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Move to the Netherlands

A highly international economy with straightforward salary-based immigration for skilled workers.

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Immigration Programs

Kennismigrant (Highly Skilled Migrant)

Salary-based
Under 30: EUR 3,909/mo. Over 30: EUR 5,331/mo (2025 thresholds)

The main work visa for skilled professionals. Your Dutch employer must be IND-recognized, and your salary must meet age-based thresholds.

Scoring: No points system. Binary eligibility: recognized employer + salary above threshold.

Zoekjaar (Orientation Year)

Qualification-based
Top-200 university + graduated within 3 years

A 1-year search visa for recent graduates of top-200 ranked universities (QS, THE, or Shanghai ranking). Allows you to look for work in the Netherlands.

Scoring: Binary: graduated from top-200 university within last 3 years.

Key Requirements

Kennismigrant

IND-recognized employer + gross monthly salary above threshold (age-dependent). Employer handles the application.

Zoekjaar

Master's or PhD from a top-200 university (any QS/THE/Shanghai ranking). Must apply within 3 years of graduation.

Language

No Dutch language requirement for either visa. English is widely used in Dutch workplaces.

30% Ruling

Tax benefit: 30% of salary is tax-free for up to 5 years for highly skilled migrants recruited from abroad.

Health Insurance

Mandatory Dutch health insurance (basisverzekering) from arrival.

Housing

No official requirement, but finding housing in Amsterdam/Randstad is notoriously difficult.

Tips to Improve Your Chances

💡 The 30% ruling makes NL extremely tax-efficient — effective tax rate drops significantly
💡 Tech companies (Booking, Adyen, ASML, Philips) are IND-recognized and actively recruit globally
💡 Zoekjaar graduates can switch to Kennismigrant once they find a qualifying job
💡 Salary thresholds are updated annually on Jan 1 — check IND.nl
💡 Eindhoven and Rotterdam are growing tech hubs with easier housing than Amsterdam

Official Resources

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