Netherlands 2026 HSM Visa: New Salary Rules & Guide

The Netherlands is still a top spot for global talent, but the 2026 Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) rules are now much tighter. Whether you’re heading to Eindhoven for tech or Amsterdam for finance, your permit depends on hitting exact salary targets set by the IND.

In 2026, a job offer isn’t a guaranteed ticket. The IND has raised the salary bars and added new audit layers for companies. This guide breaks down the official 2026 requirements so you can get your permit without the legal headaches.

1. What is the HSM Visa?

The Kennismigrant scheme is the fastest way for non-EU professionals to live in Holland. It’s for specialists hired by an IND-Recognised Sponsor.

The main perks:

• Fast Track: Most applications are approved in 2 to 4 weeks.

• No Labour Test: Your employer doesn’t have to prove they couldn’t find a local candidate.

• Family Rights: Your partner gets full work freedom—no extra permits needed.

• 30% Tax Ruling: You can still get a huge chunk of your salary tax-free for the first 5 years.

2. 2026 Salary Rules: The Real Numbers

On January 1st, 2026, the IND updated the mandatory salary thresholds. Note: These are Gross monthly amounts and do not include your 8% holiday pay.

Category	Monthly Gross (Excl. Holiday)	Total (Incl. 8% Holiday Pay)
Aged 30 or older	€5,942	~€6,417
Under 30 years old	€4,357	~€4,705
Recent Graduates	€3,122	~€3,371
EU Blue Card	€5,942	~€6,417

Pro Tip: The IND doesn’t do rounding up. If your contract is even €1 short, they will likely bounce the application.

3. Stricter 2026 Audits

Starting this year, the IND isn’t just checking payslips. Employers must now keep bank statements on file to prove the salary actually reached your account. If the numbers don’t match, it triggers a major red flag.

4. HSM vs. EU Blue Card

• Choose HSM if: You’re under 30 or a recent grad. The lower salary entry makes it easier to hire.

• Choose Blue Card if: You want better mobility to move to Germany or France later. In 2026, Blue Card holders also get a 6-month search period if they lose their job (HSM only gets 3 months).

5. The 2026 Move: Things to Watch Out For

• The Housing Crisis: Cities like Utrecht and Amsterdam are packed. Start your apartment search at least 3 months early.

• Apostilled Documents: You cannot register at the town hall (Gemeente) without an Apostilled birth certificate. Sort this before you fly!

• IND Fees: The 2026 application fee is €423. Remind your boss to pay it immediately so your file doesn’t get stuck.

FAQs: Quick Answers

Q: Can I change jobs?

A: Yes, if the new boss is a recognised sponsor. You have 4 weeks to link your permit to the new company after leaving the old one.

Q: Is Dutch mandatory?

A: Not for the visa. But for Permanent Residency after 5 years, the 2026 goal is B1 level exams. Better start Duolingo now!

Q: What if I’m laid off?

A: You usually get a 3-month search period to find a new sponsor, provided your current permit is still valid.

7. Family and Partner Work Rights

Moving with your family is very easy under the Highly Skilled Migrant visa. There are no long waiting periods—your spouse and kids can move with you right away.

• Spouse Can Work Anywhere: Your partner’s permit will say Arbeid vrij toegestaan. This is a massive advantage because they can work for any shop, office, or startup without needing their own work permit or sponsor.

• Changing Jobs: If you switch to another IND-recognised employer in 2026, your family’s residence status stays safe. You don’t have to restart the whole process for them.

8. Staying Long-Term: PR and Citizenship

Once you’ve completed 5 years in the Netherlands on this permit, you can apply for Permanent Residency or Dutch Citizenship. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to pass the Inburgering (civic integration) exams. This basically proves you can speak Dutch and understand how things work here.

9. Things to Watch Out For

• The Housing Mess: Finding a flat in cities like Amsterdam or Utrecht is a nightmare right now. Don’t wait until you arrive; start your search online at least 3 months early.

• IND Fees: The 2026 application fee is around €380–€410. Remind your employer to pay this as soon as they apply, otherwise, the IND will put your case on hold.

• Birth Certificates: You can’t register at the local municipality without an Apostilled birth certificate from your home country. Get this sorted before you fly, or you’ll be stuck in a lot of red tape.

FAQs: Quick Answers

Q: Can I switch to a new job?

A: Yes, you can change employers, but there’s a rule. The new company has to be a Recognised Sponsor by the IND. Once you quit your old job, you’ve got about 4 weeks to get the new paperwork sorted. If you miss this window, your permit could be at risk.

Q: What if I’m laid off?

A: Don’t stress too much. You normally get a 3-month search period to find a new sponsor. The only thing is, if your residence card expires sooner than those 3 months, you only have until that expiry date to find a new gig.

Q: Do I really need to learn Dutch?

A: Not for the visa. You can get by totally fine with English in the workplace. But if you want a Permanent Residence card later on, you’ll have to pass the Inburgering exams. In 2026, they are pushing for the B1 level, so it’s a good idea to start learning the basics now.

The Bottom Line

If you want to work in Europe, the Dutch Highly Skilled Migrant Visa is still one of the best ways in for 2026. As long as your salary hits the mark, €5,942 if you’re over 30 or €4,357 if you’re younger—and your employer is on the official IND list, the process is pretty smooth. Get your documents ready, check those tax benefits, and get ready for your move.

One last tip: The IND fee for 2026 is €423. Remind your boss to pay it quickly so your application doesn’t sit at the bottom of the pile.

Disclaimer:

This guide is for informational purposes only. Rules change fast—always check IND.nl for the latest official updates.