Thinking about moving to the Netherlands in 2026? This country has beautiful tulips, good technology jobs, and a nice life. Many people want to come here for work. You may be a skilled worker or a new graduate who wants the Orientation Year visa. The rules changed a little this year. The fees went up by 4.4%. There are also new salary rules. It is important to know these things so your move goes well.
In this guide, we explain the Netherlands Work Visa IND Fees for 2026. We talk about the costs from the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). We also explain salary needs and what your employer must do. Everything is simple and clear.
Government Fees and Sponsor Recognition
Every time you apply for a residence permit in the Netherlands, you pay fees to the IND. These are called Leges. They help cover the costs of checking your application.
From January 1, 2026, the IND increased these fees by 4.4%. This happens every year because of higher costs and wages in the country.
Recognised Sponsor (Erkend Referent) Costs
If a company wants to hire a highly skilled migrant from outside the EU, it must be a Recognised Sponsor. This status makes the process faster. Often, the IND decides in just 2 weeks.
The fee to become a Recognised Sponsor is higher now in 2026.
- Large Companies: The fee is €5,080. This is for companies with more than 50 employees.
- Small Business Sponsor Fee: If the company has 50 or fewer employees, the fee is lower at €2,539.
This recognition helps companies hire people like you more easily. Without it, the process can take longer.
Standard Application Fees 2026
For most work permits, the main fee is the same in 2026. The IND fee for many employment residence permits is €423. This includes popular ones like Highly Skilled Migrant and European Blue Card.
You or your employer must pay this when you apply. It is the cost for the IND to process your papers.
Work Permit Categories: What Will You Pay?
The IND has different fees for different types of work permits. Here is a simple list of the most common ones in 2026:
- Highly Skilled Migrant: €423. This is good for people in tech, engineering, or special jobs.
- European Blue Card: €423. This is for people with high education who want to work in the EU.
- Orientation Year (Zoekjaar): €254. This is for recent graduates from good universities. It lets you stay one year to look for a job.
- Essential Start-up Personnel: €423. This is for important early workers in new innovative companies.
- ICT Permit: €423. This is for people who move inside a big company from another country.
- Dependent Permit: €254. This is for partners or spouses who come with the main worker.
These fees are for the main application. Sometimes there are extra costs for MVV (entry visa) if you need it.
2026 Salary Thresholds and Income Requirements
The biggest rule for many work visas is the salary. You must earn enough money. The IND changes these amounts every year.
Important point: The salary is gross monthly pay. It does not include the 8% holiday allowance.
Here are the 2026 salary levels:
- Aged 30 and older: You need at least €5,942 per month.
- Younger than 30: You need at least €4,357 per month.
- Reduced Salary Criterion: €3,122 per month. This is for people who finish the Orientation Year or graduate from a Dutch university in the last 3 years.
- European Blue Card: €5,942 per month. If you graduated in the last 3 years, it can be €4,754.
Your salary must meet these numbers. If it is lower, the application can fail. The employer must pay you this amount or more.
Administrative Obligations and Compliance
Getting the visa is not just about money and salary. There are rules to follow in 2026.
Your employer has more duties now. The IND wants to make sure everything is real and fair.
- Proof of Payment: Employers must keep bank statements. These show that the salary goes to your personal bank account. Payslips alone are not enough now.
- MVV (Provisional Residence Permit): Many people from outside the EU need an entry visa called MVV. You often apply for it at the same time as the residence permit.
- Change of Purpose: If you switch from a study permit to a work permit, apply before your old permit ends. This stops any gap in your stay.
If the employer does not follow these rules, there can be problems. The IND can check and even take away the permit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions people ask about Netherlands work visas in 2026.
Does the 30% ruling change the IND salary threshold?
No. The 30% ruling is a tax benefit. It reduces your tax. But the IND looks at your gross salary before this benefit. It must still meet the full threshold.
What if my salary goes below the limit because of unpaid leave?
Your employer must tell the IND. If it stays low for too long, your permit can be in danger.
Can I pay the IND fees myself?
Yes, there is no rule against it. But usually, the employer pays the fees. For your own permit fee (€423), you can pay if you want. It is not common, but possible.
Ready to Make the Move?
Moving to the Netherlands can be exciting. The country has good jobs, nice cities, and friendly people.
Here are some easy steps to start:
- Check if your employer is a Recognised Sponsor. You can look on the IND public register.
- Calculate your take-home pay. Use a Dutch tax calculator to see what you get after tax.
- Always check the official IND website for the latest information.
The rules can change, so go to IND.nl to confirm everything.
Disclaimer: This guide helps you understand the Netherlands Work Visa IND Fees 2026 and other important things. With the right information, your move can be smooth and happy.