Netherlands Work Visa from Dubai
The Netherlands' skilled routes - the Highly Skilled Migrant permit and the EU Blue Card - run on a qualifying job offer and the IND salary thresholds. Cosmos checks your eligibility and guides you through the process.
Have a Dutch job offer, or close to one? Cosmos can check whether it meets the IND thresholds and which route fits best.
Check My EligibilityThe two main skilled routes
Most skilled professionals move to the Netherlands on one of two routes. Both require a qualifying job offer; the difference is mainly the sponsor requirement and EU mobility.
| Highly Skilled Migrant (kennismigrant) | EU Blue Card | |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsor | Employer must be an IND-recognised sponsor | No recognised-sponsor requirement |
| Scope | Netherlands only | EU mobility possible after 12 months |
| Job offer | Required | Required |
| Processing | Often about 2 weeks via a recognised sponsor (legal maximum 90 days) | Standard IND processing |
2026 salary thresholds (IND)
The salary your offer must meet is set by the IND and updated annually. For 2026, the gross monthly figures (excluding the 8% holiday allowance) are approximately:
| Highly Skilled Migrant, aged 30+ | EUR 5,942 / month |
| Highly Skilled Migrant, under 30 | EUR 4,357 / month |
| Recent graduates / orientation-year holders | EUR 3,122 / month (reduced) |
| EU Blue Card | EUR 5,942 / month (reduced EUR 4,754 for recent graduates) |
Thresholds are indexed every January and 2025 applications follow 2025 figures. Always confirm the current threshold on the official IND website before relying on it.
Does your offer clear the threshold?
A Cosmos consultant can check your job offer against the current IND thresholds and tell you which route fits.
Check My EligibilityHow Cosmos helps (and what we don't do)
Cosmos provides an eligibility assessment and advisory guidance: whether your profile and offer fit the Highly Skilled Migrant permit or the EU Blue Card, the documents required, and how the IND process runs from application to residence permit.
To be clear about scope: these routes need a qualifying job offer. We do not place you with a Dutch employer. The Highly Skilled Migrant residence application is filed by your recognised-sponsor employer; the EU Blue Card can be applied for directly. Our role is to make sure you understand your eligibility and that your application is prepared correctly.
Netherlands work visa FAQs
How do I get a work visa for the Netherlands?
The main skilled route is the Highly Skilled Migrant (kennismigrant) permit, which is employer-driven: a Dutch employer recognised as a sponsor by the IND applies for your residence permit, and your salary must meet the IND threshold. The EU Blue Card is an alternative that does not require a recognised sponsor. Both need a qualifying job offer.
What salary do I need for the Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant permit?
For 2026 the IND gross monthly salary thresholds (excluding the 8% holiday allowance) are around EUR 5,942 for applicants aged 30 and over, EUR 4,357 for under-30s, and a reduced EUR 3,122 for recent graduates and orientation-year holders. These figures are updated each year, so confirm the current threshold with the IND before relying on them.
Do I need a job offer for the Netherlands work visa?
Yes. Both the Highly Skilled Migrant permit and the EU Blue Card require a qualifying job offer that meets the salary threshold. Cosmos assesses your eligibility and guides you through the process, but does not place you with a Dutch employer.
How does Cosmos help with the Netherlands work visa?
Cosmos provides an eligibility assessment and advisory guidance: whether your profile and offer fit the Highly Skilled Migrant permit or EU Blue Card, what documents are needed, and how the IND process works. The residence application is filed by your recognised-sponsor employer (Highly Skilled Migrant) or by you (Blue Card).
Thinking about the Netherlands? Start with an eligibility check
A Cosmos consultant can tell you honestly whether your profile and offer fit a Dutch skilled route, and what the realistic next step is.
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