Are you preparing to hire international skill or move to the Netherlands in 2026? The Netherlands migration landscape has just experienced its most significant annual shift yet. As of January 1, 2026, the migration and Naturalisation Service (IND) has applied a 4.46% CAO Indexation on all salary limits.
Whether you are a hiring manager or an expatriate, missing these numbers by even a single Euro can result in an “Administrative Gap,” leading to immediate permit rejection. In this guide, we break down the new Netherlands Work Visa Salary Index Rules 2026 to keep your application on track.
Government Indices and Calculation Rules
The Dutch government changes salary rules every year. They use the collective labour agreement (CAO) wage changes to do this. The CAO is an agreement between employers and workers about pay. For 2026, they used Statistics Netherlands data to increase the amounts by 4.46%. This keeps the “highly skilled” level fair for everyone in the job market.
The IND wants foreign talent to get pay that matches or is better than local standards. This stops problems like low pay offers.
How to Calculate Your Qualifying Income
Many people make mistakes here. They look at the full pay package, but the IND has strict rules about what counts.
- Gross Monthly Salary (Excluding Holiday Allowance): The salary limits are always without the normal 8% holiday pay. Holiday pay is extra money Dutch workers get once a year. So, check the base salary without it.
- Fixed and Guaranteed Parts: You can only add things that are sure and written in the contract. For example, a 13th-month bonus or fixed monthly extra payments count if they are promised.
- Things That Do Not Count: Non-cash items like a company car, free housing, or phone plans do not help meet the limit. Overtime, tips, or uncertain bonuses also do not count.
- Market Conformity: Just reaching the number is not enough. The pay must be normal for that job in the Netherlands. The IND checks this to stop unfair low wages.
These rules apply to all work visa types like highly skilled migrant (kennismigrant), EU Blue Card, and intra-company transfers.
Age-Based and Category Thresholds for 2026
The 2026 salary limits depend on the person’s age and situation. These amounts are gross monthly, excluding 8% holiday pay. They apply to applications from January 1, 2026.
- Highly Skilled Migrant (30+ Years) Monthly: €5,942 Yearly: €71,304
- Highly Skilled Migrant (<30 Years) Monthly: €4,357 Yearly: €52,284
- Reduced Salary Criterion (Recent Grads) Monthly: €3,122 Yearly: €37,464
- EU Blue Card (Standard) Monthly: €5,942 Yearly: €71,304
- EU Blue Card (Reduced – Graduated <3 Years) Monthly: €4,754 Yearly: €57,048
Key Category Insights
- The 30+ rule starts when the person turns 30. If someone turns 30 and stays with the same job, they keep the lower rate. But if they change employers after 30, the new job must pay the higher €5,942.
- Intra-Company Transferee (ICT) permits use the same age rules as highly skilled migrants.
- The reduced amount is for people who finished an “Orientation Year” (zoekjaar) permit or graduated from a top university (top-200) in the last three years.
These numbers come from official IND updates. They are the same for new hires, extensions (if applied in 2026), and job changes.
2026 Compliance and Verification Rules
In 2026, following the rules is not just for the first application. The IND now checks payments all the time. This is called “Continuous Vetting.”
New Record-Keeping Duties
Recognised Sponsors (companies approved by IND) have new tasks from January 1, 2026:
- Keep bank statements for 5 years. These must show the salary went into the worker’s account every month.
- Salary must go to a bank account in the worker’s own name. Joint accounts with people outside the Netherlands or payments to others raise red flags.
- If a worker changes jobs in 2026, the new company must use the 2026 salary limits, even if the old permit was from 2025.
The Extension “Lock-in” Strategy
Smart employers can apply for permit extensions up to three months before it ends. If you apply before the end of 2025, you might use the old 2025 rates for the new permit period. But this does not work for job changes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does the 30% ruling help meet the salary limit?
No. The IND looks at the gross salary before the 30% tax-free part. If the taxable part makes it too low, you can lose the permit.
What if I turn 30 soon?
If you stay with the same employer, you keep the under-30 rate. If you change jobs after turning 30, the new employer must pay the higher amount.
Are these amounts gross or net?
All are gross monthly amounts, without the 8% holiday pay.
These questions come up a lot when people plan their move or hire someone.
Stay Compliant in 2026
Do not let small mistakes stop your plans in the Netherlands.
- Check all contracts now. Make sure they meet €5,942 for 30+ or €4,357 for under 30.
- Look at payroll setup. The 8% holiday pay must be added on top of the minimum salary.
- Keep good records. Save bank proofs and payslips.
The Netherlands is still a great place for skilled workers. But the rules are stricter now to keep things fair. Always check the official IND website for the latest info. Talk to an immigration lawyer if you need help.
This guide has all the main points in simple words. It helps you understand and follow the 2026 rules easily.
Disclaimer: This is for information only. Please check official sources like IND.nl or ask a professional before deciding anything.