Netherlands Increases Minimum Salary Levels for Highly Skilled Migrants

December 15, 2011


Effective from 1 January 2012, the minimum salary levels for highly skilled foreign nationals who come to work in the Netherlands through the Kennismigranten (Knowledge Migrant programme) have been increased.

  • The minimum annual base salary for highly skilled migrants aged over 30 has increased from €50,183 to €51,239
  • The minimum annual base salary for highly skilled migrants aged under 30 has increased from €36,801 to €37,575
  • The minimum annual base salary for those who have graduated in the Netherlands and the Highly Educated Migrant Scheme has increased from €26,605 to €26,931

The new requirements are not retrospective, and will apply only to applications for the Machtiging Voorlopig Verblijf (provisional residence permit) which are made from 1 January 2012 onwards. 

For any applications lodged before this date, the previous 2011 salary rules apply.

However, companies should note that where an application is submitted for renewal of an existing residence permit, the new salary levels will apply.