Enter your age, monthly salary and situation to see whether your offer meets the 2026 salary requirement for a Dutch highly skilled migrant permit or an EU Blue Card.
The IND adjusts the salary requirements every 1 January. For 2026 a highly skilled migrant (kennismigrant) needs at least €5,942 gross a month at age 30 or over, €4,357 under 30, and €3,122 under the reduced criterion, which applies if you switch from the orientation year for highly educated persons or start within three years of graduating in the Netherlands or from a top-ranked university. The EU Blue Card requires €5,942, or €4,754 for recent graduates. All amounts are gross and exclude the 8% holiday allowance. What counts is the salary on the day the application reaches the IND.
Both permits can lead to permanent residence after five years. Compare with Germany in the Germany vs Netherlands guide and the German Blue Card checker.
Indian nationals need an entry visa (MVV), which the employer requests with the residence permit. After arrival you register at the municipality to receive your BSN, open a bank account and take out Dutch health insurance within four months. If you were recruited from abroad, ask your employer about the 30% ruling, and estimate your take-home pay with the Netherlands salary calculator.
€5,942 gross a month if you are 30 or older, €4,357 if you are under 30, and €3,122 under the reduced criterion for recent graduates, all excluding holiday pay.
No. The IND amounts exclude holiday pay, so the monthly salary in your contract must meet the threshold on its own.
No. Only employers listed as IND recognised sponsors can apply for a highly skilled migrant permit. The EU Blue Card does not have this requirement.
Your age on the day the IND receives the application.
