What Is the Highly Skilled Migrant Permit?
The Kennismigrant — Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) permit — is a Dutch residence and work permit for non-EU/EEA professionals employed by a Dutch company at a qualifying salary level. Once your employer holds Recognized Sponsor (erkend referent) status, your application is processed within just two weeks.
Unlike most EU work routes, the HSM permit does not require a labour market test. There is no obligation to prove a Dutch or EU national was unavailable for the role. This makes the Dutch HSM significantly faster and less burdensome than comparable permits in Germany, France, or the United Kingdom.
Salary Thresholds for 2026
The standard threshold is approximately €5,688 per month gross, excluding holiday allowance. A reduced threshold of approximately €4,166 per month applies to workers under 30 years of age.
Graduates of Dutch universities who secure employment within three years of graduation also qualify under the reduced threshold. Your employer must hold and maintain Recognized Sponsor status — verify this before accepting a role.
Application Process
Your employer submits the HSM permit application to the IND on your behalf. If the employer holds Recognized Sponsor status, the IND issues a decision within two weeks. You then collect an authorisation for temporary stay (MVV) from the Dutch embassy in your home country.
Once in the Netherlands, register at your local municipality (gemeente) and collect your residence permit. The permit is valid for the duration of your employment contract, up to a maximum of five years.
Path to Permanent Residence
After five years of continuous legal residence in the Netherlands — including under HSM status — you are eligible to apply for permanent residence. After five years of permanent residence (ten years total), you may be eligible to apply for Dutch citizenship.