The purpose of the Highly Skilled Migrant Scheme in the Netherlands is to stimulate the knowledge economy by attracting and retaining highly skilled workers.
The Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) processes applications for residency of Highly Skilled Migrants (HSM) in the Netherlands. This scheme is for employees who can contribute to the Dutch knowledge economy with specific knowledge or skills.
At the moment the Dutch government has proposed a series of amendments to the Highly Skilled Migrant Scheme.
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Dutch Government Plans for Stricter Rules Highly Skilled Migrants Scheme
In a formal communication to the House of Representatives, the Minister of Social Affairs and Employment, has outlined a series of proposed amendments to the Highly Skilled Migrant Scheme. The proposed legislative changes are designed to:
- Align the scheme more closely with the actual talent needs of Dutch companies.
- Prevent misuse and abuse of the scheme by ensuring only genuinely qualified professionals are eligible.
- Reduce societal pressure on public services such as housing, education, and healthcare.
Plans to Raise Highly Skilled Migrants Salaries
Proposal for Adjustment of Salary Thresholds
- For individuals under the age of 30, the minimum gross monthly salary will be increased from EUR 4,171 to a level equivalent to 1.1 times the average gross annual salary, which translates to a substantial monthly increase.
- For individuals aged 30 and above, the threshold will be raised to EUR 5,688, aligning with the European Blue Card standard of 1.3 times the average gross salary .
- For recent graduates, the reduced salary threshold of EUR 2,989 will be limited to a maximum of three years post-graduation.
Stricter Rules for Recognised Sponsors
Proposed for stricter rules for Employer Recognised Sponsor
Companies seeking to employ highly skilled migrants must hold the status of Recognised Sponsor and the Dutch government is proposing to:
- Intensify scrutiny for employers to provide more information about their financial health, operational stability, and legal compliance.
- Revoke the sponsor status if the company has received three or more fines within four years for violations such as tax fraud, non-payment of minimum wage, or illegal employment.
- Consider additional legal infractions in the evaluation process.
- Shorten the inactivity period for sponsor status revocation from three years to two years, if no highly skilled migrants have been employed during that time.
Note: These measures above regarding the Highly Skilled Migrant Netherlands Scheme are currently under consultation with stakeholders and Parliament before it will become a legislative text.
Employer Status as Recognised Sponsor
A Recognised Sponsor means the company would like to be a reliable partner for the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). The recognition is mandatory if the company wants to apply for a Highly Skilled Migrant permit.
The advantages of a Recognised Sponsor are:
- The company may enclose less documentary evidence with a visa application.
- The company can apply only for permits via the IND business portal.
- The company is entitled to a fast-track procedure, a shorter decision period of response by the IND to visa applications (estimated 2 to 7 weeks). Without the Recognised Sponsor validation, the procedure may take between 7 to 12 weeks, and in the worst-case scenario, it could take up to 5 months for employee visa applications.
Procedure: To initiate the IND application procedure, the company will have to fill in an application form and submit it along with the required documentation and pay the fee for the Recognised Sponsor process to the IND.
Highly Skilled Migrant Visa Processing Time
On average the application time of the Highly Skilled Migrant Netherlands (HSM) visa is 2 to 7 weeks. If the employer of the employee is recognised as sponsor by Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND), the organisation will be able to apply for the visa in their online portal.
A visa application cannot be initiated, while the company is in the process of submitting, or has already submitted an application to become a Recognised Sponsor. The company must wait until the IND has rendered a decision.
If the status Recognised Sponsor is granted, the visa procedure for an employee can only be initiated through the IND’s designated online business portal.
More Information
- Application Recognised Sponsor IND.
- 30% Ruling Netherlands Explained for Employers and HR.
- FAQs on Dutch Labour Law: Essential Answers Employment Law.
- Employment Law Changes Netherlands 2025.
