Netherlands

If you are not an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, you need a residence permit, and in most cases your employer applies for it. The main routes:

• Orientation year (zoekjaar hoogopgeleiden): if you completed a master’s, PhD or research in the Netherlands – or a qualifying degree from a top-200 university abroad – in the last 3 years, you can get a residence permit for 1 year. You may work freely during this year; your employer does not need a work permit.
• Highly skilled migrant (kennismigrant): your employer must be a sponsor recognised by the IND and applies for you. Minimum gross monthly salary in 2026: €5,942 (age 30+), €4,357 (under 30) and €3,122 if you apply during your orientation year or within 3 years of graduating. Holiday allowance does not count.
• EU Blue Card: for graduates of higher education programmes of at least 3 years with a contract of at least 6 months. Minimum gross monthly salary in 2026: €5,942, or €4,754 under the reduced criterion.

All conditions and fees are on the website of the Immigration and Naturalisation Service: ind.nl.