Archive · 29 Dec 2025
Netherlands raises salary thresholds for skilled migrants in 2026
The Netherlands is making changes to the rules for foreign workers and students.
Starting in 2026, people who want to live and work in the Netherlands will need to earn more money.
The costs for visas will also go up.
For example, highly skilled workers and those with a European Blue Card will need to earn at least €5,942 per month.
Students will also need to meet higher financial requirements.
These changes are meant to make sure that people coming to the Netherlands can support themselves and contribute to the economy.
The Netherlands will raise income thresholds for highly skilled migrants, intracompany transfers, Blue Card holders, and recent graduates starting January 2026.
Visa costs for highly skilled migrants and Blue Card holders will be €405, while international students will pay €243.
Required amounts for residence permits will increase, with married couples needing to earn at least €2,294.40 and singles €1,606.08 without holiday allowance.
Highly skilled migrants aged 30 and over will need to earn €5,942, while those under 30 will need €4,357.
Foreign students and workers can apply for a residence permit for an orientation year to seek employment or start a business after graduation.
- Who
- The Netherlands government
- What
- Announced higher income thresholds for skilled migrants and increased visa costs
- When
- Effective from 1 January 2026
- Where
- Netherlands
- Why
- To reflect a 4.4 percent increase from the previous year and adjust for economic conditions
- Visa Costs
- € 405,00 for Highly skilled migrant and Blue Card holders, € 243,00 for international students
- Required Amounts (Jan-Jun 2026)
- Married couples: € 2294.40 (without holiday allowance), € 2477,95 (with holiday allowance); Singles: € 1606.08 (without holiday allowance), € 1734,57 (with holiday allowance)
- Required Amounts (Study 2026)
- MBO: € 928.58, HBO/university: € 1130.77
- Required Amounts (Highly skilled migrant 2026)
- Aged 30 and over: € 5942, Younger than 30: € 4357, Reduced criterion: € 3122
- Required Amounts (European Blue Card 2026)
- € 5942, Reduced criterion: € 4754