Knowledge Migrants Program

KNOWLEDGE MIGRANTS PROGRAM

This program can be used for non-EU employees who will be employed by the applying Dutch entity, which must be a recognized sponsor at the IND. Financially healthy and economically active entities of good standing existing > 1½ years can file an application to become sponsor. Younger entities must provide a business plan or can qualify with the help of the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency.

CONDITIONS

When a company is recognized as sponsor, a work permit for a non-EU employee can be obtained if the minimum salary is paid. This salary is EUR 56,039 / year (2017) for employees aged 30+, and EUR 41,083 (2017) for employees below 30 years. These amounts are adjusted yearly for inflation.

In case of international transfer from a non-EU group company, it is important that the employee receives a new employment contract directly from the Dutch group company, otherwise the EU ICT program will apply, forcing the employee to leave the Netherlands after 3 years.

The work permit as knowledge migrant is valid for 5 years and can be renewed indefinitely. Family members can also apply for a residence permit linked to the knowledge migrant permit. They will be free to work in The Netherlands without the need of a work permit.

Often, the employee can benefit from the 30% tax ruling. With this ruling the employee receives 30% of his salary free of taxes, or the employer saves on wage taxes if he agrees a net salary with the employee.

Foreign students can qualify

After completing a Bachelors or Master’s Degree, non-EU students can obtain for a search year to stay in The Netherlands to find a job. Dutch entities can hire them as knowledge migrant, with a lower salary requirement of EUR 29,445 / year (2017), regardless their age. This lower amount also applies after they become 30 years or change from employer.

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