The Netherlands runs one of Europe’s fastest, most employer-friendly routes — the Highly Skilled Migrant visa via recognised sponsors, often decided in about two weeks. We connect you with sponsoring employers and manage your application.
The Netherlands is one of the easiest EU countries for skilled professionals thanks to its Highly Skilled Migrant (kennismigrant) programme. The catch is that you must be hired by an employer who is an IND-recognised sponsor — they apply on your behalf, and decisions often come in around two weeks. English is widely spoken, making it a popular destination for international talent, particularly in tech, engineering and research.
The right route depends on your qualifications, job offer and salary. Here are the principal options — we'll confirm which fits you.
The main route. Your employer must be an IND-recognised sponsor and pay at least the salary threshold: for 2026, around €5,688 gross per month for those 30 and over, and €4,357 for under-30s (both excluding the 8% holiday allowance), with a lower rate for recent graduates. From 2026 sponsors must also evidence that salary was actually paid.
An alternative for university graduates meeting the Blue Card salary level. It offers EU-wide mobility benefits and a route to long-term residence.
Graduates of Dutch institutions or top-ranked universities can get a one-year permit to look for work, with a reduced salary threshold once hired as a highly skilled migrant.
Dutch salaries are competitive and the famous 30% ruling can give qualifying migrants a tax advantage for a period. Thresholds for the Highly Skilled Migrant route are noted above (excluding the 8% holiday allowance). Housing — especially in Amsterdam, Utrecht and Eindhoven — is the main cost pressure and can be competitive, so we help you plan ahead.
the Netherlands is actively hiring international talent across these fields:
From first check to landing in the Netherlands, we manage the heavy lifting.
We confirm you meet the Highly Skilled Migrant criteria and salary level.
We connect you with IND-recognised employers who can sponsor your visa.
Your sponsor applies; decisions often arrive in around two weeks.
Figures shown are indicative and current for 2026. Immigration rules and salary thresholds change frequently — we confirm the exact, up-to-date requirements for your specific situation. Bespoke Visa Solutions provides recruitment and relocation support and does not provide legal advice.