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The Highly Skilled Migrant permit is the Netherlands' flagship work route. An IND-recognised sponsor employer hires you and files the application; eligibility rests on meeting a gross salary threshold rather than a labour-market test, which makes it fast and popular.
The Highly Skilled Migrant (kennismigrant) permit is the main Dutch route for skilled foreign workers. Your employer must be registered with the IND as a recognised sponsor and applies on your behalf, so you do not apply independently. There is no labour-market test; instead the gross monthly salary must meet an age-based threshold, with a lower reduced rate for recent graduates and those under 30. You also need a valid passport and a genuine, market-conform position.
A major draw is speed: the legal maximum is 90 days, but the IND aims to decide complete applications from recognised sponsors within about two weeks. That is why the route is widely used by tech, engineering and finance employers.
The IND application fee is EUR 423 (2026), normally paid by the employer. Salary thresholds change at least once a year, so confirm the current figure on ind.nl before relying on it. ACME can check your offer and salary against the current highly-skilled-migrant threshold, compare it with the EU Blue Card and help coordinate the filing with your sponsor employer.
Get a free, personalised assessment from a licensed ACME advisor, or ask Acey.
Guidance only, not legal advice. ACME is an independent consultancy, not affiliated with any government. Rules change, confirm details with official sources.