From 1 January 2025, new gross monthly salary thresholds will apply for highly skilled migrants in the Netherlands. These thresholds are updated annually and reflect changes in market conditions and inflation. Below are the updated amounts, which exclude the 8% holiday allowance:
- Highly skilled migrants aged 30 years or older: €5,688 per month (gross)
- Highly skilled migrants under 30: €4,171 per month (gross)
- Highly skilled migrants after an orientation year: €2,989 per month (gross)
- European Blue Card holders: €5,688 per month (gross)
- European Blue Card holders within three years of graduating from higher education: €4,551 per month (gross)
(Please note that these salary criteria are provisional, and the official salary thresholds will be announced later. The final amounts are officially published at the end of the calendar year)
These amounts are designed to ensure that highly skilled migrants are adequately compensated while working in the Netherlands, promoting an attractive environment for top talent.
Understanding the Salary Threshold Calculation
When calculating the salary threshold for a highly skilled migrant, it is important to consider all fixed monthly (gross) allowances. These allowances may be included as long as they are paid consistently each month and are documented in writing, preferably in the employment contract.
Salary payments must be made every month in which the employee works, usually at the end of that month, and must be paid via bank transfer to a bank account in the foreign national’s name. This ensures transparency and compliance with Dutch employment standards.
Intra-Company Transfers and Trade Treaties
It is also possible to bring foreign employees to the Netherlands through intra-company transfers (ICT) under various trade treaties, such as those covered by WTO Agreements. The advantage of using intra-company transfer based on the WTO agreements is that the entity in the Netherlands does not need to be recognized as an official sponsor. Additionally, unlike the highly skilled migrant scheme, there is no specific salary threshold required, however, the salary offered must meet market standards.
Stay Updated on Highly Skilled Migrant Salaries
These salary requirements for highly skilled migrants in the Netherlands are essential for both employers and foreign employees to understand, as they ensure eligibility under the highly skilled migrant visa scheme. If you’re planning a career move to the Netherlands, make sure your employment meets these updated standards to facilitate a smooth transition.
What were the salary thresholds for Highly Skilled Migrants in the Netherlands as of 2024?
As of January 1, 2024, the gross monthly salary thresholds for Highly Skilled Migrants are:
€5,331 for individuals aged 30 or older
€3,909 for individuals under 30
€2,801 for recent graduates from Dutch higher education institutions who apply within three years of graduation
These thresholds are set to ensure that Highly Skilled Migrants receive compensation commensurate with their expertise and experience.
Do these salary thresholds include holiday allowance?
No, the specified salary thresholds exclude the statutory holiday allowance of 8%. This means the gross monthly salary must meet the threshold amounts without including the holiday allowance. Employers are required to pay this allowance in addition to the base salary
Can bonuses or variable pay be included to meet the salary criteria?
What happens if a Highly Skilled Migrant turns 30 during employment?
If a Highly Skilled Migrant turns 30 while employed and continues working for the same employer without interruption, the salary criterion applicable at the start of employment remains in effect. However, if the migrant changes employers after turning 30, the higher salary threshold for individuals aged 30 or older will apply.
Is the reduced salary criterion applicable to all recent graduates?
The reduced salary criterion of €2,801 per month applies to individuals who have graduated from Dutch higher education institutions and apply within three years of graduation. This provision aims to facilitate the transition of recent graduates into the Dutch labor market by offering a lower salary threshold.
Are employers required to be recognized sponsors to hire Highly Skilled Migrants?
Yes, employers must be recognized sponsors by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) to employ Highly Skilled Migrants. Recognition as a sponsor involves meeting specific criteria related to reliability, continuity, and solvency. Recognized sponsors benefit from streamlined application processes but are also subject to certain obligations, such as providing information and maintaining accurate records.
How often are the salary thresholds for Highly Skilled Migrants updated?
The salary thresholds for Highly Skilled Migrants are reviewed and adjusted annually, typically taking effect on January 1st each year. These adjustments are based on recent index figures for negotiated wages, as published by Statistics Netherlands, to reflect changes in the labor market and economic conditions.
What are the consequences if a Highly Skilled Migrant’s salary falls below the required threshold?
If a Highly Skilled Migrant’s salary falls below the required threshold, it can jeopardize their residence permit status. The IND may initiate procedures to withdraw the residence permit, as maintaining the minimum salary is a key condition for the permit’s validity. Employers and employees must ensure that the salary remains compliant with the applicable thresholds throughout the employment period.
Do the salary criteria differ for the EU Blue Card compared to the Highly Skilled Migrant scheme?
Yes, the EU Blue Card has its own salary thresholds, which are generally higher than those for the Highly Skilled Migrant scheme. As of 2024, the gross monthly salary threshold for the EU Blue Card is €6,245, excluding holiday allowance. Additionally, the EU Blue Card requires a higher education diploma and a valid work contract or binding job offer for at least one year.
Can part-time employment qualify under the Highly Skilled Migrant scheme?
Part-time employment is permissible under the Highly Skilled Migrant scheme if the salary meets the pro-rated threshold corresponding to the full-time equivalent. This means that the part-time salary, when scaled up to a full-time equivalent, must meet or exceed the applicable salary threshold. Employers must ensure that the part-time salary is proportionally aligned with the full-time salary criteria to comply with the IND requirements.
