The gross monthly salary threshold for highly skilled migrants (HSM) in the Netherlands is adjusted annually on January 1st. To qualify for a highly skilled migrant residence permit, the employee must meet the salary requirement that applies on the date the application is submitted to the IND.
Highly Skilled Migrant Salary Thresholds as of January 1, 2026
The following salary thresholds apply to all highly skilled migrant applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026. All amounts are gross per month, excluding 8% holiday allowance.
These income requirements are determined by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) and are mandatory for approval of a highly skilled migrant residence.
Transitional Rules for Existing Permits and Earlier Applications
For highly skilled migrants who are already employed and whose residence permit application was submitted before January 1, 2026, the 2025 salary threshold remains applicable.
In these situations, employers are not required to increase the salary, provided that:
- the residence permit remains valid, and
- the employment relationship continues without interruption.
Please note: in the event of a change of employer, the salary threshold applicable on the start date of the new employment contract will apply.
Highly Skilled Migrant Salary Thresholds for 2025
For applications submitted in 2025, the following salary criteria apply (gross per month, excluding 8% holiday allowance):
- Highly skilled migrant under 30 years old: € 4,171
- Highly skilled migrant aged 30 or older: € 5,688
- Reduced salary criterion: € 2,999
Salary Components That Do Not Count Toward the Threshold
Only fixed and guaranteed salary components are taken into account when assessing whether the highly skilled migrant salary requirement is met. The following pay elements are excluded from the highly skilled migrant salary calculation:
Notes for Employers and Highly Skilled Migrants
About All About Expats
All About Expats supports international professionals and Dutch employers with a full range of immigration, Employer of Record (EOR) and relocation services in the Netherlands.
We assist Dutch companies that are not (yet) recognised sponsors with the IND by acting as the legal employer and taking over the IND sponsorship. This enables companies of any size to hire highly skilled migrants compliantly and efficiently.
If you are an expat currently living in the Netherlands or planning to relocate and need professional advice about your immigration, employment, or relocation situation, please contact us. We are happy to help.
