The latest changes in Dutch immigration rules, salary thresholds and fees – explained in plain English, with what they mean for you.
Last update: 24 October 2026 · Summaries by Yari Immigration Services. Always check the official source before you take a decision.
Work
EU Talent Pool: new EU recruitment platform – the Netherlands has not yet decided to join
The EU Talent Pool regulation has applied since 1 June 2026. The platform will match employers in participating EU countries with jobseekers who live outside the EU, in shortage occupations. The European Commission expects it to be fully operational by the end of 2027.
Taking part is voluntary for each EU country. The Dutch government has left the decision to a next cabinet, and a country must notify the EU at least nine months before it joins. A match on the platform never replaces a Dutch residence permit.
What it means for you: Nothing changes today. Employers can already hire through the highly skilled migrant route, the EU Blue Card or a single permit – and jobseekers should never pay for a “Talent Pool visa”.
Income requirement for partner and family: the amounts until 31 December 2026
From 1 July 2026 to 31 December 2026 the sponsor of a partner or family member needs at least €2,337.00 gross a month without holiday allowance, or €2,523.96 including holiday allowance.
For a single parent who brings a child (not a partner), the amount is €1,635.90 – or €1,766.77 including holiday allowance. The amounts change every 1 January and 1 July.
What it means for you: Check the sponsor’s payslips against these amounts before you apply. The income must be sufficient and lasting – a contract that ends soon can lead to a refusal.
Not enough salary? Savings can also meet the income requirement
A sponsor without enough income can sometimes rely on own assets (eigen vermogen) instead. The savings must be at least 36 times the monthly required amount including holiday allowance – with the amounts from 1 July 2026 that is €90,862.56.
The money must be freely available, for example in a savings account, and its origin must be clear. The IND can ask for bank statements covering the year before the application, and for proof of tax paid on a gift or inheritance.
What it means for you: Savings can open the door when salary falls short – but the origin and history of the money must be well documented. We check your file before you apply.
Exempt from the civic integration exam abroad – are you?
Many partners do not need the basic civic integration exam abroad. Exempt are, among others, nationals of EU/EEA countries, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Monaco and Vatican City.
Also exempt: family of a person with a temporary residence purpose (such as a highly skilled migrant), family of an EU citizen or asylum status holder, people under 18 or at state pension age, and holders of certain Dutch-taught diplomas. Request the exemption with IND form 7606 – medical dispensation is possible after an examination by a doctor appointed by the embassy.
What it means for you: Check for an exemption before you register for the exam – it can save months. The exam costs €150 and the result is valid for 1 year.
The IND’s service desk for recognised sponsors is closed from 9:00 to 13:00 on Tuesday 29 September and Tuesday 27 October 2026. The new Business Newsletter for recognised sponsors was published the same day.
What it means for you: Plan urgent questions to the IND around these dates.
IND starts applying new family reunification rules for refugees
The IND has started assessing a small number of family reunification applications from refugees (nareis) under the new rules, to test them in practice before wider use.
What it means for you: Waiting for family to join you as a refugee? Ask us how the new rules apply to your case.
New salary thresholds for highly skilled migrants and the EU Blue Card
From 1 January 2026 the gross monthly salary (excluding holiday pay) must be at least €5,942 for highly skilled migrants aged 30 or over, €4,357 under 30 and €3,122 for the reduced criterion (for example recent graduates). For the EU Blue Card the threshold is €5,942, or €4,754 under the reduced criterion.
What it means for you: The amount that counts is the one valid on the date of the application.
The IND raised its fees by 4.4% in 2026, in line with wage growth. A highly skilled migrant, EU Blue Card or ICT application now costs €423; an application for a family member €254.
What it means for you: Fees change every 1 January – always check the current amount before you apply.
More administration duties for recognised sponsors
Since 1 January 2026, recognised sponsors must keep extra information about their employees in their records, so the IND can supervise more effectively.
What it means for you: Employers: check that your HR file for each international employee is complete.
For the 30% ruling, the salary norm for 2026 is more than €48,013 per year, and the income cap is €262,000. The transitional rule for the cap ended on 1 January 2026, so the cap now applies to all employees.
What it means for you: Talk to your employer or tax adviser about what this means for your net salary.
