Working in the Netherlands
One of the easiest countries in Europe if you work in English. Permits are quick when your employer is on the government's approved list. Housing is the hard part.
The short answer
| Main routes | Highly skilled migrant (kennismigrant), EU Blue Card, orientation year for graduates, intra-company transfer |
| 2026 monthly gross salary, highly skilled migrant | €5,942 (30 and over), €4,357 (under 30), €3,122 (reduced criterion for recent graduates) |
| 2026 EU Blue Card | €5,942 a month; €4,754 for recent graduates |
| Language | English widely used at work; Dutch helps for daily life and long-term careers |
| Who decides | IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) |
Where the opportunities are
The Netherlands has a large tech and logistics economy. Demand is strong for software engineers, data and cloud specialists, semiconductor and high-tech engineers around Eindhoven, logistics professionals around Rotterdam and Schiphol, and finance and consulting staff in Amsterdam. Hundreds of Indian companies have Dutch operations, and many multinationals run their European headquarters from the country.
The highly skilled migrant scheme
The scheme has no degree requirement on paper. What matters is:
- A recognised sponsor. Your employer must be on the IND's public register of recognised sponsors. Check this before you sign anything.
- The salary threshold. In 2026 the gross monthly salary, excluding holiday allowance, must be at least €5,942 if you are 30 or older and €4,357 if you are under 30. Graduates within a few years of finishing a qualifying degree can use the reduced threshold of €3,122.
- A market-rate salary for the role.
Because the employer is pre-approved, IND decisions are usually fast, often within a few weeks.
EU Blue Card
The Dutch Blue Card requires a degree and a contract of at least six months at €5,942 a month in 2026 (€4,754 for recent graduates). It gives more mobility within the EU but the highly skilled migrant scheme is usually simpler.
Orientation year
If you graduated from a Dutch university, or from one of the world's top-ranked universities in the last three years, you can apply for a one-year "search year" to find work. During that year you can work without a separate permit, and you then qualify for the reduced salary threshold.
Step by step
- Confirm your employer is a recognised sponsor.
- Your employer applies to the IND for an entry and residence permit on your behalf.
- Collect your entry visa (MVV) from the Dutch mission in India, if required.
- Register with your municipality on arrival to get a citizen service number (BSN).
- Take out Dutch basic health insurance within four months.
Tax and life
Highly skilled migrants may qualify for a tax facility for expats, often called the 30% ruling. Its conditions and percentage are being reduced over the coming years, so check the current rules with the Dutch tax authority. Housing is the biggest challenge: start early and be wary of rental scams asking for deposits before a viewing.
Quick answers
What salary do I need for a highly skilled migrant permit in 2026?
€5,942 gross a month if you are 30 or older, €4,357 if you are under 30, and €3,122 for recent graduates. Holiday allowance does not count.
Do I need a degree to work in the Netherlands?
Not for the highly skilled migrant scheme. You need a recognised sponsor and the right salary. The EU Blue Card does require a degree.
How do I check that a Dutch employer can sponsor me?
Look the company up in the IND's public register of recognised sponsors before you sign anything.
Do I need to speak Dutch?
English is widely used at work. Dutch helps with daily life and a long-term career.
