Salary Thresholds Changes 2026
The IND has announced the new salary thresholds for Highly Skilled Migrants, effective in 2026. These thresholds apply to all new and extension applications submitted in 2026 and are calculated excluding the 8% holiday allowance.
| Type of Permit | Gross Salary |
| Highly Skilled Migrant: Under 30 years | €4.357 |
| Highly Skilled Migrant: 30 years and older | €5.942 |
| HSM (lowered threshold) | €3.122 |
| EU Blue card | €5.942 |
| EU Blue card (lowered threshold) | €4.754 |
Lowered Salary Threshold Criteria for Highly Skilled Migrants
- The highly skilled migrant currently has, or previously had, a residence permit for an orientation year for highly educated persons.
- The highly skilled migrant has never held a residence permit for an orientation year for highly educated people but does meet the requirements for that residence purpose.
Lowered Salary Threshold Criterion for the European Blue Card
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The reduced EU Blue Card salary applies to graduates with a recognised higher education degree. This can be a degree obtained in the Netherlands or abroad, if the diploma is recognised by the Dutch authorities. The sponsor should apply for the Blue Card within 3 years of graduation or PhD. The lower salary rule can also apply when extending the permit, changing employers within 3 years of graduation, or applying for an extension within 24 months of the first permit.