New Year New Rules: Regulation Changes in 2026

January 7, 2026 | Leiden International Centre

As 2026 begins, alongside setting new goals and priorities, it is important to stay informed about the policy changes the government is implementing. We have compiled a summary of the key developments to keep an eye on in the year ahead.

Salary Thresholds for Highly Skilled Migrants

The IND (Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation service) announced the new salary requirements for residency applications of highly skilled migrant in the Netherlands. As of 1st January 2026, the current salary thresholds apply:

Highly skilled migrants aged 30 years and over: € 5,942

Highly skilled migrants under 30 years: € 4,357

Foreign nationals graduated in the Netherlands or at a top university abroad (in the past 3 years): € 3,122

EU Blue Card holders: € 5,942 (€ 4,754 for recent graduates)

Minimum Wage Increases

As of 1st January 2026, the legal hourly minimum wage for full-time workers aged 21 and over will increase from €14.40 to €14.71. Since the Dutch state pension (Algemene Ouderdomswet ) is linked to the minimum wage, we will also see an increase there. A single person will receive around €1,558.15 netto per month.

Less RNI Desks

Are you staying in the Netherlands for less than 4 months? Then you will need to register to your municipality as a non-citizen (RNI - Register Niet- Ingezetenen). As of 2nd January 2026, workers without a European passport will only be able to register at two RNI offices: one in Breda and one in Venlo.

New Conditions for Rent Allowance

Starting in January, the rent threshold to qualify for rent allowance has been raised, making it possible for more people to apply if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Eligibility for 1 person households: Single tenants can receive rent benefits if their assets do not exceed €38,479.

Age requirements: Everyone aged 21 or older can apply. For this age group, the government will contribute toward rent up to €932.93 per month; any amount above this must be paid by the tenant.

Younger tenants: For tenants aged 18 to 20, rent support is available up to €498.20 per month.

Service charges: Starting in 2026, service charges will no longer be included when calculating rent allowance.

You can check your eligibility on the government website (the site is in Dutch).

Health Costs Shift

Starting in 2026, recipients of the healthcare allowance will receive €2 less per month. At the same time, health insurance premiums are expected to increase by approximately €1 per month.

Firework Ban

Senators have voted in favour of banning the sale of fireworks, a measure to be introduce in time for New Year 2026/27.

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