The applicant's gross monthly salary must meet the IND thresholds, which exclude the 8% holiday allowance. For 2026, the thresholds are €5,942 for those aged 30 and over, €4,357 for those under 30, and €3,122 under the reduced criterion for recent graduates.

Applicants must have a valid employment contract or job offer from an employer in the Netherlands. The employer must be officially registered as a recognized sponsor (erkend referent) with the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).

Applicants must have a clean background check and no criminal records. This is a standard requirement for obtaining a residence permit from the IND.

Applicants are required to have valid Dutch health insurance coverage. This insurance must be active from the very first day of employment in the Netherlands.

Many non-EU/EEA nationals must obtain a provisional residence permit (MVV) to enter the Netherlands. However, citizens of certain countries, including the US, Canada, Japan, and Australia, are exempt from this requirement.

The application for the Highly Skilled Migrant permit must be submitted online by the recognized sponsor on behalf of the employee. The employer handles the process through the IND Business Portal.