🇳🇱 Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant Permit
Also known as: kennismigrant, HSM visa
Last verified: August 31, 2026
What is the Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant Permit?
Employer must be an IND-recognised sponsor. 2026 salary thresholds (gross/month, excluding holiday allowance): €5,942 if you are 30 or over, €4,357 under 30, €3,122 for graduates within 3 years of a Dutch orientation year. Recognised-sponsor applications are typically decided in about 2 weeks. IND fee €423.
Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant Permit requirements, cost, and processing time
| Government fee | $490 |
| Processing time | 2–8 weeks |
| Minimum annual income | $82,700/year (about $6,892/month) |
| Minimum savings | No fixed threshold on record |
| Job offer | Required |
| Degree | Not required |
| Family can join | Yes |
| Path to permanent residency | Yes |
Amounts are approximate US dollar equivalents of figures set in local currency, verified against official sources for Indians.
Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant Permit cost and processing time by nationality
| Applicants | Gov. fee | Processing | Min. income | Min. savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇮🇳 Indians | $490 | 2–8 weeks | $82,700/year | — |
Each row links to the full guide for that nationality, with the document checklist.
Documents needed for the Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant Permit
- Job offer from an IND-recognised sponsor
- Employer files the combined TEV application
- Legalised documents for the MVV
- Collect the MVV at VFS/embassy in India
- Travel & register at your municipality (BRP)
- Collect your residence permit card
- Dutch health insurance within 4 months
- Ask your employer about the expat tax ruling
This list is the checklist for Indians. The full ordered checklist, with timing, dependencies, and personalized due dates, is part of the plan.
Is the Highly Skilled Migrant Permit right for you?
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- What are the requirements for the Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant Permit?
- The requirements we have on record are: a job offer from an employer in Netherlands; income of about $82,700 a year. Amounts are USD equivalents verified for Indians; the official source lists the full document set.
- How much does the Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant Permit cost?
- The government fee is about $490 (USD equivalent). Translations, apostilles, insurance, and courier costs come on top.
- What is the Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant Permit processing time?
- Typical processing takes 2–8 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- What is the income requirement for the Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant Permit?
- The minimum income is about $82,700 a year (roughly $6,892 a month), expressed in US dollars. The official threshold is set in local currency and moves with exchange rates, so confirm the current figure with the official source.
- Do I need a job offer for the Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant Permit?
- Yes. A job offer from an employer in Netherlands is required before applying.
- Can family members join on the Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant Permit?
- Yes. Accompanying family members are allowed, with additional documentation.
- Does the Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant Permit lead to permanent residency?
- Yes. It offers a path to permanent residency after the qualifying period.
- Is the kennismigrant the same as the Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant Permit?
- Yes. kennismigrant and HSM visa are other names people use for the Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant Permit.
Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant Permit guides by nationality
Other Netherlands visas
Always confirm requirements with the official government source: ind.nl. This guide is general information, not legal advice.