Inzichten en tips voor werkgevers van expats

Highly skilled migrant salary Netherlands 2026 is one of the most important requirements for working in the Netherlands.

If you are planning to live and work in the Netherlands as a highly skilled migrant, one of the most important requirements is meeting the minimum salary threshold.

Each year, the Dutch government updates these salary requirements. This means both employers and expats need to stay informed, as even small changes can affect visa eligibility.

In this guide, we explain the salary requirements for highly skilled migrants in 2026, what they mean for you, and how to ensure you meet the conditions.

What is the minimum salary in the Netherlands?

In the Netherlands, all employees must earn at least the statutory minimum wage set by the government. This amount is reviewed regularly and depends on age, with higher minimum wages applying to individuals aged 23 and older.

However, for highly skilled migrants, a different and stricter salary threshold applies. This is not just a guideline, but a key requirement for obtaining and maintaining a residence permit.

Highly skilled migrant salary Netherlands 2026

The highly skilled migrant salary Netherlands 2026 thresholds are set to ensure that international employees meet a certain income level when working in the country.

It is important to understand the highly skilled migrant salary Netherlands 2026 before signing your contract.

Highly skilled migrant salary Netherlands 2026 requirements

For 2026, the gross monthly salary requirements (excluding 8% holiday allowance) are:

• Highly skilled migrants aged 30 and older: EUR 5.942,00
• Highly skilled migrants under 30: EUR 4.357,00
• Highly skilled migrant graduates (orientation year): EUR 3.122,00
• EU Blue Card holders: EUR 5.942,00

These salary levels must be met consistently. Falling below the threshold can impact the validity of the residence permit.

Why salary is so important for your residence permit

Salary is one of the core conditions of the highly skilled migrant scheme.

The Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) uses the salary threshold to determine whether someone qualifies as a knowledge migrant. It ensures that the scheme is used for highly qualified professionals and that the Dutch labor market remains balanced.

For employers, this means:

• They must offer a compliant salary from the start
• They must continue to meet the threshold during employment
  

For employees, this means:

• Your contract must reflect the required salary
• Your actual salary payments must meet the threshold

What counts towards the salary requirement?

It is important to understand that not all components of your salary count toward the minimum requirement.

Included:

• Gross monthly base salary / payment

Not included:

• Holiday allowance (8%)
• Bonuses
• Non monthly overtime payments
• Allowances (such as housing or travel)

This means your base salary alone must meet the threshold.

How to ensure you meet the requirements

To avoid issues with your residence permit, it is important to prepare properly.

Here are a few practical steps:

1. Check your employment contract

Make sure your gross monthly salary meets the required threshold for your age group.

2. Confirm with your employer

Employers should be aware of these rules, but it is always good to double-check.

3. Monitor changes each year

Salary thresholds are updated annually. What is sufficient this year may change next year.

4. Keep documentation

Maintain records of your contract and payslips to demonstrate compliance if needed.

What happens if you do not meet the salary threshold?

If your salary falls below the required level, it can have serious consequences.

For example:

• Your residence permit may no longer be valid
• Your employer may not be compliant
• You may need to leave the Netherlands if the issue is not resolved
  

This is why both employers and employees should actively monitor salary compliance.

Additional requirements for highly skilled migrants

While salary is one of the most important conditions, it is not the only one.

Other requirements include:

• Employment with a recognized sponsor
• A valid employment contract
• Compliance with Dutch immigration rules
  

Meeting all conditions together ensures a smooth and compliant employment situation.

Conclusion

The highly skilled migrant salary Netherlands 2026 is a key requirement for anyone planning to work in the Netherlands under this scheme.

While the process itself is usually straightforward, understanding the details is essential. Salary thresholds must be met consistently, and both employers and employees play a role in ensuring compliance.

By staying informed and preparing in advance, you can avoid delays and focus on building your career and life in the Netherlands.

FAQ

– Do I need to meet the salary requirement every month?

Yes, your salary must consistently meet the required threshold. Occasional shortfalls can create issues with your residence permit.

– Does holiday allowance count towards the salary requirement?

No, the 8% holiday allowance is excluded. Only the gross base salary counts.

– Do salary thresholds change every year?

Yes, the Dutch government updates these amounts annually. It is important to stay informed each year.

BSN Netherlands is essential if you want to live and work in the Netherlands.

If you’re planning on living and working in the Netherlands, getting your BSN (Citizen Service Number) is one of the first and most important steps.

If you are relocating, understanding how to get a BSN in the Netherlands early will make your move much smoother.

Your BSN is essential for almost everything, from getting paid to accessing healthcare. While it may sound like just another administrative task, it is actually the key to starting your life here smoothly.

In this guide, we will walk you through 5 easy steps to get your BSN, so you know exactly what to expect and avoid unnecessary delays.

Step 1: Understand what the BSN is

The BSN, or Citizen Service Number, is a unique personal identification number assigned to everyone registered in the Netherlands.

If you’re an expat or international employee, you will receive your BSN once you register with a Dutch municipality.

You will need your BSN for many important things, including:

• Employment and payroll
• Opening a bank account
• Health insurance
• Taxes and government services

You only receive this number once, and it stays linked to your identity for life. That is why it is important to store it securely and only share it with trusted institutions.

Step 2: Do you need a BSN Netherlands?

In most cases, you will need a BSN in the Netherlands to live and work legally.

You are required to obtain one if:

• You are working in the Netherlands
• You are staying longer than 4 months
• You want access to public services

If you are staying for a shorter period, you can still apply by registering as a non resident. This allows you to work or arrange certain administrative matters without a long term address.

Understanding your situation upfront helps you avoid delays and ensures you follow the correct registration process.

Step 3: Register in the Netherlands to get your BSN

To receive your BSN, you must register in the Dutch Personal Records Database, also known as the BRP. This is handled by the municipality where you will live.

There are two main scenarios:

• Staying longer than 4 months
  You need to register as a resident in your local municipality. During this appointment, your BSN is usually issued immediately or shortly after.

• Staying shorter than 4 months
  You can register as a non resident. You will still receive a BSN, even without a permanent address.

If you want to get a BSN in the Netherlands without delays, make sure to schedule your appointment as early as possible. Waiting times can vary depending on the city.

Step 4: Prepare the required documents

To complete your registration successfully, you need to bring the correct documents to your appointment.

Typically required:

• A valid passport or ID
• Proof of address if applicable
• An employment contract in some cases

Depending on your situation, additional documents may be requested, such as a birth certificate or residence permit.

Being well prepared will help you get a BSN in the Netherlands faster and avoid having to reschedule your appointment.

Step 5: How to use your BSN correctly

Once you receive your BSN, you will use it regularly in daily life.

Your employer needs your BSN to process your salary and ensure taxes are correctly reported to the Dutch tax authorities.

You will also need it for:

• Visiting a doctor or dentist
• Opening a bank account
• Applying for government benefits
• Getting a driver’s license

Because your BSN is linked to sensitive personal information, it is important to keep it secure and only share it when necessary.

How PAYSE supports you

At PAYSE, we support expats and international employees throughout their relocation journey, including helping you get a BSN in the Netherlands.

While the process is usually straightforward, it often comes at a busy moment when you are starting a new job and settling into a new country.

If you have not received your BSN yet:

• Let us know when your municipality appointment is scheduled
• Keep us informed about your progress

We can support you with booking appointments, preparing documents, and making sure everything is compliant with Dutch regulations.

Our goal is to make your transition as smooth as possible so you can focus on your new role and life in the Netherlands.

In Nederland gelden verschillende inkomenseisen die bepalen of iemand hier mag werken, wonen of gebruik mag maken van bepaalde belastingvoordelen.

Voor de meeste werknemers geldt het wettelijk minimumloon — het minimale bedrag dat een werkgever wettelijk verplicht is te betalen.

Ben je echter een kennismigrant (Highly Skilled Migrant / HSM), dan hanteert de Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst (IND) hogere inkomensdrempels. Deze bedragen zijn cruciaal: ze bepalen of je een HSM-verblijfsvergunning kunt verkrijgen of behouden, en worden elk jaar opnieuw vastgesteld.

In dit artikel leggen we uit wat de minimumsalarissen voor kennismigranten zijn, hoe deze zich verhouden tot de 30%-regeling, en hoe PAYSE zowel werkgevers als werknemers helpt om aan alle wettelijke eisen te voldoen.

Salarisvereisten voor Kennismigranten (Highly Skilled Migrants)

De kennismigrantenregeling is bedoeld om internationaal talent aan te trekken naar Nederland.

Om in aanmerking te komen, moet je een minimaal bruto maandsalaris verdienen dat jaarlijks door de IND wordt vastgesteld. Deze bedragen worden in december bekendgemaakt en gelden vanaf 1 januari van het nieuwe jaar.

Zakt je salaris onder dit bedrag, dan kan je verblijfsvergunning komen te vervallen — het is dus belangrijk om dit goed te monitoren. De bedragen zijn exclusief de 8% vakantiegeld.

Categorie	2024 (EUR)	2025 (EUR)
Kennismigrant ≥ 30 jaar	€ 5.331,00	€ 5.688,00
Kennismigrant < 30 jaar	€ 3.909,00	€ 4.171,00
Zoekjaar (orientation year)	€ 2.801,00	€ 2.989,00

Om een kennismigrant in dienst te nemen, moet de werkgever een erkend referent zijn bij de IND. Alleen erkende referenten mogen kennismigranten officieel aannemen of huisvesten.

Is jouw bedrijf nog niet erkend, of wil je internationaal talent aannemen zonder het lange erkenningsproces te doorlopen? PAYSE kan optreden als officiële referent. Wij regelen de volledige compliance, zodat jij je kunt focussen op het vinden en begeleiden van de juiste mensen.

De 30%-Regeling (Expatbelastingvoordeel)

De 30%-regeling, officieel de Extraterritoriale Kostenregeling, is een belastingvoordeel voor werknemers die vanuit het buitenland naar Nederland zijn gehaald.

Hiermee kunnen expats tot 30% van hun salaris belastingvrij ontvangen als compensatie voor extra kosten buiten hun thuisland.

Om hiervoor in aanmerking te komen, moet je een minimaal fiscaal salaris verdienen, jaarlijks vastgesteld door de Belastingdienst. Wij hebben deze fiscale bedragen omgerekend naar het benodigde brutoloon in de arbeidsovereenkomst, zodat je precies weet waar je aan toe bent.

Categorie	2024 – Fiscaal minimum (per jaar)	2025 – Fiscaal minimum (per jaar)	2025 – Benodigd bruto (per maand)
Werknemer ≥ 30 jaar	€ 46.107,00	€ 46.660,00	€ 5.554,76
Werknemer < 30 jaar (Master vereist)	€ 31.891,00	€ 35.468,00	€ 4.222,38

Om volledig gebruik te maken van de regeling, moet je brutojaarsalaris (inclusief vakantiegeld) voldoen aan het bedrag in de laatste kolom. Ligt je maandsalaris iets lager, maar kom je op jaarbasis (inclusief bonussen) boven de drempel? Dan kun je alsnog in aanmerking komen.

Jaarlijkse updates

De inkomensdrempels voor kennismigranten en de 30%-regeling worden elk jaar in december bekendgemaakt en gelden vanaf 1 januari. Zo blijven ze afgestemd op inflatie en ontwikkelingen op de arbeidsmarkt. PAYSE zorgt ervoor dat deze informatie altijd actueel is, zodat zowel werknemers als werkgevers weten welke salariseisen gelden.

Hulp nodig bij kennismigrantensalaris of 30%-regeling?

Of je nu werknemer bent en wilt weten of jouw salaris voldoet aan de IND-eis, of werkgever bent die de juiste beloningsstructuur wil bepalen — PAYSE helpt je verder.

Wij berekenen, controleren en begeleiden beide partijen, zodat elke regeling voldoet aan de wettelijke én fiscale voorwaarden.