Overview
The Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) permit, known in Dutch as the Kennismigrant visa, is one of Europe's most employer-friendly work permit systems. It covers professionals hired by Dutch companies or multinationals with a Dutch office, provided the salary exceeds a defined threshold.
The Netherlands is a major tech hub in Europe, home to ASML, Booking.com, Adyen, TomTom, and the European headquarters of many US tech companies. It actively recruits international tech talent and has streamlined immigration to support this.
Who qualifies
- Non-EU/EEA national
- Job offer from a Dutch employer that is a recognized IND sponsor (most large companies and many startups are; check the public IND sponsor register)
- Salary threshold (2024):
- Applicants 30 years and older: €5,008/month gross (€60,096/year)
- Applicants under 30 years: €3,672/month gross (€44,064/year)
- Recent graduates from a Dutch university: €2,801/month gross for the first 3 years after graduation
- No specific degree requirement — salary is the determining factor
- Clean background (basic criminal/security check)
Benefits
- Fast processing: IND processes Kennismigrant applications within 2 weeks (faster than virtually any comparable European work permit)
- No labor market test: Employer does not need to prove a Dutch candidate was unavailable
- Flexible duration: Permit is initially issued for 5 years or the duration of the employment contract (whichever is shorter), with easy renewal
- Immediate family: Spouse/partner receives full work authorization automatically (no separate work permit needed)
- 30% tax ruling: See dedicated section below
Steps
- Find a job with an IND-recognized sponsor in the Netherlands.
- Employer submits the application on your behalf directly to the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service). You do not apply yourself at a consulate.
- IND processes the application — typically within 2 weeks of receiving a complete file.
- IND approves and issues an MVV (provisional residence permit) authorization letter.
- Pick up the MVV at the Dutch Embassy or Consulate in Tel Aviv (or the Netherlands if already there).
- Enter the Netherlands — register at the municipality (gemeente) within 5 days of arrival.
- Collect the HSM residence permit card at the IND desk.
The 30% tax ruling
The 30% ruling is a tax incentive for international hires:
- Allows 30% of gross salary to be paid tax-free as compensation for extraterritorial costs
- This effectively reduces your taxable income to 70% of your gross salary
- Duration: 5 years (recently reduced from 8 years)
- Requirements:
- Hired from abroad (you must have lived more than 150km from the Dutch border for 18 of the 24 months before employment — Israel qualifies easily)
- Earn above the income threshold (€46,107/year in 2024; lower threshold for researchers and employees with a Dutch master's degree)
- Must be applied for within 4 months of starting employment (retroactive application loses partial benefit)
Example: On a €80,000 gross salary, you pay income tax only on €56,000, saving approximately €8,400–€12,000/year depending on your total income.
Costs
- IND application fee: €345 (paid by employer)
- MVV pick-up (if applicable): €0 (waived for Kennismigrant)
- The employer typically bears all immigration costs
Path to permanent residency
- After 5 years of legal residence in the Netherlands: permanent residency (Verblijfsvergunning voor onbepaalde tijd)
- Language requirement: A2 Dutch language certification or civic integration diploma
- After 5 years of legal residence: Dutch citizenship eligibility (requires renouncing other citizenships, except Israel under certain circumstances — verify with a Dutch immigration lawyer as dual citizenship rules are complex)
Housing in Amsterdam
Amsterdam has a tight housing market. Starting your search before arrival is strongly recommended. Typical expat rent runs €1,800–€3,000/month for a 1-bedroom apartment in Amsterdam. Eindhoven, Rotterdam, and The Hague are more affordable.
This content is for informational purposes only.