Navigating the salary requirements for highly skilled migrants can be complex, but understanding these thresholds is key to making informed decisions.
Why Salary Thresholds Matter
The Highly Skilled Migrant program uses a clear set of gross monthly salary thresholds, which vary, depending on the applicant’s age and whether they have graduated in the Netherlands. This transparency simplifies compliance for employers. Please see our blog regarding the Definitive salary thresholds highly skilled migrants and Blue Card holders 2025.
Situation, timing and threshold determination
The applicable salary threshold of the Highly Skilled Migrant is determined based on the applicable situation of the Highly Skilled Migrant on the date of the application or change. Employers and the Highly Skilled Migrants must stay updated with these changes to ensure compliance. The revised thresholds may impact eligibility and the financial planning of both parties.
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First application for residence permit
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Extension of the residence permit
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Change of sponsor (employer)
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Highly skilled migrant after having the residence permit for the orientation year as a highly skilled migrant seeking employment or Highly skilled migrant who meets the requirements for the orientation year.
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Standard amount for reduced salary threshold applicable on the date of the first application.
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The (indexed) required amount of the reduced salary threshold, applicable on the date of the application for extension.
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The (indexed) required amount of the reduced salary threshold, applicable on the date of change.
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Highly skilled migrant under the age of 30
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Required amount for salary threshold for highly skilled migrants under the age of 30, applicable on date of first application.
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If the highly skilled migrant is now aged 30 or older, the (indexed) required amount for salary threshold for under 30 applicable on date of the application for extension, provided they are still employed by the same sponsor as at the time the permit was first granted.
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If the highly skilled migrant is still under the age of 30: indexed required amount for salary threshold for under 30, applicable on the date of change. If the highly skilled migrant is now 30 years of age or older: indexed required amount for salary threshold for age 30 or older, applicable on date of change.
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Highly skilled migrant aged 30 or older
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Required amount for salary threshold for age 30 or older, applicable on date of first application.
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The (indexed) required amount for salary threshold for age 30 and older, applicable on date of application for extension.
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The (indexed) required amount for salary threshold for age 30 or older, applicable on date of change.
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Examples of where opportunities and risks lie:
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Emma studied in the Netherlands and subsequently obtained an orientation year residence permit. She finds a job with a recognized sponsor. The salary threshold of EUR 2,989 (2025) applies. After six months, Emma finds a new job, again as a highly skilled migrant. By then, she has turned 30.
The advantage of the reduced salary threshold following an orientation year permit is that it always remains attached to the foreign national, even upon extension of the residence permit and even when changing to a different recognized sponsor. Most employers are often unaware of the residence history, and the new employer might think that they must pay Emma at least EUR 5,688 as a highly skilled migrant aged 30 or older. Nothing could be further from the truth; the new employer may in fact pay a minimum salary of EUR 2,989 (2025).
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Roberto is a highly skilled migrant employed at ABC Group B.V. and working at the headquarters in the Netherlands. He is under 30 and was hired under the salary threshold applicable to those under 30. Three years later, a reorganization takes place within the Group, and Roberto joins a subsidiary of the ABC Group, B B.V. By then, Roberto is 32. Because this involves a change of sponsor, even when the change takes place within the same corporate group, Roberto must meet the salary threshold for highly skilled migrants aged 30 or older. Even if Roberto had still been under 30 at the time of the transfer, he would have had to meet the salary threshold for highly skilled migrants under 30 as applicable at the time of transfer (this threshold, due to indexation, is higher than the same threshold from three years earlier!).
Furthermore, more complex situations may arise, for example in the case of a merger, where one employer is absorbed into another employer. The question is to what extent this is considered a change of employer.
Conclusion
For both highly skilled migrants and the employers who hire them, understanding and navigating the salary thresholds in the Netherlands is essential for successful employment and legal compliance. The timing of the application submission, as well as the applicant’s age at that time, are critical factors in determining which threshold will apply. By staying informed and adhering to these guidelines, highly skilled migrants can take full advantage of the Dutch job market, and employers can access top-tier talent from around the world to support their growth and innovation.
