Are you a highly skilled migrant and do you want to work in the Netherlands? Or are you an employer who wants to hire a highly skilled migrant? Then you will have to deal with the salary criterion for highly skilled migrants. This is one of the most important conditions within the IND’s highly skilled migrant scheme.
In this blog, you will read everything about the salary criterion for highly skilled migrants in 2026: the current amounts, the reduced salary criterion, and which allowances and reimbursements count.
What is the salary criterion for highly skilled migrants?
The salary criterion for highly skilled migrants is a statutory minimum amount that a highly skilled migrant must earn in order to obtain a residence permit. This salary is checked by the IND and must be demonstrated in the application. The salary criterion exists to ensure that the highly skilled migrant holds a genuinely highly qualified position that contributes to the Dutch labour market. The salary thresholds are adjusted every six months and apply to the gross monthly salary, excluding holiday allowance and other bonuses.
Current salary requirements for highly skilled migrants in 2026
The salary requirements for highly skilled migrants are as follows:
- Highly skilled migrant aged 30 or older: at least €5,942 gross per month
- Highly skilled migrant under 30 years of age: at least €4,754 gross per month
- Highly skilled migrant eligible for the reduced salary criterion: at least €3,122 gross per month
When does the reduced salary criterion apply?
A reduced salary criterion applies to specific groups of highly skilled migrants. The reduced salary of €3,122 gross per month may apply in the following situations:
- Recently graduated highly educated persons: Highly skilled migrants who find a job in the Netherlands within three years of graduating from a top university (nationally or internationally).
- Orientation year for highly educated persons: Highly skilled migrants who are eligible for the orientation year and find a job during that year.
If you fall into one of these categories, your salary must be at least the reduced amount of €3,122 gross per month.
Why is the salary criterion so important?
For the IND, salary is an important indicator that there is a genuine, high-level job. The IND views the salary as evidence of the level of the position and the importance of the highly skilled migrant to the Dutch labour market. If the salary requirement is not met, the application may be rejected or an already granted residence permit may be withdrawn retroactively.
What counts towards the salary?
✅ Expense reimbursements
✅ Fixed allowances
The following conditions apply:
- They must be clearly recorded in the employment contract.
- The amounts must be paid monthly into the highly skilled migrant’s bank account.
- The payments must be made monthly (so a 13th month must be paid in 12 instalments).
❌ Holiday allowance
❌ Benefits in kind
❌ Irregular income that is not guaranteed
Common mistakes regarding highly skilled migrant salaries
In practice, things often go wrong when determining the salary for highly skilled migrants. Some common mistakes include:
- The salary is just below the minimum amount.
- Holiday allowance is included in the monthly salary.
- The salary is not paid into the correct bank account.
These mistakes can lead to rejection of the application or even withdrawal of the residence permit. Make sure everything is correct and clearly documented.
Need help with the salary criterion for highly skilled migrants?
Are you unsure whether the salary of your highly skilled migrant meets the IND requirements? Or do you need assistance with applying for a residence permit? I am happy to help you with personal advice so you can be sure everything is properly arranged.
Feel free to contact me for a non-binding consultation.
Conclusion
The salary criterion for highly skilled migrants is a key requirement for obtaining a residence permit in the Netherlands. Make sure the salary meets the IND requirements and that all components are calculated correctly.