Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant (kennismigrant)
Fast-track Dutch work permit via an IND-recognised sponsor employer.
Official Germany & Europe pageWho this route is for
Skilled workers and recent graduates hired by an employer registered as a recognised sponsor with the Dutch immigration service (IND).
Eligibility requirements
- Employment contract with an IND recognised sponsor (no separate labour-market test, no degree requirement)
- 2026 gross salary, aged 30+: at least EUR 5,942/month (excl. 8% holiday allowance)
- 2026 gross salary, under 30: at least EUR 4,357/month
- 2026 reduced rate for recent Dutch/EU graduates and orientation-year switchers: at least EUR 3,122/month
- Valid passport and Dutch health insurance after arrival
Requirements reviewed June 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.
Recent changes & caveats
Thresholds rose roughly 4.5% for 2026 (effective 1 January 2026); amounts exclude the 8% holiday allowance. The parallel Dutch EU Blue Card needs a recognised degree and a higher 2026 salary (about EUR 6,245/month standard; reduced rate around EUR 4,754) but adds intra-EU mobility after 12 months.
Check your points first
Use the free Opportunity Card Points Calculator to see if you're likely to qualify before you start.
Other Germany & Europe routes
Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte, Sec 20a)
TemporaryPoints-based job-search visa — come to Germany with no job offer.
EU Blue Card (Sec 18g)
TemporaryThe EU's flagship permit for university graduates with a German job offer.
Skilled Worker Visa (Sec 18a / 18b)
TemporaryWork permit for graduates and vocationally trained workers with a job offer.
Germany Recognition Partnership (Sec 16d)
TemporaryGet your foreign qualification fully recognised after you arrive in Germany.