Highly Skilled Migrant Visa for Labour Shortage Jobs
The Netherlands is facing a structural labour shortage in key sectors, with unprecedented opportunities to Skilled Professionals all over the world.Where Denmark uses a Positive List and Norway a Salary Requirements, the Dutch system is dominated by the Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) Scheme.
The Main Requirement Becoming a Highly Skilled Migrant
The Highly Skilled Migrant permit is the most direct way to get a combined Residence Permit)and Work Permit.3 As opposed to the tricky Gecombineerde Vergunnings Verblijf en Arbeid (GVVA), the HSM scheme imposes the administrative strain on the employer.
The Three Pills of Qualification
- Job Opportunity with a Recognized Sponsor: Your employer has to be included in the list of Recognized Sponsors in the public register of Recognize Sponsors of IND (Immigration and Naturalistic Service). This cannot be compromised on and it is your formal sponsorship statement.
- Specialize Knowledge (Kenning): You should have higher education or an expertise in a field that is very skillful.
- Minimum Salary Requirement (Nonsalaried): The gross monthly earnings (without holiday allowance) need to be at minimum levels, which are adjusted twice a year (at January 1st and July 1st).
How to apply to Highly Skilled Migrant Visa in steps
It is quick and the employer is supposed to spearhead the application on your behalf.
Target the High-Demand Jobs
Although the Netherlands does not keep a strict visa-linked Labour Shortage List (Tekortberoepen) such as found in other countries, the following areas are the largest areas of need in which Recognised Sponsors are currently recruiting:
- ICT/Technology: Software Developers, Data Scientists, Cybersecurity Experts.
- Engineering: Electrical, Mechanical, and Civil Engineers (usually associated with infrastructure and energy transition).
- Healthcare: Nurses, medical specialties, and particular roles.
- Finance & Consulting: Specialists of finance and advisor of international companies.
Acquire Your Identified Sponsor Employer
Only job openings of the companies that are included in the Public Register of Recognised Sponsors by the IND are searched. This is to affirm that the employer has the right to sponsor you legally and literally ensures that the application time is quick.
The Application is submitted by the Employer
Your employer, who is also the Engender Referent, does the greater part of the Immigratie procedure.They send in the joint application of the MVV (Yachting tot Walloping Verblijf / Provisional Residence Permit, where necessary) and the Verblijfsverguning (Residence Permit) online to the IND.
- Processing Time: A Recognised Sponsor has an average Sagsbehandlingstid of 24 weeks, or 2-4 weeks, which is much less time than the usual 90-day legal time.
MVV Collection and Travel
Should you need an MVV (the vast majority of non-EU/EEA citizens do), the IND notifies you of the approval.You can then go to the Netherlands with an appointment at the Dutch embassy/consulate in your home country, where you find the MVV visa sticker in your passport.
Final Registration in the Netherlands
On arrival, you are required to fill in the following:
- Residence Permit Card: Get your physical permit card (the Verblijfsvergunning) at an IND desk.
- BSN Registration: Get your BSN (Burgerservicenummer / Citizen Service Number) registered with the local municipality (gemeente).19 This is necessary to work, have health insurance and bank.
- Health Insurance: Purchase Dutch basic health insurance in four months.
The Final Benefit The 30% Ruling
The 30% Ruling (30%-regeling), one of the biggest tax benefits, is one of the most attractive to highly skilled migrants.
- What it is: The Belastingdienst (Tax Administration) enables your employer to receive an amount of up to 30 percent of your gross annual salary tax-free and is supposed to cover the additional expenses of relocating (extraterritorial cost).
- Impact: This adds to your net income significantly, and Dutch salaries become very competitive on the international level.
- Scaling Note: Scaling reduces after the first 20 months (e.g., to 22$20% in the next 20 months, and 23$10% in the last 20 months).24 Starting in 2024 and later, however, a full 30 percent would be allowed during the first period.
FAQs
What is the HSM scheme and what is the main difference in relation to the GVVA?
The HSM (Kennismigrantenregeling) is the fast-track.26 The single application is submitted by the employer (the Recognised Sponsor) and is the one that is subject to compliance.The GVVA ( Gecombineerde Vergunning voor Verblijf en Arbeid ) is the standard Single Permit, which may involve the UWV ( Employee Insurance Agency ) and which must be accompanied by a labour market test to demonstrate to the agency that no EU/EEA national could take up the position, which would not be required in the course.
Is it possible to switch jobs after obtaining the permit?
Yes, but also your new employer should be an IND-Recognised Sponsor and fulfil the Salariscriterium. Your new sponsor should inform the IND, and request an amendment.
What is the duration of the HSM permit?
The permit normally corresponds with your term of employment that cannot exceed five years.You may apply to obtain a Permanent Residence Permit after five consecutive years of legal residence.
Final Thoughts
The Netherlands has placed the Highly Skilled Migrant Scheme in strategic positions that make it to be efficient and appeal especially in filling the essential Labour Shortage Jobs. The success of your move is nearly completely pegged upon obtaining one of the Job Offers at a Recognised Sponsor, meeting the 2025 Salariscriterium.25 By targeting your job search at Tekortberoepen in one of these certified sponsors, you use the system that is designed to bring your Kennis to the Dutch economy.
Disclaimer
This article is informative and educational. The Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) Scheme requirements, such as the Mandatory Minimum Salary Requirement (Salariscriteria) and the regulations of the 30% Ruling are regularly revised by the IND (Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst) and the Belastingdienst. It is strongly recommended that all of the existing 2025/2026 salary thresholds, fees and processing times be validated by official IND site or licensed Dutch immigration law firm before any official Immigratieprocedure is started.