On this page, we will explain the purpose of the Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) work scheme in the Netherlands, who is eligible, and how to apply. For expert assistance with your immigration matter, contact Reiss Edwards, immigration lawyers, and solicitors in London, on 020 3744 2797 or by email at info@reissedwards.co.uk
The Netherlands is increasingly at the top of the list for prospective migrants seeking a new place to live for themselves and their families. With its ease of access to the European Union, fast and modern transport system, laid back lifestyle, excellent job opportunities, wonderfully rich history and culture, friendly and warm people, and the fact that so many people speak English, the Netherlands is the natural choice for many. Every year, thousands of hopeful candidates apply for a permit to allow them to live and work in the Netherlands, with one of the main immigration routes being the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme. On this page, we will explain the purpose of the Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) work scheme in the Netherlands, who is eligible, and how to apply.
The Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) programme is intended for foreign nationals (i.e., from outside the EU/EEA) who have been offered a full-time paid job by an employer in the Netherlands and meet the minimum income requirements. As such, this is just one of several different types of residence permits; others include regular work permits, seasonal labour or work experience work permits, intra corporate transfer permits, start-up personnel permits, European blue card permits, guest lecturer permits, and permits for trainee doctors and researchers.
In some cases, it may be possible to secure an HSM residence permit without a job offer; the Netherlands Immigration and Naturalisation Service state, “If you are highly educated, you could be eligible for a residence permit for an orientation year for highly educated persons. This residence permit allows you to stay in the Netherlands for a maximum of one year to seek employment as a highly skilled migrant. During the orientation year, you may accept every job or internship”.
There are a number of eligibility rules which must be met in order to acquire an HSM Work permit for the Netherlands, as follows:
The minimum salary requirements for the Netherlands highly skilled migrants (HSM) for 2021 are as follows:
When working out your salary, IND will include any allowances and reimbursements included in your contract but not holiday allowances, payments in kind, and irregular pay (e.g., overtime pay).
Additional requirements must be met by scientific researchers, doctors in training to become a specialist, and intra-company transfers.
The application process for the HSM scheme is completed online on the IND website. The application form can be found here. The application is typically completed by the employer based in the Netherlands.
The application steps are as follows:
There are two applications forms available online – one for the main applicant (the person with the high level of skills), and one for their family members.
On arrival in the Netherlands, you will need to:
The current application fee for the Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) work scheme is €320. The application fee for family members is €192, and for children under 18, this is only €64.
All applications are processed within 90 days of the receipt of all of the information required.