Corporate Immigration update — The Netherlands’ Government announces the new salary thresholds for 2026
The Netherlands’ Government announces the new salary thresholds for 2026
18 December 2025
Overview
The salary thresholds of Highly Skilled Migrants and EU Blue Card holders are adjusted annually and have been published by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment on 18 December 2025
Based on the CBS data, the thresholds will be increased by 4.46 % with effect from January 1, 2026. We hereby inform you of the salary thresholds for 2026.
Who will be affected?
Inbound immigration procedures for Highly Skilled Migrants and EU Blue Cards to the Netherlands, submitted on or after 1 January 2026.
Change of Employer notifications for Highly Skilled Migrants or EU Blue Card holders with a start date on or after 1 January 2026, even though submitted still in 2025, they must meet the new threshold.
Background
At the start of every year, new salary thresholds are implemented in the Netherlands. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment typically publishes this in the second or third week of December 2026. Santa Fe Relocation will not speculate, therefore you will not receive any news update until it has been formally announced.
On 18 December 2025 it has been formally announced on the website of the “Staatscourant” (Government Gazette) what percentage will be used to increment the thresholds.
Impact
Employers seeking to hire or extend the stay of a Highly Skilled Migrant, Inter Company Transferee or Blue Card, on or after 1 January 2026 must increase the salary to comply with the new provided threshold. Failure to comply to the new thresholds will result in rejection of the application.
The new salary thresholds are calculated based on the percentage of indexation, published by the Dutch government, which is set at 4.46 %. The following amounts are gross, per month and exclude holiday pay, will be valid as from 1 January 2026:
| Highly Skilled Migrant/ ICT Transferee (>30 years) | € 5.942,- |
| Highly Skilled Migrant/ ICT Transferee (<30 years) | € 4.357,- |
| Lowered Salary Threshold (search year, recent graduates) | € 3.122,- |
| EU Blue Card | € 5.942,- |
| EU Blue Card holders within three years after graduating from higher education | € 4.754,- |
Date of implementation
1 January 2026
Santa Fe recommendation
If you have any questions regarding the new thresholds, a new non-EU employee that you intend to hire per 1 January 2026 or the salary you are looking to offer them, do reach out to your trusted Santa Fe Relocation contact from our NL Immigration Team.
Source: De Staatscourant (Government Gazette) https://www.officielebekendmakingen.nl/stcrt-2025-43553.html
Contact us
Please get in touch with us for further information or clarification:
Diana van der Horst
Senior Immigration Consultant BeNeLux
Santa Fe Relocation
+31 (0) 172 44 7975
diana.vanderhorst@santaferelo.com
Anique Borchert
Manager Immigration BeNeLux
Santa Fe Relocation
+31 (0) 172 44 7971
anique.borchert@santaferelo.com
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