Highly-skilled migrants as a solution to labour market tightness in the Netherlands?

Residence permit

The highly-skilled migrant must have a Netherlands residence permit. If the highly skilled migrant comes from the European Union (EU), Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland, or Switzerland, no residence permit is required. However, the highly-skilled migrant always needs a valid passport or identity card.

Highly-skilled migrant 

The highly-skilled migrant scheme is intended for highly-skilled employees and their family members.

Conditions

If you, as an employer, want to bring a highly-skilled migrant to the Netherlands, you must meet the following conditions:

• You must have an employment contract with the highly skilled migrant;
• You must be a recognised sponsor. You have a certain information, administration and care obligations, and are listed in the public register of recognised sponsors;
• You must pay the highly-skilled migrant an income that meets the salary criterion. This is a minimum income that the highly-skilled migrant must earn. The minimum income can vary and depends on the employee's age and specific situation. The minimum salary is indexed annually.

As of 01 January 2024, the amounts listed below apply (excluding the 8% holiday allowance):

Work permit application and duration

As the sponsor, you may submit the residence application for the highly-skilled migrant. If the application is approved, the employee will receive a residence permit as a highly-skilled migrant. This residence permit is valid for the duration of the labour contract, with a maximum validity of 5 years. The permit can be extended indefinitely.

Family members

Family members can also apply for a residence permit, which will be linked to the residence of the highly-skilled migrant. When granted, family members are free to enter the labour market and do not need a work permit to work in the Netherlands.

Elizabeth Ilik is a partner of JAN© Accountants & Advisers and is part of the legal department of JAN©.