Overview
The Highly Skilled Migrant (kennismigrant) permit is a Dutch residence permit for employees coming to work in the Netherlands in qualifying skilled roles. Only an employer recognized by the IND can apply for this permit.
It is commonly used by international companies hiring non-EU professionals and is one of the most common non-EU work routes for expats moving to the Netherlands. It is different from the EU Blue Card, ICT, startup, and DAFT routes.
Who this visa is for
- Non-EU professionals with a Dutch job offer
- Employees hired by recognized IND sponsor employers
- Tech, engineering, finance, consulting, research, and similar roles
- Professionals relocating alone, with partner, or with family
- People moving from countries such as India, US, UK, South Africa, and others
Best when you have an offer
This route is usually best when you already have a qualifying offer from a recognized sponsor employer.
When another visa may fit better
If you are not eligible for the Highly Skilled Migrant route or are looking for a different basis to move, consider these alternatives. Each has its own requirements and best use case.
| Route | Best for | Main difference |
|---|---|---|
| EU Blue Card | Highly qualified non-EU workers (EU-wide scheme) | Different salary and eligibility rules; can offer mobility in the EU. |
| DAFT (Dutch-American Friendship Treaty) | US citizens who are self-employed or entrepreneurs | No employer sponsor; business and investment requirements. |
| Self-employed visa | Non-EU freelancers and entrepreneurs (general route) | No employer sponsor; profit and business viability requirements. |
| Partner / family visa | Partners or family members of Dutch or EU residents | Based on relationship and sponsor’s status, not employment. |
| Student visa | Students admitted to a Dutch institution | Tied to study; different work rights and conditions. |
| Intra-corporate transferee (ICT) | Managers, specialists, trainees transferred within a multinational | Temporary transfer; different duration and conditions. |
Salary thresholds and official costs
| Category | Amount (gross/month) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Age 30 and over | €5,942 | gross per month (without holiday pay) |
| Under 30 | €4,357 | gross per month |
| Reduced criterion | €3,122 | gross per month (certain cases) |
| Application fee | €423 | IND application fee; employer and role conditions still apply besides salary. |
Figures can change
Salary criteria and fees can change. Values are maintained in a central data file; always check the IND required-amounts and fees pages for current figures. Employer and role conditions still apply besides salary.
Estimate your relocation cost
Use the Relocation Cost Estimator to plan your first-year costs for an employer-sponsored move.
Employer and recognized sponsor requirements
Your employer must be recognized by the IND as a sponsor. The employer applies for the permit on your behalf and has sponsor obligations, including offering a market-conform salary and compliant employment conditions. Your exact eligibility depends on your employment setup.
- Employer must be recognized by the IND as a sponsor
- Employer submits the application for the permit
- Employer has sponsor obligations (e.g. salary, conditions, reporting)
- Market-conform salary and compliant employment conditions apply
- Eligibility depends on your exact employment setup
Important
Only a recognized sponsor can apply for a highly skilled migrant permit.
Documents usually needed
Country of origin can affect whether apostilles, legalization, or translations are needed. The IND or municipality may request additional documents depending on your case.
- Passport
- Employment contract / offer
- Sponsor / employer details
- Civil status documents if applicable
- Birth certificate / marriage certificate where relevant
- Proofs the IND or municipality may request depending on case
- Residence-related supporting documents for partner/family if included
Check your document readiness
Use the Document Readiness Checker to see which documents often apply to your profile.
Application process and typical timeline
The process runs from offer to arrival and registration. Some newcomers use official expat centres or one-stop-shop services where available. Timing can vary by case and region; housing and first-week admin planning should start before arrival.
- 1. Receive qualifying offer from recognized sponsor
- 2. Employer prepares and submits application
- 3. IND reviews application
- 4. Decision / notice issued
- 5. Travel / arrival planning
- 6. Municipality registration + BSN
- 7. Residence card / biometrics / follow-up steps where needed
After approval: first steps in the Netherlands
After a positive decision, plan your arrival and first steps: municipality registration, BSN, Dutch bank account, health insurance, housing, mobile plan, and first 30–90 day admin. Use the tools below to build a practical plan.
Recommended services for highly skilled migrants
Services often used in this step
Wise
International transfers, salary transition, and moving money before and after arrival.
Variable fee by route
Multi-currency and international transfers
bunq
Dutch banking after arrival; popular with internationals and expats.
Tiered monthly plans
Expat-friendly, fast setup
HousingAnywhere
Temporary and mid-term rentals often used by internationals while settling in.
City-dependent housing cost
Temporary housing, expat rentals
Simyo
Simple Dutch SIM-only mobile plans for early connectivity.
Low-cost monthly plans
Mobile, no-contract options
Independer
Compare Dutch health insurance options once you are ready to choose a provider.
Comparison free; policy prices vary
Insurance comparison, health
IN Amsterdam / Official expat centre
One-stop-shop and municipality + immigration support where available for international newcomers.
Official service / regional availability
Official expat support, registration, immigration
Everaert Immigration Lawyers
Complex immigration cases, employer and family questions, and tailored advice.
Consultation-based
Legal support for complex cases
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