Highly skilled migrant visa in the Netherlands

A type of residence permit

The HSM visa, often called a knowledge migrant visa, is a residence permit designed to attract highly educated persons from abroad to the Netherlands. It simplifies the process for companies to hire internationals without needing a separate work permit whereas it provides a faster, smoother immigration process and the chance to build a new life for employees.

But what if you’re not looking for a traditional employer-employee job and maybe you’re an entrepreneur with big ideas and a freelancer? While highly skilled migrant visas do not apply for self-employed persons, the Netherlands offers other pathways such as self-employment visas.

Who’s eligible for the highly skilled migrant visa?

Employees are eligible for the HSM visa under certain conditions. This allows employers to hire abroad. The requirements can be split up into two sections: the employer and the employee (or expat). We will look at each side and see what is required.

For employers:

To hire a highly skilled migrant, your company must be a recognised sponsor by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). Becoming a recognised sponsor requires meeting several conditions such as proving financial stability and fulfilling income requirements for the employee.

Not a recognised sponsor? Then, check out our blog on what a recognised sponsor can do for your company.

For employees:

To successfully apply for the Highly skilled migrant visa, employees must meet specific monthly gross income and documentation requirements. These requirements are in place to make sure the employees are eligible to work and live in the Netherlands.

Income thresholds:

The highly skilled migrants must meet the minimum gross salary requirements, which differ depending on age, qualifications, and employment category:

• Under 30 years: €4,171.- (excluding holiday allowance).
• 30 years or older: €5,688.-(excluding holiday allowance).
• Recent graduates in their orientation year: €2,989.-(excluding holiday allowance)
• EU blue card holders: €5,688.-(excluding holiday allowance)

These thresholds are updated annually to reflect economic conditions and the cost of living. This ensures that skilled migrants have sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their families while living here.

Are you interested in knowing more about these salary thresholds in depth? Read the article on the salary thresholds for highly skilled migrants in 2025!

Required documentation:

• A valid passport: The passport must be valid for the duration of the employment.
• A signed employment contract: The contract must be signed by an employer recognised by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).
• Health insurance: It is mandatory in the Netherlands to have health insurance, even for temporary residents. The applicants must have an active policy that complies with Dutch healthcare requirements.

Special Cases

While an HSM visa has general income and documentation requirements, certain roles, such as scientific researchers or medical professionals, qualify for exemptions or additional consideration.

Want to know what the requirements are? You can check the IND website for more info!

Why is the highly skilled migrant visa beneficial?

The HSM visa makes moving to the Netherlands easier for employees and employers. It makes the whole process easier by letting businesses hire the talent they need and let professionals start their new lives rather than stressing over paperwork.

• For skilled migrants: The visa is processed quicker and allows skilled migrants to bring their families along, allowing them to settle in the Netherlands.
• For employers: With fewer administrative challenges, when a recognised employer submits the documents, they are processed faster, often within two weeks.

We’ve covered the essentials to give you a better overview of the HSM visa, what it is, how it works, and why it’s beneficial. But every situation is unique and there’s always something more to explore. If you’d like to dive deeper into the details, discuss specific scenarios, or get personalized guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. Schedule a call with us today!

Application procedure

Applying for highly skilled migrant and their entry and residence procedures needs a collaborative effort between employers and employees. Employers handle the application process through the IND, while employees ensure their documents are in order. Here’s how it works:

For employers (companies):

1. Get recognised: If you aren’t already, apply for IND sponsorship, proving your financial stability and compliance;
2. Apply: Use the IND website to start the residence permit process;
3. Gather documents: Prepare necessary documents like salary proof and other paperwork;
4. Pay fees: Ensure you’ve paid the application fees;
5. Approval: Once recognised, applications are usually processed within two weeks.

For employees (highly skilled migrants):

1. Job Offer: Secure a job with an IND-recognized sponsor;
2. Submit Documents: Provide documents like your passport, health insurance details, and qualifications;
3. Health checks: Complete any required health checks;
4. Wait for Visa approval: You can move to the country once your visa is approved.

Rights and conditions

The HSM visa not only lets you work in the Netherlands but also lets you integrate into your professional and personal life. Here’s how:

Work rights and validity period

As soon as your residence permit is approved, you start working without further delay. The validity of your residence permit depends on the duration of your employment contract, making sure both short and long-term opportunities are flexible. Need more time? The permit can easily get renewed as your employment continues.

Family unification

One of the standout benefits of the HSM visa is its support for family life. Family members such as spouses or unmarried partners can join you in the Netherlands under a dependent visa. What’s more? They will also have the right to work, giving them an opportunity for their professional growth. This visa maintains a balanced family life when building a successful career abroad.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we see come by the most:

1. Can I change employers while on this visa? Yes, you can change employers, but there are a few important steps to follow. Your new employer must also be an IND-recognised sponsor. Once you have secured a new job as a highly skilled migrant, your new employer will need to handle your residence document with the IND, including updating your document to show the change in employment.
2. Does the 30% tax ruling apply to everyone? No, the 30% tax ruling is not applied to all highly skilled migrants. Eligibility for this tax benefit depends on several factors, including your salary level and whether you met the specific criteria set by the Dutch tax authorities. For instance, the ruling generally applies to highly skilled migrants with high salaries, typically above a certain threshold, and depends on how far you’ve relocated for work, with more favorable conditions for those outside the EU.
3. Are salary thresholds ever waived? These thresholds are generally strict, however there are certain exceptions. For example, if you’re in a field like scientific research, academic staff, or other roles with significant contributions, you may qualify for a lower salary threshold. Additionally, recent graduates with a Dutch diploma or qualifications from an accredited university may be eligible for a highly skilled migrant lower threshold salary criteria.

Tips

1. Use online tools: As a recognized sponsor, you can use the IND website’s online submission portal for highly skilled migrant procedures.
2. Plan: Before submitting your application, ensure all the necessary documents are in place. This includes employment contracts and any other required paperwork. Having everything ready will speed up the process and reduce any potential delays.

Resources for your application process

There are many resources online. Some you can trust, others not so much. Remember that the official one is the Dutch government. Here is where you can find their rules:

1. IND website: The IND website is the primary and most reliable source for detailed information about the application procedure, requirements, and updates for Highly skilled migrants.
2. Dutch embassy: For those applying for a provisional residence permit (MVV), the Dutch embassy provides information on how to apply for a provisional residence permit, which is often the first step for applicants living outside the Netherlands.

Making the process easier for you!

The HSM visa process can be challenging and complex, but with the right support, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. From salary thresholds to documentation and IND regulations, every step requires careful attention to detail.

We understand how challenging it can be to keep up with Dutch laws and regulations, but this is our field of expertise. As a recognised sponsor, we are always up to date with the latest changes and can assist you with the highly skilled migrant procedure. We can handle the complexities for you by ensuring compliance with the latest updates and assisting with every step of the application process. We take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on what truly matters: your core business.