EU Blue Card (Netherlands) Checklist

Provide a relevant higher-education diploma from a programme of at least 3 years; foreign diplomas require Nuffic evaluation. Alternatively, show at least 5 years of relevant experience at higher-education level; IT managers/professionals may use 3 relevant years in the 7 years before applying. Regulated professions require Dutch practice authorisation; applicable healthcare professions require BIG registration.

Requirements / highly qualified work; regulated professions and BIG registration

2026 gross monthly Blue Card salary: EUR 5,942, or EUR 4,754 only for the qualifying reduced criterion, excluding holiday allowance. The graduate branch requires application within 3 years of graduation/promotion; extension or employer-change rules are distinct, including the specified extension within 24 months of the first Blue Card. Check the current IND salary calculation and branch conditions.

Application to work as a highly skilled migrant and for the European Blue Card / 2026 amounts; Reduced salary criterion European Blue Card; What may be included

A Dutch employment contract for highly qualified work must last at least 6 months.

Requirements / employment contract valid for at least 6 months

For Dutch employment, arrange Dutch health insurance promptly and no later than 4 months after arrival, with cover from the day of arrival. Foreign insurance alone normally does not replace it. Check SVB rules for an employer abroad or other special coverage; this item is separate from conditional TB testing.

For Dutch employment, arrange Dutch health insurance promptly and no later than 4 months after arrival, with cover from the day of arrival. Foreign insurance alone normally does not replace it. Check SVB rules for an employer abroad or other special coverage; this item is separate from conditional TB testing.

Compulsory health insurance: start of coverage / Foreign insurance for medical expenses / JSIS

If not exempt, complete the TB test after arrival; for the Blue Card, arrange GGD testing within 3 months of receiving the permit. IND exemptions include listed nationalities, changing an existing Dutch permit, birth and continuous residence in the Netherlands, age 11 or younger, a Dutch TB test less than 6 months ago, and the specified long-term EU resident/family branch.

If not exempt, complete the TB test after arrival; for the Blue Card, arrange GGD testing within 3 months of receiving the permit. IND exemptions include listed nationalities, changing an existing Dutch permit, birth and continuous residence in the Netherlands, age 11 or younger, a Dutch TB test less than 6 months ago, and the specified long-term EU resident/family branch.

Tuberculosis (TB) test / exemptions; Blue Card residence page / TB test (3-month GGD deadline)

Do not pose a danger to public order or national security. Applicants over age 12 must complete and attach the IND Antecedents Certificate. This is not a universal requirement for a foreign police certificate.

No danger to public order or national security

The employer need not be an IND recognised sponsor. The applicant may also apply themselves. The employer must conduct economic activity and have no fines in the last 5 years under Wav, Atw, Waadi, Arbowet, Awr or Wml.

Employer: sponsor or recognised sponsor; Requirements; Process and costs / Apply