On 18 December 2025, the Dutch government published the gross salary thresholds that apply for Highly Skilled Migrant and labour migrant work permit and residence permit applications. These thresholds are indexed on a yearly basis. The new thresholds that apply from 1 January 2026 have been announced.
From 1 January 2026 the gross monthly salary thresholds, excluding 8% holiday pay, will be as follows:
The above age-based salary thresholds will also be used as the benchmark for residence permit applications under the ICT Directive.
The gross monthly threshold excluding holiday pay for an EU Blue Card will be EUR 5,942. For graduates applying within a period of 3 years, the gross monthly threshold excluding holiday pay of EUR 4,754 applies.
The Dutch labour authority (UWV Werkbedrijf) also applies salary thresholds. For work permits in the national Intra-Company Transfer category (outside the scope of the ICT Directive) the threshold for Highly Skilled Migrants of 30 years of age or older will apply for key personnel and the threshold for Highly Skilled Migrants younger than 30 years of age will apply for trainees.
What this means for employers
Dutch companies that wish to employ a Highly Skilled Migrant who is aged 30 or over will need to take the new threshold of EUR into account from 1 January 2026. For the extension of a Highly Skilled Migrant residence permit from 1 January 2026, the newly indexed salary thresholds will also apply.
The fixed and guaranteed salary must be paid in monthly installments by bank transfer directly into the employee’s personal bank account. As of 1 January 2026, recognised sponsors are also required to document this matter as proof in their administration. Please see here our latest Alert about the expanded administrative duty for recognised sponsors.
For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:
Hugo Vijge
Director
Mirella den Drijver
Director
Ellen Vodegel
Senior Manager
Nini Braken-Zheng
Manager
Justus Walker
Manager
Anoushka Bhawanidin
Manager
Esther Ornstein
Manager
Marijan Vrhovac
Senior Associate
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