Rules for highly skilled migrants to change

What changes? 

Do you work with highly skilled migrants? If so, you will be subject to stricter rules. The Dutch government wants to strengthen the knowledge economy while reducing migration to the Netherlands. This is why stricter rules will be set for the Highly Skilled Migrant scheme. The aim is to prevent abuse of the scheme and ensure that highly skilled migrants contribute as much as possible to the Dutch economy and labour market. 

The most important changes:

• The government wants to increase the income requirement for a person to be considered a highly skilled migrant.

  • You will probably soon have to pay a higher salary to highly skilled migrants you want to hire and those you employ. For highly skilled migrants under the age of 30, the minimum gross monthly salary may increase by hundreds of euros per month. The government intends to increase the current minimum of €4,171 to 1.1 times the average gross annual salary.
• There will be stricter requirements for your company if you want to hire highly skilled migrants. First, your company must become a recognised sponsor (erkend referent). The government plans to enhance and reinforce existing requirements, such as:

  • If you receive 3 or more fines in 4 years (for tax offences, underpayment of wages or illegal employment), you will no longer be a recognised sponsor.
  • Violations of other relevant laws will now also be taken into account in your application.
  • Have you not employed a highly skilled migrant for 2 years? Then you will automatically lose your recognition. 

For whom?

• companies that want to hire highly skilled migrants
• recognised sponsors who already use of the Highly Skilled Migrant scheme
• IT companies, engineering firms, and consultancy agencies

When?

It is not yet known when the change in the Highly Skilled Migrant scheme will take effect. The measures are now being worked out further and examined for effectiveness and efficiency, with particular attention for their feasibility and impact on the business climate and the business community.

Please note: The effective date of this measure is not yet final. Entry into force is subject to its passing through the Lower and Upper Houses (Tweede en Eerste Kamer) of parliament. After publication in the Staatsblad or Staatscourant (Government Gazette, in Dutch) the law can take effect.