Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant Visa Salary Threshold 2026
To become an international professional in 2026 in the Netherlands one will not need just good skills in a high level, but will need a strictly indexed financial price to be met when entering the country. The Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) has increased the stakes among an employer and an employee with January 2026 update.
This guide is the ultimate guideline to go through the Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) visa requirements this year in light of the new bank-statement demonstration of payment regulations as well as the 5,942 requirement at the senior professional level.
2026 Salary Standards
Each January 1 st, the Dutch government modifies these figures to reflect inflation in national wage. In 2026, the criteria increased by 4.46%.
- Age-Based Threshold (30+): The average gross monthly salary of migrants over 30 years old is 5942.
- Younger Than 30 Threshold: The gross monthly salary threshold of under 30 is less than that of 30 and is of €4,357.
- Reduced Criterion (Graduates): an amount of lower limit of the 3,122 applies to graduates whose home country of study is the Netherlands or top 200 international universities during the past three years
- EU Blue Card Standard: The current threshold is 5942 (independent of age), and there is a lower threshold of 4754 in case of fresh graduates.
- Market Conformity Test: The legal condition that the salary should not be below the IND threshold, in addition, that it should be in line with the amount that Dutch employees are earning in the same positions.
High Impact 2026 Shifts of Compliance
The “Bank Statement” Mandate
The IND now does not accept payslips as the only evidence of salary in 2026. identified Sponsors have now been required to keep a bank statement or a batch payment overview. This prevents waging recycling schemes by making sure that the salary is literally deposited in an account in the name of the employee.
30% Ruling Adjustments (2026)
Although the tax-free allowance will not be reduced to 27% in 2027 (since it is still stood at 30% in 2026), the eligibility criteria in order to be classified in the ruling category have been indexed:
- Minimum Threshold of 30%: €48,013 (Annual gross taxable).
- Less than 30 + Masters: The amount is 36,497 (Annual gross taxable).
- WNT Cap : The threshold on the highest amount of salary that qualifies the 30% ruling is limited to an amount of 262,000 in 2026.
The “Market Conformity” Audit
Comparing migrant salaries with the CAO (Collective Labor Agreement) requirements on particular industries is increasingly becoming the trend of the IND and the Dutch Labor Authority to use AI. Although you exceed the €5,942 requirement, in case the market rate of your particular job is the €7, 000, the IND will refuse the permit on account of underpayment.
Checklist of 2026 Relocation Safe Harbor
- Fixed vs. Variable: The salary should be fixed on a monthly basis. The IND threshold does not include variable bonuses, tips and overtime.
- Holiday Allowance: The 8 percent holiday allowance should be over and above the threshold. When your contract states that it is going to be in the form of six thousand Euros with the holidays pay, you actually are not having the right one.
- 13th Month: A 13 Th-month payment may only be recognized to the extent that it is paid in the form of equal monthly payments during the year.
- Credential Evaluation (IDW): In the case of the “Reduced Criterion,” make sure that foreign degrees are processed by IDW in order to make sure that they are of the standard of being in the Top 200 University.
FAQ
What would occur in case I become 30 years old in the course of my visa?
When you are already in the Netherlands and operate under an HSM visa and are 30, you need not rush to the 30+ limit of the salary. You retain the rate of under 30 years provided you remain with the same employer. The higher limit applies in the event that you change employer past age 30.
Is it possible to deduct my car allowance to the salary threshold?
No. Non-cash payments and allowances not assured in every month are out. The fixed gross salary in cash which is contractually agreed is only counted.
What do you mean by the Reduced Criterion of graduates?
You are required to demonstrate that you had an Orientation Year permit or had satisfied the requirements of this permit within three years. This discounted rate is a benefit that is here to stay after qualifying, you can keep this discounted rate even after switching jobs or reaching the age of 30.
Final Thoughts
The Netherlands is still one of the leading destinations of international talents, yet the financial transparency is strict in the 2026 scene. To employers, the new bank-statement retention policy implies that payroll and HR should be in unison. In the case of employees, a distinction between Gross Salary and Gross Salary including Holiday Pay is the one between a visa and a refusal.
Disclaimer:
This is an informative and educative article. It is recommended that readers should check information provided by reliable sources, i.e. the official IND .nil site, or a qualified Dutch immigration lawyer, prior to making any decisions.