Kingdom of the Netherlands
Kingdom of the Netherlands visa salary thresholds
The Netherlands applies age-banded salary floors for Highly Skilled Migrants (Kennismigrant) and the EU Blue Card, plus reduced rates for recent graduates of the Orientation Year and for applicants under 30.
Last checked 20 April 2026.
Threshold table
| Route | Amount | ~USD | In force since | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Kennismigrant — 30+ Monthly gross salary floor (excluding 8% holiday allowance) for Highly Skilled Migrants aged 30 and over. Annual equivalent approx €68,256. | €5,688 / month | $6,100 | 2026-01-01 | IND — Highly Skilled Migrant |
Kennismigrant — under 30 Reduced monthly gross salary floor for Highly Skilled Migrants under 30. Annual equivalent approx €50,052. | €4,171 / month | $4,500 | 2026-01-01 | IND — Highly Skilled Migrant |
Orientation Year search — reduced rate Reduced rate for applicants transitioning from the Orientation Year / zoekjaar to a Highly Skilled Migrant permit within 3 years of graduation. | €2,989 / month | $3,200 | 2026-01-01 | IND — Highly Skilled Migrant |
EU Blue Card (Netherlands) Monthly gross salary floor for the EU Blue Card in the Netherlands. Annual equivalent approx €79,992. | €6,666 / month | $7,200 | 2026-01-01 | IND — EU Blue Card |
How often this changes
IND indexes these figures each 1 January to the Dutch CBS wage index. The under-30 and orientation-year rates change by the same ratio each year.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum salary to qualify for a work visa in Netherlands?
The Netherlands applies age-banded salary floors for Highly Skilled Migrants (Kennismigrant) and the EU Blue Card, plus reduced rates for recent graduates of the Orientation Year and for applicants under 30.
How often do Netherlands salary thresholds change?
IND indexes these figures each 1 January to the Dutch CBS wage index. The under-30 and orientation-year rates change by the same ratio each year.
Does meeting the headline threshold guarantee approval?
No. Headline floors are one of several criteria. Most jurisdictions also apply an occupation-specific going rate, character and health checks, and — for sponsored routes — employer/sponsor compliance. Failing any one of these can lead to refusal even where salary is above the threshold.