For high-salary skilled roles with a recognised sponsor employer; salary thresholds and income tables are updated periodically.
Route overview
Recognised employer sponsorship
Typical timeline / duration: Contract/job duration, up to five years; renewable subject to conditions.
Important notes
A Dutch employment contract with an IND-recognised sponsor; pay must also be market-rate.
From 1 January through 31 December 2026: gross monthly pay excluding holiday allowance is at least €4,357 under age 30, €5,942 at age 30+, or €3,122 under the eligible reduced criterion. Special research/medical-training categories have separate income rules.
Valid passport and general residence conditions, with legalisation/translation where required; the employer submits the MVV and residence application if applicable.
Reduced pay is not automatic for every graduate: IND orientation-year eligibility and timing rules apply. Relevant age/employer-change rules can preserve the under-30 criterion on extension with the same employer; a new employer at age 30+ normally requires the higher criterion.
Holiday allowance and uncertain or non-regular payments do not count. Contractually fixed allowances may count if paid monthly into the worker's own bank account.
The permit lasts for the contract/job, up to five years. The ordinary IND decision period is 90 days and may be extended.
For unemployment on or after 22 May 2026, holders with at least two years on this permit, or victims of labour exploitation, can have up to six months to find a new job; otherwise up to three. Neither period extends beyond permit expiry.
Preparation checklist
Check the employer in IND's recognised-sponsor register.
Confirm the salary category for your age, orientation-year eligibility and application or new-contract date.
Ask for a contract showing qualifying monthly pay separately from holiday allowance and variable bonuses.
Prepare your passport and any requested legalised/translated documents for the employer's application.
Track contract end, permit expiry and any job-search deadline.