The Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant (kennismigrant) visa lets non-EU professionals live and work in the Netherlands when hired by an IND-recognized sponsor. In 2026, the minimum gross monthly salary is €5,942 for workers aged 30 and over and €4,357 for those under 30, excluding the 8% holiday allowance. Your partner and children can join you, and partners may work without a separate permit.
Start by finding an employer — see the leading work visa sponsorship companies in the Netherlands.
These words describe this visa; let us talk about whether or not you can bring your family with you, and explain how to apply for it without an agent (yes, you read that right!). There are many good things about this visa. We’ll show you how to apply step by step and tell you how much you can save by doing it yourself. Bring a stroopwafel with you, and let’s begin.
Benefits of the Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant VISA:
The Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant VISA is meant to bring in the best workers from around the world to help the business and innovation scene in the country. What’s good about it for you? Let’s look at the pros:
- Way to Permanent Residency: One of the best things about this visa is that it can help you get permanent residency. If you have lived in the Netherlands continuously for five years, you can ask for a permit to live there permanently. In other words, you’re not just going for a short-term job; you’re making plans for a long-term stay in the Netherlands.
- Bringing Your Family: The Netherlands is a great place to visit with your family as well. You can bring your husband, registered partner, and children who depend on you to the Netherlands with you. Your spouse or partner will get residence permits that will let them live with you. They will also be able to work in the Netherlands without having a separate work permit.
- Flexibility at Work: The Highly Skilled Migrant VISA gives you freedom at work, unlike some work visas that lock you into one job. If you pick a new job, you won’t have to apply for a new visa as long as your new boss is also a known sponsor.
- Fast Processing Time: The process for applying for this visa is meant to be quick, and it usually takes between two and four weeks to process. Compared to other countries where work visas can take months to get accepted, this is a big plus.
- Access to Dutch Services: As a highly skilled immigrant, you’ll be able to use the great Dutch healthcare system, send your kids to a great school, and get other social services. These services will help you and your family start a new life in the Netherlands more easily and with more fun.
Can You Apply for a Netherlands HSM Visa Without an Agent?
No offer yet? The Netherlands job seeker visa lets you search for qualifying roles on the ground.
You can apply for the Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant VISA without an agent.
In fact, your Dutch boss, who must be approved by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND), will take care of most of the application process. It is possible to save a lot of money by not using an agency.
How much can you save? The fees that agents charge can be very different, but it’s normal for them to charge between €1,000 and €3,000. You can save money on these fees and have full control over the application process if you do it yourself. There are no complicated steps in the process, and if you do some study and get ready, you can do it on your own.
Applying for Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant VISA with Family:
Are you ready to jump? Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get a Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant VISA and how to bring your family with you.
Secure a Job with a Recognized Sponsor:
The first thing you need to do is find a job with a Dutch company that is a provider for the IND. These businesses are allowed to hire foreigners with a lot of skills. The IND’s public register or job boards and business websites that say they are recognized sponsors are good places to look for recognized sponsors.
Read Also: Warehouse Worker Jobs in Netherlands – Visa Sponsorship
Check Your Eligibility:
Make sure you meet the requirements for the skilled worker visa. This includes making the minimum wage, which changes based on your age and amount of experience. As an example, the minimum gross monthly pay in 2026 is €5,008 for people over 30 and €3,672 for people under 30. Your job offer must meet or go above these levels.
Gather the Required Documents:
Work with your boss to get the papers you need for the visa application together and get them ready. Usually, these are:
- A legal job contract or letter of assignment.
- Proof of your skills, like diplomas or awards.
- A passport or other legal travel document.
- The filled-out application form can be found at https://ind.nl/en/residence-permits/work/highly-skilled-migrant.
- Show proof that your pay meets the minimum needs.
Employer Submits the Application:
The application will be sent to the IND by your workplace through their online system, and it will usually take two to four weeks for the application to be processed.
Apply for Family Members’ Visas:
If you want to bring your family with you, they can apply for visas at the same time as you or after yours is accepted. You’ll need to show proof of your link (like a marriage certificate or a birth certificate), proof that you can support your family financially, and proof that you have a place to live in the Netherlands.
Receive a Decision from the IND:
The IND will look over your application and let you and your boss know what they think. If you are accepted, you will get a residence permit and, if needed, a provisional residence permit (MVV) that will let you leave the country.
Collect Your MVV (if required):
Get an MVV from the Dutch embassy or consulate in your home country if you need one. The Netherlands will let you visit for a short time with this visa.
Travel to the Netherlands and Register with the Municipality:
When you get to the Netherlands, you need to register with the town (gemeente) where you plan to live. You will get a BSN (burger service number) during this process. This is necessary to work and use services in the Netherlands.
Collect Your Residence Permits:
Finally, go to the IND office and get your residence papers. The permits for your family members will also be sent to them, letting them stay in the Netherlands officially.
Conclusion:
The Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant VISA is a great chance for skilled workers to live and work in a city that is growing and changing. This visa is a great choice for people who want to advance their jobs in Europe because they can bring their families with them, enjoy a high quality of life, and get their applications processed quickly. Start the process right away to start a new life in the Netherlands!
30% Ruling and Tax Benefits for Highly Skilled Migrants
Browse current visa sponsorship jobs in the Netherlands to find a recognized sponsor.
What is the minimum salary for the Netherlands highly skilled migrant visa in 2026?
For 2026, the IND requires a gross monthly salary of at least €5,942 for workers aged 30 and over, €4,357 for workers under 30, and €3,122 under the reduced criterion for recent graduates — all excluding the 8% holiday allowance.
Can I bring my family on a Netherlands highly skilled migrant visa?
Yes. Your spouse or registered partner and dependent children can get residence permits to join you, and your partner is allowed to work in the Netherlands without a separate work permit. Apply for their permits together with yours to keep the process simple.
Do I need an agent to apply for the Netherlands highly skilled migrant visa?
No — your employer, who must be an IND-recognized sponsor, handles the application through the IND’s online system. Skipping an agent typically saves €1,000 to €3,000 in fees, though complex cases can still benefit from professional advice. Confirm your employer’s sponsor status before signing anything.
How fast is the highly skilled migrant application processed?
Applications through a recognized sponsor are usually decided within two to four weeks, which is much faster than standard work-permit routes. If you need an MVV entry visa, collect it from the Dutch embassy before traveling, and register with your local municipality (gemeente) after arrival to receive your BSN.
For more openings, see jobs in the Netherlands with visa sponsorship for foreigners.
Ready to move? Explore jobs in the Netherlands at companies hiring foreigners in 2026.
