Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) Visa: Salary Thresholds, Documents & IND Process

The Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) scheme - known locally as kennismigrant - is one of the fastest and most predictable work permit routes in Europe, but only if you use it correctly. Here is the full picture for 2026: who qualifies, what the salary thresholds are, which documents IND actually asks for, and how the process unfolds.

What the HSM scheme is

Introduced in 2004, the HSM scheme allows Dutch employers recognised by the IND (Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst) to hire non-EU workers faster than the standard work permit route. In exchange, the employer takes on sponsor responsibilities - including paying a fee to IND and ensuring the salary is at or above the official threshold.

The benefit to the employee: a streamlined residence permit, no separate work permit, and processing times that are typically weeks rather than months.

2026 salary thresholds

The IND updates the thresholds every quarter (typically 1 January, 1 April, 1 July, 1 October). The 2026 figures most relevant to applicants are:

• Standard HSM (from 30 years old): €5,331 per month excluding holiday allowance
• Reduced threshold (under 30, or in orientation year after graduation): €3,909 per month
• Orientation year graduates: same as reduced threshold; valid for 1 year after graduation

Note: these figures are gross monthly salary excluding the 8% holiday allowance. The actual contract value must be higher to meet the threshold when the holiday pay is included.

Who qualifies

The HSM scheme is open to any non-EU national who has a job offer from a Dutch employer that is:

• An IND-recognised sponsor (you can verify the list on the IND website)
• Offering a contract of at least 1 year (or permanent)
• Paying the agreed salary at or above the threshold for your category

There is no points test on age, education, or language. Salary and the employer being a recognised sponsor are the only eligibility gates.

Documents required for the IND application

From the employee

• Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity beyond the requested permit)
• Signed employment contract or binding offer letter
• CV
• Highest education certificate (translated if not in English/Dutch/German)
• TB test result (within 3 months, except for nationals of exempt countries)
• Antecedents certificate (signed declaration of no criminal record)

From the employer (sponsor)

• Copy of the recognised sponsor approval (KvK extract)
• Salary breakdown showing monthly gross + holiday allowance
• Signed sponsor declaration

Step-by-step process

1. Employer confirms sponsorship status. The Dutch employer must already be a recognised IND sponsor before they can file for you. If they are not, they need to apply for sponsor recognition first (takes 2 - 4 weeks).
2. Offer letter and contract are signed. The salary must be at or above the current threshold.
3. Employee collects documents. Passport, CV, education certificate, antecedents, and TB test booking.
4. Employer files the application with IND. Most recognised sponsors file online via the IND portal.
5. IND decision. Typical processing: 2 weeks for highly skilled migrants (the IND publishes service-level targets on its website).
6. MVV (entry visa) collection. If the employee is outside the Netherlands, they collect an MVV long-stay visa from the Dutch embassy in their country (90-day validity).
7. Entry and biometrics in the Netherlands. Within 90 days, the employee travels to the Netherlands and visits an IND desk for biometrics to receive the residence permit sticker.

Permit duration and renewal

The HSM residence permit is typically issued for the duration of the employment contract, up to a maximum of 5 years. It can be renewed as long as employment and salary conditions continue to be met. After 5 years of legal residence, you become eligible for a permanent EU residence permit, or for Dutch naturalisation (subject to language and civic integration requirements).

Family inclusion

HSM permit holders can bring their partner and dependent children. The partner is eligible for a dependent residence permit and has full work rights in the Netherlands (no separate work permit needed). Children attend school free of charge.

Common mistakes that delay HSM applications

• Employer is not a recognised sponsor (this is the #1 delay - sponsor registration must happen first)
• Salary is just below the threshold due to holiday allowance miscalculation
• Education certificate not properly translated or apostilled
• TB test results submitted late or from a non-approved clinic
• Antecedents certificate missing or not signed

Frequently asked questions

Can I switch employers on an HSM permit?

Yes, but the new employer must also be a recognised sponsor, and the salary must still meet the threshold. A notification to IND is required.

What if I lose my job?

You have a 3-month "search period" to find a new qualifying job. If you do not find one in time, the permit ends.

Is the HSM the same as the EU Blue Card?

No. The HSM is Netherlands-specific and administered by IND. The EU Blue Card is a separate EU-wide scheme. Most applicants benefit more from the HSM because the salary threshold is lower and the process is faster.