Dutch highly skilled migrant applications: details to check before submitting
Content checked: 16 September 2026
The kennismigrant route is a Dutch residence route for highly skilled migrants. Check the employer, salary conditions and personal formalities separately rather than relying only on the annual salary in an offer. Use the work visa checklist to organise a conversation with HR.
Confirm the intended permit
Ask which residence or work route the employer will use and verify the necessary sponsor status. Different permits do not share one salary test, and reaching a figure does not guarantee approval. Consult the IND highly skilled migrant guidance.
2026 first-application salary references
| Situation | Gross monthly salary, excluding holiday pay |
|---|---|
| Under 30 | €4,357 |
| Age 30 or older | €5,942 |
| Confirmed reduced salary criterion | €3,122 |
These references come from IND’s income requirements. Renewals, employer changes and special occupations can have different applicable rules; current age alone is not enough to select a rule for every case.
The reduced criterion relates to orientation-year and associated conditions, including relevant graduation, research and application dates. Being a recent graduate or having a prestigious foreign degree is not sufficient by itself. Ask the employer to identify the actual provision and supporting evidence.
Do not simply divide the total package by 12
Ask HR to distinguish fixed pay, holiday pay, bonuses and other components. Some contractually agreed fixed allowances can count when the payment conditions are met, including monthly payment. Holiday allowance and uncertain variable elements cannot simply be added to reach the threshold. Check every component against the IND explanation.
Preparation is different from permission to work
Prepare a valid passport, contract and requested declarations. Then confirm individual MVV, translation or legalisation, biometrics and tuberculosis examination requirements. A generic list cannot replace a formal request for additional documents or determine when work may start.
Keep a record of the salary year used, permit type, contract start date, application status and outstanding documents. If your employer, contract or personal circumstances change, ask the person handling the application to review the requirements again.