September 29, 2026 ∙ 6 min read
If you are planning a move to the Netherlands as a skilled professional, salary is the first thing the Dutch immigration service checks. Get it wrong and the application stalls, however strong your CV is. The guide outlines the 2026 minimum salary criteria for the Highly Skilled Migrant Card, how it can be met, and the common mistakes that individuals make while applying. In case you need an individual assessment of your case, the immigration and global mobility team at FIFEC can help.
The IND adjusts these amounts every 1 January. They apply to first applications, extensions and changes of employer.
What Is the Minimum Salary for a Highly Skilled Migrant in 2026?
The minimum gross monthly salary for a high-skilled migrant in the Netherlands in the year 2026 is calculated at €5,942 in case your age is 30 years or above, and it is calculated at €4,357 in case your age is below 30 years. Fresh graduates will be eligible on the basis of €3,122 criterion.2026 Highly Skilled Migrant Salary Thresholds
| Category | Minimum gross monthly salary (excl. holiday allowance) |
| Highly skilled migrant, 30 years or older | €5,942 |
| Highly skilled migrant, under 30 | €4,357 |
| Reduced salary criterion (graduates) | €3,122 |
| EU Blue Card | €5,942 |
| EU Blue Card, reduced criterion | €4,754 |
What Counts Toward the Salary Requirement?
Not every euro on your contract counts. The IND only looks at pay that is fixed and guaranteed.What is included
- Your fixed gross monthly salary.
- Fixed allowances and expense reimbursements, such as a thirteenth month.
What is not included
- Holiday allowance.
- Payments in kind, such as a company car.
- Irregular or uncertain pay, such as overtime, tips or discretionary bonuses.
Reduced Salary Criterion: Who Qualifies?
The lower €3,122 threshold is meant to help recent graduates start their careers in the Netherlands. According to the IND, it applies in three situations:- You apply for the highly skilled migrant permit while holding an orientation year permit for highly educated persons.
- You held an orientation year permit before and apply within 3 years of graduation, your doctoral defence, or the end of a research permit.
- You never held an orientation year permit but would have qualified for one, and you apply within 3 years of graduating or defending your doctorate.
Which Salary Threshold Applies to You?
The amount to be applied varies depending on when the application was made, not when the agreement was signed. Application made in 2025 used the amounts for 2025, while those made on and after 1st January 2026 use the amounts for 2026.If you turn 30
Should you have gotten your permit while below the age of 30, then your extension with the same employer will retain its €4,357 rate, even when you reach the age of 30. Should you switch employers after 30, however, then the €5,942 threshold comes into effect.If you change employers
The threshold that applies is the one in force on the date your new employment contract starts. Time your job change carefully, especially around 1 January, when amounts rise.Employer Requirements That Affect Your Salary
The salary is just one aspect of the equation. Your employer needs to be a recognized sponsor at the IND as well. The salary needs to be market-conform with regards to the position that you occupy and should be paid on a monthly basis. From 1 January 2026 onwards, all recognized sponsors will need to provide bank statements proving that they paid salaries as well. You as an employee can gain from this situation.Salary and Take-Home Pay: The 30% Ruling
Minimum salary refers to a gross salary; thus, the net salary will depend on your taxation status. Another benefit that some highly skilled migrants may receive under the Dutch immigration laws is the Dutch 30% ruling. This rule allows the employer to pay 30% of the salary without taxation. However, there are certain conditions that should be met under this rule.Highly Skilled Migrant vs. EU Blue Card: Salary Differences
There is no difference between the minimum annual salary for the EU Blue Card and for the regular permit for highly skilled migrants (it is €5,942). The difference is that for the regular permit for highly skilled migrants, the lower threshold exists for those who are under 30 years old. But the lower threshold for graduates from the EU Blue Card is higher (€4,754).Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Counting holiday allowance toward the minimum. It does not count.
- Relying on variable pay to reach the threshold.
- Using last year's figures. Amounts change every January.
- Assuming age 30 changes nothing. Check the rules above for extensions and job changes.
- Ignoring the sponsor. The employer must be a recognised sponsor before you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the highly skilled migrant salary include holiday allowance?
No. The thresholds are gross monthly amounts excluding the 8% holiday allowance.Can I meet the requirement with a bonus?
Only fixed, guaranteed monthly pay counts. Irregular bonuses, overtime and tips do not.Is the salary requirement the same for every industry?
Yes, the minimum applies across sectors. Your employer must still pay a market-conform salary for the role.How often do the salary thresholds change?
Every year on 1 January, based on IND indexation.What if my salary is below the threshold?
The application will not be approved. You may need a renegotiated contract, the reduced criterion if you qualify, or a different permit type.