Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant Visa Income Requirement 2026: The Ultimate Guide
Are you ready to advance your career in the “Gateway to Europe”? The Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) Visa is one of the most entrancing pathways for international talent. However, the rules for 2026 have a duty period.
Starting January 1, 2026, the Dutch Immigration and Proceedings Service (IND) has updated the salary thresholds and introduced stricter compliancy rules for “Recognized Sponsors.” 2 This guide breaks down the official 2026 figures and imposes benefits like the 30% ruling and new administrative requirements; you cannot afford to fail.
Official 2026 Salary Thresholds (Monthly Gross)
The most critical number for your visa approval is meeting the income requirement. These sums of money are overall monthly pay and exclude the mandatory 8% holiday allowance (vakantiegeld). 3
The Category 2026 Monthly Threshold (Excl. 8% Holiday Pay) Migrants Aged 30 and Over: €5,942 Migrants younger than 30€4,357Reduced Salary Criterion (New Graduates)€3,122European Blue Card (Standard)€5,942EU Blue Card (Reduced Criterion)€4,754
Why did the rates change?
The IND applies an annual indexation based on the collective work agreement (CAO) contend devolution in the Netherlands.4 For 2026, the thresholds saw a more or less 4.46% increase to keep pace with inflation and local securities industry standards.
Key Legal & Body Terms to Know
Maneuver Dutch immigration law requires understanding the particular language used by the Immigration and Debut Service (IND).
Gross SV-wage (Socialverzekeringsloon): This is the social security salary used by the IND to determine if you meet the threshold.5 It includes your base pay and fixed written agreement agreed monthly allowances.
The Accepted Sponsor (Erkend Referent): You cannot apply for an HSM visa yourself.7 Your worker must be a “Recognized Sponsor”—a status acknowledged by the IND that allows them to fast-track hold.
Market Rate Test: Even if you meet the tokenish threshold the IND definite quan tity that your salary be “market conform.”9 This means a Senior Software Engineer cannot be paid the minimum threshold if the middling local salary for that role is much higher.
There is a 30% Tax Ruling: A major perk for expats. It allows employers to pay 30% of your gross pay tax-free.10 Important: The 2026 salary kickoff are checked before this tax benefit is applied.
New for 2026: Stricter Compliance & Audits
The Nation government is tightening direction to prevent “visa fraud” and ensure traveler are actually receiving their rumored income.
Bank Statement Requirement
Starting January 1, 2026 Established Sponsors are now required to keep bank nation on file for every highly skilled migrant.12
The Antecedently only payslips were mandatory. Now, employers must be able to prove that the funds actually left the company chronicle and entered a personal bank account in the employee’s name.
Amount of money Records & Notifications
5-Year Retention: Companies must now keep all payroll department and bank records for at to the lowest degree five years after the migrant’s business ends.
Change of Employer: If you switch jobs in 2026 the 2026 salary thresholds apply right away to your new contract even if your past permit was based on 2025 rates.15
Helpful Tips for Applicants & Employers
To assure a smooth application process in 2026 follow these best practices.
Verify Sponsor Status: Before signing a contract check the Public Quality of Recognized Sponsors.
The Calculate the 8%: Always ensure your contract specifies whether the salary is “including” or “Except” holiday pay. If the contract says €5,942 including holiday pay you will likely fall below the 2026 threshold and face a visa acceptance.
BIG Register for Healthcare .If you are a doctor or nurse, you must be recorded in the BIG Register to use the HSM pathway.16
Check “Kengetallen”: For the most technical legal updates operation for the official “IND Kengetallen 2026” PDF or the “Staatscourant 2026 salarisnormen”.
(FAQs): Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant Visa Income Requirement 2026
What happens if I bend 30 during my visa play?
If you are already in the Netherlands on an HSM visa and turn 30 you generally keep the lower salary threshold required with your current employer. However if you switch employers after turning 30 you must meet the higher €5,942 start.
Is the 30% opinion changing in 2026?
Yes the 30% ruling is undergoing a “scaling down” phase (the 30-20-10% rule).17 While the maximum remains 30% for 2026, ensure your taxable salary still meets the minimum taxable starting time compulsory for the tax office (Belastingdienst).
Can I include my bonus in the income requisite?
Only fixed guaranteed monthly allowances count.19 Performance-based bonuses tips and period pay are generally do away with from the IND’s calculation of the minimum threshold.
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Disclaimer:
This article is for informational and educational role only. Readers are advised to verify information from trustworthy sources much as the official IND website before making decisions.