The highly skilled migrant permit Netherlands is one of the most important Dutch immigration routes for international professionals who have a job offer from a Dutch employer. It is also known as the HSM permit Netherlands or, in Dutch, the kennismigrant permit.
For many professionals, the main question is simple: “I have a Dutch job offer. Can I legally move to the Netherlands and start working?” The legal answer depends on several details: your nationality, your employer’s sponsor status, your salary, your contract, your role and whether any special rules apply.
This guide explains the key points in clear language. It is especially relevant for non-EU professionals, Turkish citizens, Dutch employers and HR teams preparing an IND highly skilled migrant application.
DYC Legal Consultancy assists international clients and Turkish-speaking clients in the Netherlands with residence permits, work-related immigration questions, employer changes and legal risk assessments before IND applications are submitted.
What Is the Highly Skilled Migrant Permit in the Netherlands?
The highly skilled migrant permit is a temporary Dutch residence permit for employees with specialised skills or expertise who will live and work in the Netherlands. Business.gov.nl describes the route as a streamlined immigration process for highly skilled employees from outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland, and the IND explains that the permit is required to work in the Netherlands as a highly skilled migrant.
In practice, the HSM route is employer-driven. This means the employee usually does not submit the main application alone. The Dutch employer, or another qualifying legal employer, normally submits the application to the IND.
The permit is generally linked to the job and the sponsoring employer. If the employment ends, changes or no longer meets the IND conditions, this can affect the employee’s right to stay.
Who Can Apply for an HSM Permit Netherlands?
The HSM permit is mainly used for professionals from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland who have a qualifying job offer in the Netherlands. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens usually do not need this residence permit because of free movement rights.
The IND requirements include an employment contract with an employer or research institution in the Netherlands, income that meets the required amount, and a salary that is in line with the market rate. The IND also states that the employer must be listed as a recognised sponsor, although special rules may apply to Turkish citizens and their family members.
Typical applicants include software engineers, data specialists, finance professionals, researchers, consultants, technical specialists, senior managers and other internationally recruited professionals. However, the IND does not approve a permit simply because the job title sounds skilled. The legal requirements must still be met.
The Role of a Recognised Sponsor Netherlands
For most highly skilled migrant applications, the employer must be a recognised sponsor Netherlands. A recognised sponsor is an organisation recognised by the IND that can apply for residence permits for certain categories of foreign nationals. The IND public register can be used to check whether a company, school or organisation is recognised, and the register is updated monthly.
This is one of the first practical checks in any HSM case. A candidate may have a strong job offer, but if the employer cannot act as sponsor, the application may not be possible under the standard HSM route.
Employers also have ongoing obligations. The IND states that sponsors must provide information, keep and retain records, and meet a duty of care. For highly skilled migrants, records include items such as the passport copy, employment contract, payslips and proof that salary was actually paid into an account in the employee’s name.
Practical example:
A non-EU software developer receives an offer from a Dutch startup. The salary is high enough, but the startup is not an IND recognised sponsor. Unless another valid arrangement or exception applies, the employee may not be able to use the standard HSM route with that employer.
Main IND Requirements for a Highly Skilled Migrant Application
The IND lists several requirements for the highly skilled migrant permit. The applicant must meet the general residence permit requirements, have an employment contract with a Dutch employer or research institution, meet the income requirements, and receive a salary that is in line with market conditions. Healthcare professionals may also need BIG-register registration.
The salary must not only meet the minimum threshold. It must also be market-conform. This means that the agreed salary should be comparable to what people in the same role normally earn.
Practical example:
A company offers a very high salary for a junior administrative role and tries to use the HSM route. Even if the amount meets the numeric threshold, the IND may still look at whether the salary and role are credible and market-conform.
2026 Salary Criteria for Highly Skilled Migrants
For 2026, the IND lists the following gross monthly salary thresholds for highly skilled migrants:
| HSM category | 2026 gross monthly amount |
|---|---|
| Highly skilled migrant aged 30 or older | €5,942 |
| Highly skilled migrant younger than 30 | €4,357 |
| Reduced salary criterion | €3,122 |
These amounts are published by the IND and apply to first applications, extensions and changes of sponsor, depending on the situation. The IND states that required amounts change every year on 1 January, so the latest official IND figures must always be checked before applying.
The reduced salary criterion can apply in specific situations, such as when the HSM application is made during or shortly after an orientation year for highly educated persons, or within the relevant period after graduation, doctoral defence or research residence.
The IND also explains what can and cannot count toward the salary criterion. Fixed allowances may count only if they are included in the contract and paid monthly into the employee’s bank account. Holiday allowance, payment in kind and uncertain non-regular elements such as overtime, tips or fund payments do not count.
Practical example:
An employer offers €4,250 gross per month plus holiday allowance to a 29-year-old applicant in 2026. This may still be below the HSM threshold because holiday allowance does not count toward the salary criterion. The contract should be reviewed before submission.
How the IND Highly Skilled Migrant Application Works
The application is normally submitted by the employer, either online or in writing. If the applicant needs an MVV, the employer can apply for the MVV and residence permit at the same time. The IND states that the application fee for the highly skilled migrant procedure is €423, but fees and exceptions must be checked against the current IND fee page before filing.
The IND states that it must decide within 90 days, although the period may be extended if the application is incomplete or more information is needed. Business.gov.nl also notes that the IND aims to decide within 2 weeks of receiving an application, but applicants should not treat an aim or common practice as a legal guarantee.
This is why many clients become anxious when an application takes longer than expected. Some people have asked, for example, whether an HSM application “going into week 5” is normal, whether the employer should contact the IND, and whether nationality affects processing time. The safest legal approach is to plan around the official IND decision period and avoid making irreversible decisions until the application position is clear.
Documents Commonly Needed
The exact documents depend on the situation. The IND checklist for online highly skilled migrant applications mentions items such as a copy of the passport, an antecedents certificate in certain cases, and additional documents for accompanying family members, marriage, registered partnership, unmarried partners or minors.
Foreign documents may need legalisation and translation into Dutch, English, French or German.
Practical example:
A married applicant wants the spouse and child to move at the same time. In addition to the applicant’s passport and employment documentation, the family application may require marriage documents, passports and documents relating to minors. These should be checked early, especially if legalisation is needed.
Can You Work While Waiting for the Residence Permit?
After a positive decision, the employee may be able to start working before the physical residence document is ready, if this is stated in the positive decision letter. The IND also states that if an extension application is pending and no positive decision has been issued yet, the employee may continue working with an expired residence document and can obtain a residence endorsement sticker showing lawful residence and work status while waiting.
This point is important because clients often confuse three different stages: application submitted, positive decision issued, and residence card collected. The legal position can be different at each stage.
Changing Employer as a Highly Skilled Migrant
Changing employer is a common HSM issue. Our clients frequently ask how long the process takes when changing employers and whether waiting almost two months is still normal.
The IND salary rules state that when a highly skilled migrant changes employer, they must meet the required amount applicable on the date the employment contract with the new employer starts.
This means a job change should be reviewed before resignation or contract signing. The new employer must be able to sponsor the employee, the salary must meet the correct threshold, and the timing must be handled carefully.
Practical example:
A highly skilled migrant under 30 changes employer after turning 30. Depending on the facts and timing, the salary criterion may change. The contract should be checked against the IND rules before the new employment begins.
What Happens If You Lose Your HSM Job?
Losing a job can directly affect HSM residence rights. The IND states that if a highly skilled migrant loses their job while the permit is still valid, they have up to 3 months to find a new job. If they have had the permit for 2 years or longer, they may have up to 6 months. The search period cannot be longer than the validity of the residence permit.
If the job search period ends and no new employer has registered the person, the IND may revoke the residence permit.
Practical example:
A researcher on an HSM permit receives notice that their contract will not be renewed. The person should immediately check the permit expiry date, search period, new sponsor options, alternative residence routes and whether any researcher or orientation-year route may apply.
HSM Permit for Turkish Citizens
The HSM permit for Turkish citizens requires special attention. The IND explains that EU-Turkey Association Law can make certain requirements less strict for Turkish employees and their family members.
The recognised sponsor rule is also different in some Turkish cases. The IND page on sponsor recognition states that recognition is mandatory for highly skilled migrant applications, but that an exception applies to highly skilled migrants and researchers with Turkish nationality. Business.gov.nl similarly states that under the Association Treaty, an employer does not need to be a recognised sponsor to take on Turkish employees as knowledge migrants.
This does not mean every Turkish citizen automatically qualifies without risk. The employment contract, salary, residence purpose, employer role, application form and IND assessment still matter. Turkish applicants should get tailored legal advice before assuming that the recognised sponsor requirement does not apply to their case.
Practical example:
A Turkish engineer receives an offer from a Dutch employer that is not in the IND recognised sponsor register. This may not immediately end the discussion, because Turkish-specific rules may be relevant. However, the employer and employee should review the case before filing to avoid submitting the wrong application or relying on an exception incorrectly.
HSM Permit and the 30% Ruling Are Not the Same
Many highly skilled migrants also ask about the Dutch 30% ruling, now often called the expat scheme. This is a tax facility, not an immigration permit. The Dutch Tax Administration states that the expat scheme can allow an untaxed allowance for extraterritorial costs if the conditions are met, and the employer and employee must apply for it together.
The 30% ruling has its own conditions, salary standards and timing rules. For 2026, the Tax Administration lists separate annual salary thresholds for specific expertise, including a lower threshold for people under 30 with a qualifying academic master’s degree.
A person may qualify for an HSM permit but not the 30% ruling, or may need separate advice about the tax facility. Immigration advice and tax advice should not be treated as the same service.
Common Questions from Real Clients
“My IND application is in week 5. Is that normal?”
It can happen. Some applications are decided quickly, but the IND states that the decision period is 90 days and that the period may be extended if the application is incomplete. Applicants often expect 2–4 weeks and become anxious when the process takes longer.
“Do the 2026 salary thresholds affect renewals and people already working?”
They can. The IND states that the relevant amount depends on the application, extension or employer change situation, and that amounts change annually on 1 January. A discussion on the 2026 thresholds specifically asked how the new salary amounts affect internationals already working in the Netherlands or planning to move.
“Can I transfer my HSM status to another employer?”
You cannot treat HSM status like a simple personal work permit that automatically follows you. The new employment must be assessed, the new employer must be able to sponsor you unless an exception applies, and the correct salary criterion must be met at the start of the new contract.
“What if my contract is not renewed?”
You may have a job search period, but it is limited and depends on your permit validity and how long you have held the permit. The IND states that the search period is up to 3 months, or up to 6 months if the permit has been held for 2 years or longer.
When to Get Highly Skilled Migrant Legal Advice in the Netherlands
You should consider legal advice before filing or changing an HSM application if:
- your employer is not listed as an IND recognised sponsor;
- you are a Turkish citizen and may rely on special EU-Turkey Association Law rules;
- your salary is close to the threshold;
- your pay includes bonuses, allowances, equity, overtime or holiday allowance;
- you are changing employer;
- your job is ending;
- your application is delayed or the IND requests more information;
- your family members will apply with you;
- your employer is unsure about sponsor duties.
DYC Legal Consultancy provides highly skilled migrant legal advice Netherlands for professionals, Turkish citizens and employers who want to understand their position before taking action. A legal review can help identify issues before they become IND problems.
FAQ: Highly Skilled Migrant Permit Netherlands
What is a highly skilled migrant permit in the Netherlands?
It is a Dutch temporary residence permit for specialised non-EU/EEA/Swiss employees who will live and work in the Netherlands. The application is normally employer-sponsored and processed by the IND.
Does my employer need to be a recognised sponsor?
In most HSM cases, yes. The IND says the employer must be a sponsor recognised by the IND and listed in the public register. Special rules may apply for Turkish citizens.
Can Turkish citizens apply for an HSM permit without a recognised sponsor?
Possibly, depending on the case. IND guidance states that an exception to mandatory recognition applies to highly skilled migrants and researchers with Turkish nationality, and Business.gov.nl refers to the Association Treaty for Turkish employees as knowledge migrants. This should be assessed carefully before applying.
What are the 2026 HSM salary thresholds?
For 2026, the IND lists €5,942 gross per month for highly skilled migrants aged 30 or older, €4,357 for those younger than 30, and €3,122 for the reduced salary criterion. These amounts must be checked against the latest IND rules before submission.
Does holiday allowance count toward the HSM salary threshold?
No. The IND states that vacation allowance is not included in the salary criterion. Payment in kind and uncertain non-regular pay elements such as overtime also do not count.
How long does the IND highly skilled migrant application take?
The IND states that it must decide within 90 days, although the period may be extended if the application is incomplete. Business.gov.nl states that the IND aims to decide within 2 weeks of receiving an application, but this should not be treated as a guarantee.
Can I change employers as a highly skilled migrant?
Yes, but the new employment must meet the IND conditions. The salary threshold relevant to a change of employer is assessed according to the date the employment contract with the new employer starts.
What happens if I lose my HSM job?
The IND states that you may have up to 3 months to find a new job, or up to 6 months if you have had the HSM permit for 2 years or longer. The search period cannot be longer than the permit validity.
Can my family come with me?
Family members may be included through the relevant family member application route. IND document checklists mention accompanying family members and additional documents for spouses, registered partners, unmarried partners and minors.
Is the 30% ruling the same as the HSM permit?
No. The HSM permit is an immigration residence permit. The 30% ruling, or expat scheme, is a tax facility with separate conditions handled through the Tax Administration.
Need Help With a Highly Skilled Migrant Permit?
A highly skilled migrant application can look straightforward, but small mistakes can create serious consequences. Sponsor status, salary structure, Turkish nationality, job changes, family applications and IND timing should all be reviewed before action is taken.
DYC Legal Consultancy helps international professionals, Turkish citizens and employers with Dutch immigration questions, HSM permit strategy, employer changes and residence permit risks.
Contact DYC Legal Consultancy to schedule a consultation and receive clear legal guidance before submitting your IND highly skilled migrant application.