NETHERLANDS: Increase in Knowledge Migrant Salary Requirements For 2014

January 22, 2014


In The Netherlands, under the “Knowledge Migrant” category, employers can obtain Dutch work permits for highly skilled international employees, without having to prove that a Dutch or EU worker cannot be found to do the job. 

As of the 1st of January, the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) announced revised minimum salary requirements that apply for Knowledge Migrant Residence Permit applications in 2014.

Up until 2013, the minimum salary requirement for “knowledge migrants” was specified in the form of a minimum annual salary. This has now been replaced by a monthly salary requirement. Employers should also be aware that the salary should also meet the market rate for the particular job role.

Minimum Salary for 2013

For 2013, the yearly minimum salary requirements were as follows:   

  • Knowledge Migrants aged over 30: EUR 52010 per annum
  • Knowledge Migrants aged under 30: EUR 38141 per annum
  • Persons who have graduated in the Netherlands and the Highly Educated Migrant Scheme: EUR 27336 per annum
  • Holder Blue European Labor Card (an approved EU-wide work permit allowing high-skilled non-EU citizens to work and live in any country within the European Union): EUR 60952 per annum

Minimum Salary for 2014

However, as of 1 January 2014 the monthly gross salary requirements, which include an 8% holiday pay, are:

  • Knowledge Migrants aged over 30: EUR 4,371.84 per month
  • Knowledge Migrants aged under 30: EUR 3,205.44 per month
  • Persons who have graduated in the Netherlands and the Highly Educated Migrant Scheme (i.e. a job-seeking year for graduates): EUR 2,297.16 per month
  • Holder Blue European Labor Card (an approved EU-wide work permit  allowing high-skilled non-EU citizens to work and live in any country within the European Union) : EUR 5,122.44 per month

Allowances can only be included in the salary payments, to meet these new salary requirements:

  • If they are guaranteed fixed amounts that are deposited into the employee”s bank account
  • If they are paid directly to the employee. Allowances in kind, such as payment of the     employee”s lease directly to the landlord, cannot be included.
  • If the allowance is only included as part of the annual salary at a fraction of 1/12 per month

Non-compliance

Non-compliance with these salary requirements may result in fines up to EUR 12,000 per violation and can also result in the revocation of the company”s right to sponsor non-EU migrant workers.

If you have any queries about Dutch immigration, please feel free to contact us on 0207 0012121.