Highly Skilled Migrant permits and EU Blue Cards

Highly Skilled Migrant permits fall under Dutch law, while EU Blue Cards fall under the implementation of EU law. Highly Skilled Migrant permit applications are generally more straightforward and easier for numerous reasons. HSM applications can be done via the immigration authorities’ portal, while EU Blue Cards cannot. HSM applications have lower salary thresholds, and no degree evaluations are automatically required (though sometimes they may need to be on file). EU Blue Cards, therefore, tend to be more complex applications, but these recent changes aim to adjust this, making it more accessible for employers and employees. While both permits are for local Dutch contracts and not assignments, there are some key differences between the permits outlined below:

Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) Permits

Highly Skilled Migrant permits are some of the most common labour-related permits in the Netherlands. In order to apply for an HSM permit for an employee, the company must be a recognised sponsor with the Dutch immigration authorities (IND). A full list of sponsors can be found here: Public Register Regular Labour and Highly Skilled Migrants | IND. 

Several requirements must be met to apply for a Highly Skilled Migrant permit, namely:

1. The employee’s salary must meet the salary threshold set by the IND for the year of application (excluding holiday allowance);
2. There must be a signed contract between the recognised sponsor and employee;
3. The employee meets the requirements set by the IND (for example, has a valid identity document and is not a threat to public order);
4. The employer is a recognised sponsor with the IND.

There may be additional requirements or exceptions depending on the sector (for example, the healthcare sector). HSM permits are issued for varying lengths of time, depending upon the signed employment contract. They can be issued for a maximum of 5 years in the case of indefinite contracts.

There is a reduced salary threshold for recent graduates who either had a search year (zoekjaar) permit or qualified for one within the last 3 years. If the employee meets the criteria, they can fall under the lowered threshold. 

EU Blue Cards

The EU Blue Card is designed for highly educated employees who hold a higher education degree or possess relevant professional experience. The requirements emphasise the educational level and experience of the individual, as well as the required income level.

Since 2023, there have been major changes to the previous EU Blue Card rules, including adjustments to the salary threshold, the maximum validity of the permit itself, the employee’s diploma and work experience requirements, the IND’s decision terms, and lastly, the IND’s available grounds for refusal of the permit.

1. In 2025, the salary threshold for the EU Blue Card was previously €6.245 gross per month, excluding the 8% holiday allowance. This amount was lowered to match the higher salary threshold  for Highly Skilled Migrants in 2025. The salary threshold for an EU Blue Card is now €5.688 gross per month, excluding the 8% holiday allowance.
   
   Additionally, similar to the lowered salary criteria for Highly Skilled Migrants who previously qualified for a search year (zoekjaar), a new salary threshold was introduced for those who obtained a Master’s degree within 3 years of the EU Blue Card application. This required salary is €4.551 gross per month in 2025, excluding the 8% holiday allowance, though it is substantially higher than the Highly Skilled Migrant reduced salary criteria of €2.989 gross per month, excluding the 8% holiday allowance.
   
   
2. Previously, to apply for an EU Blue Card, the contract had to be for at least 12 months, but it has been shortened to 6 months. Additionally, EU Blue Card holders who have been employed for at least 2 years are entitled to a 6-month search period for a new position if their employment is terminated (by either the employee or the employer). If the holder has been employed for less than 2 years, they are still entitled to a 3-month search period for a new position. This means that an EU Blue Card will be issued for the entirety of the employment contract plus 3 months.
   
   
3. Prior to the changes, EU Blue Card holders had to show they had at least 3 years of higher education qualifications; however, the new rules provide an exemption from this if the employee has five or more years of relevant professional experience. There is an additional exception for IT professionals, wherein a degree is not required if the employee is a manager or specialist with a minimum of three years’ experience (in the seven years prior to lodging the permit application). Most foreign degrees will need to be evaluated by the IDW.
   
   
4. Under the adjusted rules, applications lodged by Recognised Sponsors are given a decision term of 30 days, as opposed to the former window of 90 days. The decision period remains 90 days for non-Recognised Sponsors. While other applications can be submitted through the IND's portal, this is not yet possible for EU Blue Card applications. We anticipate this will change in the future, so please stay tuned for further updates.
   
   
5. Lastly, additional grounds of refusal for the permit were added under the Directive. An EU Blue Card can now be refused if the employer has been fined for not complying with various labour law legislation (the Workers Allocation by Intermediaries Act (Waadi); the Working Hours Act (Arbeidstijdenwet); the Working Conditions Act (Arbeidsomstandighedenwet); and the Act on Minimum Wage and Holiday Allowance). The EU Blue Card can also be refused if the employer was established for the purpose of facilitating the entry of non-EU nationals, if the employer is or will be dissolved due to bankruptcy, and if the employer is not economically active.

Compare & Contrast

There are benefits to both above permits. For EU Blue Cards, companies do not need to be a recognised sponsor registered with the IND to apply for the employee’s permit. They will ultimately face longer processing times for their decisions. EU Blue Cards are more beneficial for employees planning to live in other countries within the EU, as they facilitate the move more easily and under simplified EU rules. The salary threshold for Highly Skilled Migrant permits is lower for younger employees or those under the reduced salary threshold. The EU Blue Card also recently implemented a reduced salary threshold, but it is still substantially higher than the one for HSM permits. HSM applications can be submitted via the immigration authorities’ portal, which often results in faster processing times, whereas EU Blue Cards cannot be filed in this way. HSM applications do not require degree evaluations (though sometimes they may need to be on file). For some EU Blue Card applications, degree evaluations and further company information and documents can be required. This can contribute to an overall longer processing time.  Each situation is unique and would benefit from a permit that suits the employee and the employer’s circumstances. We are happy to assist you in determining the permit that best suits your situation.

The biggest changes to the EU Blue Card are outlined below in the table:

Should you have any further questions regarding this or need immigration assistance, please feel free to contact us via our website.

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