Highly skilled migrants in the Netherlands

The role of recognised sponsors

A recognised sponsor is a Dutch company that is officially registered with the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service). Only these companies are allowed to hire a skilled migrant as this recognition ensures that the company has met all the necessary legal requirements and is able to help foreign employees with the Dutch immigration process.

Types of recognised sponsor

The first type is a company that wants to hire highly skilled migrants and is willing to go through the complex process and apply to the IND of becoming a recognised sponsor. They have the time, money, and resources to handle the process in the house.

The second type includes companies like Hilfort, which are recognised by the IND and can help you hire your expat. While we handle employment contract and the administration, the expat works exclusively for you. You can think of us as a bridge that connects the highly skilled migrant with you ensuring all the requirements are met.

The application and residence procedure

To work and live in the Netherlands under the highly skilled migrant scheme, you must meet the requirements:

• You need a job offer from a Dutch company registered as a recognised sponsor with the IND.
• You must meet the minimum salary thresholds depending on age and experience.
• Depending on your nationality, an MVV (the provisional residence permit) may be required. If so, additional documents must be submitted. Once approved, you can travel to the Netherlands and collect your residence permit upon arrival.

After all of these requirements are met, your employer is responsible for submitting your application to the IND and once approved, you are allowed to work and live in the Netherlands.

Salary requirements and updates

The Dutch government reviews and updates the salary thresholds for highly skilled migrants each year. By updating these thresholds, the government ensures that the highly skilled migrant scheme remains competitive and aligns with the evolving labor market.

To get a better overview for 2025, we have outlined the table below on the upated salary thresholds:

While this is just a brief overview of what 2025 thresholds look like, we’ve also written a detailed blog post on highly skilled migrant salary 2025 so, explore and dive deeper into the specific requirements!

The 30% ruling

The 30% ruling allows keeping more salary by reducing taxable income by 30% for highly skilled migrants, meaning they get to keep a larger portion of their salary.You can think of it as your employer offering a tax-free allowance to cover your ‘extraterritorial costs’ as it helps to offset expenses related to relocation, housing, and other personal costs that comes with living abroad.

Future changes

Starting in 2027, the tax-free allowance will be adjusted, decreasing from 30% to 27%. Although this adjustment will reduce the benefit, it will still provide a financial advantage. This adjustment means that expats planning their move in the coming years should carefully assess how this reduction might impact their overall compensation and financial planning.

Being an expat at Hilfort

When you connect with us, you likely already have a job offer. The next challenge? Navigating Dutch laws and regulations. As someone from abroad, it can all seem vague, overwhelming, and difficult to understand. Where do you even begin? Which paperwork to apply for, and in what order?

That’s our expertise. We are a recognised sponsor and we have handled the application procedures and residence permits hundred times over. How do we do it? Well, that’s a long story; too long for this blog. To know more, you can visit our website and read about his experience with us how we helped him as an expat.

While we provide all the necessary information about recognised sponsors, residence permits, and employment contracts, we also like to keep things light. Every week, we share insightful updates and some with a sprinkle of humor. Stay in touch by following us on LinkedIn.

Dutch employment law

Before signing an employment contract, it’s important to understand what you’re agreeing to. Dutch contracts are detailed, covering everything from your rights and responsibilities to your working conditions. Here are few things to expect:

Type of contracts: In the Netherlands, contracts are typically permanent, fixed-term, or temporary. As a highly skilled migrant, you will be more likely to receive a fixed-term contract.

Working hours: Standard working hours range from 36-40 hours per week. If you work overtime, compensation may apply which should be clearly stated in the contract.

Holiday allowance: In addition to your salary, you are entitled to an 8% holiday allowance.

Vacation days: You are entitled to a minimum of 20 vacation days, though many employers offer more.

While these are just some basic laws and information there’s much more to it. You can find further details in our blog on Dutch employment laws.

8. FAQs: Common questions for highly skilled migrants

1. What happens if I become unemployed as a highly skilled migrant?

If you are from outside the EU, you have three months to find another job with a company recognised by the IND. If unsuccessful, you may need to apply for a different residence permit or leave the country.

2. Can I want to work as a freelancer on a highly skilled migrant permit?

No, the highly skilled migrant permit is tied to a specific employer. If you want to work as a freelancer you must apply for a self-employed visa for a residence permit.

3. Can my family join me in the Netherlands if I have a highly skilled migrant residence permit?

Yes, your partner can join if you hold a highly skilled migrant residence permit. They will need a residence permit as your dependents. The IND requirements to apply for a residence permit, but your employer doesn’t need to sponsor their application.