Highly skilled migrant (kennismigrant), Netherlands

Kennismigrant is the Dutch word for highly skilled migrant. The IND describes the highly skilled migrant residence permit as a permit to work in the Netherlands for an employer that the IND recognises as a sponsor.

The employer applies on your behalf, online or by post, and must be on the IND's public register of recognised sponsors. The permit is linked to work as a highly skilled migrant, and the IND says the agreed salary must also be in line with the market rate, meaning what people in the same job earn on average.

It suits doctors, specialists and other health professionals with an offer from a Dutch hospital, clinic or research institution that holds recognised sponsor status. The IND's 2026 gross monthly salary thresholds, excluding the 8% holiday allowance, are:

• €5,942 if you are 30 or older
• €4,357 if you are younger than 30
• €3,122 under the reduced criterion, for graduates who apply within 3 years of completing their studies or research

The IND says that if you work in a profession listed in the BIG Act in individual healthcare, you must be registered in the BIG register. For most foreign-trained doctors and nurses that means first going through CBGV assessment and often the BI-test.

1. Obtain BIG registration, or confirm the route to it, if your profession requires it.
2. Accept a job offer from a recognised sponsor at or above the IND salary threshold.
3. The employer applies to the IND and pays the fee.
4. If you need a provisional residence permit (MVV), the employer applies for it at the same time as the residence permit.
5. After arrival, make an appointment at an IND desk to collect your residence document.

The IND sets the application fee at €423. It must decide within 90 days, although this can be extended if more information is needed. The permit is valid for up to 5 years, in line with the length of the contract.

If you lose your job while the permit is valid, the IND says you have up to 3 months to find new work as a highly skilled migrant. If you became unemployed after 22 May 2026 and had held the permit for at least 2 years, the search period is up to 6 months. Family members can apply for residence through your employer, and after 5 years you may be able to apply for permanent residence.

• Employer not a recognised sponsor. Check the IND public register before you accept.
• Salary below the threshold for your age, or counted including holiday allowance.
• No BIG registration. The permit lets you live and work in the Netherlands but not practise a protected profession without registration.

See our Netherlands page and BI-test guide.