Employers can submit renewal applications up to three months before the permit expires.To qualify, the employee must continue to meet the core requirements, including:Holding a valid Dutch residence permitMaintaining their main residence in the NetherlandsWorking under a valid employment contract with a recognized sponsor

Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant Permit: Employer Guide

Q: Eligibility Requirements

Employer RequirementsTo sponsor an HSM permit, employers must:Be registered as a recognized sponsor with the INDHave an active employment contract with the applicant or, in the case of researchers, a contract with a recognized research institution2026 Salary ThresholdsAs of January 1, 2026, the IND increased salary thresholds by 4.46% compared with 2025.The figures below represent minimum gross monthly salary requirements, excluding the 8% holiday allowance.Applicant CategoryMinimum Gross Monthly SalaryAge 30 or Older€5,942Under Age 30€4,357Recent Graduates*€3,122Scientific Researchers & Doctors in TrainingGeneral Minimum Wage*Must have graduated within the past three years from a Dutch university or a qualifying top-200 university abroad.General Applicant RequirementsApplicants must also:Hold a valid passport or travel documentSubmit a criminal history declarationComplete a tuberculosis (TB) test unless exempt based on nationalityAdditional requirements may apply for scientific researchers, trainee specialists, intra-company transferees, and Turkish nationals.

Q: Path 2: If an MVV Is Not Required

The applicant travels to the Netherlands.The employer submits the residence permit application within 90 days.The IND reviews the application and issues payment instructions.The IND makes a decision within 90 days.The applicant collects the residence permit card.

Q: Steps After Arriving in the Netherlands

After arrival, permit holders must:Register with the Municipal Personal Records Database (BRP)Complete a TB test if requiredObtain Dutch health insurance within four monthsApplicant TipBring a legalized and translated birth certificate when traveling to the Netherlands. Municipal registration cannot be completed without the required civil documents, and obtaining replacements later can delay onboarding and settlement.

Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant Permit: Employer Guide

A guide to eligibility requirements, salary thresholds, application steps, and employer obligations under the Netherlands highly skilled migrant permit.

Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant Permit

For employers hiring international talent in the Netherlands, the highly skilled migrant (HSM) permit is one of the primary work authorization routes. It allows recognized Dutch employers to sponsor non-European Union (EU) nationals for skilled positions without first proving that no local worker is available for the role.

The process is generally straightforward, but employers must meet sponsorship requirements, salary thresholds, and record-keeping obligations. Here's what employers and applicants need to know in 2026.

Hiring international talent in the Netherlands? Fengey helps employers navigate sponsorship requirements, salary thresholds, and IND applications. Talk to our team today.

Key Takeaways

Confirm your company is listed as an Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) recognized sponsor before extending an offer.

Review the applicant's age and education history to determine which salary threshold applies.

Ensure salary payments are made directly to the employee's bank account and retain proof of payment.

Build processing time into hiring plans, especially if the employee requires a provisional residence permit (MVV).

Review internal payroll and HR record-keeping procedures to comply with new 2026 sponsor requirements.

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What the Permit Covers

The HSM permit is designed for foreign nationals who contribute to the Dutch knowledge economy. Eligible positions include:

High-level professional roles
Guest lecturers
Medical specialists in training
Scientific researchers

Applicants cannot apply independently. A recognized employer must sponsor and submit the application on their behalf.

The permit is typically issued for the length of the employment contract, up to a maximum of five years. After five years of continuous legal residence, some permit holders may qualify for permanent residence.

Eligibility Requirements

Employer Requirements

To sponsor an HSM permit, employers must:

Be registered as a recognized sponsor with the IND
Have an active employment contract with the applicant or, in the case of researchers, a contract with a recognized research institution

2026 Salary Thresholds

As of January 1, 2026, the IND increased salary thresholds by 4.46% compared with 2025.

The figures below represent minimum gross monthly salary requirements, excluding the 8% holiday allowance.

Applicant Category	Minimum Gross Monthly Salary
Age 30 or Older	€5,942
Under Age 30	€4,357
Recent Graduates*	€3,122
Scientific Researchers & Doctors in Training	General Minimum Wage

*Must have graduated within the past three years from a Dutch university or a qualifying top-200 university abroad.

General Applicant Requirements

Applicants must also:

Hold a valid passport or travel document
Submit a criminal history declaration
Complete a tuberculosis (TB) test unless exempt based on nationality

Additional requirements may apply for scientific researchers, trainee specialists, intra-company transferees, and Turkish nationals.

New for 2026: Employers Must Retain Salary Payment Records

Beginning January 1, 2026, recognized sponsors must keep proof that salaries were actually paid to employees.

Payslips alone are no longer sufficient.

Acceptable records include:

Business bank account statements
Payroll payment confirmations
Batch payment reports showing salary transfers

Employers must be able to provide these records immediately if requested by the IND.

Application Process

Whether an applicant needs a provisional residence permit (MVV) determines which process applies.

Countries Exempt From the MVV Requirement

Nationals of the following countries can travel directly to the Netherlands and do not need an MVV:

Australia
Canada
Japan
Monaco
New Zealand
South Korea
Switzerland
United Kingdom
United States
Vatican City
European Union member states

Path 1: If an MVV Is Required

The employer submits both the MVV and residence permit applications.
The IND reviews the application and issues payment instructions.
The IND makes a decision within 90 days.
The applicant collects the MVV from the Dutch embassy.
The applicant travels to the Netherlands.
The applicant collects the residence permit card from the IND.

Path 2: If an MVV Is Not Required

The applicant travels to the Netherlands.
The employer submits the residence permit application within 90 days.
The IND reviews the application and issues payment instructions.
The IND makes a decision within 90 days.
The applicant collects the residence permit card.

Steps After Arriving in the Netherlands

After arrival, permit holders must:

Register with the Municipal Personal Records Database (BRP)
Complete a TB test if required
Obtain Dutch health insurance within four months

Applicant Tip

Bring a legalized and translated birth certificate when traveling to the Netherlands. Municipal registration cannot be completed without the required civil documents, and obtaining replacements later can delay onboarding and settlement.

Permit Validity and Unemployment

The HSM permit remains valid for the duration of the employment contract, up to five years.

If employment ends, permit holders generally receive a job-search period of up to three months to find a new position with another recognized sponsor. If the residence permit expires sooner, the search period may be shortened.

Extending the Permit

Employers can submit renewal applications up to three months before the permit expires.

To qualify, the employee must continue to meet the core requirements, including:

Holding a valid Dutch residence permit
Maintaining their main residence in the Netherlands
Working under a valid employment contract with a recognized sponsor

Need Help Sponsoring International Employees?

From salary threshold reviews to IND applications and sponsor compliance requirements, Fengey helps employers navigate the Netherlands highly skilled migrant process with confidence.

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