • The employer is a recognised sponsor of the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND).

  • The highly skilled migrant has a signed employment contract with a minimum of three months with a Dutch employer.

  • The employer pays at least the minimum wage for a highly skilled migrant.

  • The highly skilled migrant must be paid with market-level wages.

  • The highly skilled migrant has a valid passport, a Dutch healthcare insurance, and does not pose a threat to the national security.

Income norm for hiring a highly skilled migrant

One of the requirements for hiring a highly skilled migrant is an income norm. These are gross monthly salaries and vary by category.

As of January 1, 2025 the minimum income norm for highly skilled migrants has been set at:

Highly skilled migrant 2025*2024*
Reduced salary criterion€ 2,989€ 2,801
Under 30 years of age€ 4,171€ 3,909
30 years of age or older€ 5,688€ 5,331

* Excl. 8% holiday allowance

The IND will also check:

  • If the highly skilled migrant has skills and experience that are relatively scarce in the Netherlands;
  • If the highly skilled migrant has a higher educational level (Bachelor minimum);

  • If the highly skilled migrant has a specialization (for example in IT, engineering or science).