The Netherlands remains a major European destination for international business and talent. Strengths in technology, semiconductors, life sciences, logistics and R&D continue to attract global employers.
In 2025, 180 foreign companies established or expanded Dutch operations with support from Invest in Holland, with R&D becoming the largest investment category.
Immigration and Work Permits
EU, EEA and Swiss nationals can work in the Netherlands without a Dutch work or residence permit. For many non-EU employees, the Highly Skilled Migrant scheme is a common route. The employer must normally be recognized as a sponsor by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service, or IND.
For 2026, the monthly salary threshold is €5,942 for highly skilled migrants aged 30 or older and €4,357 for those under 30. A reduced threshold of €3,122 applies in certain cases. Other routes include the EU Blue Card, intra-corporate transfer permits and the combined residence and work permit, or GVVA.
Employers should also watch upcoming changes. The government plans to tighten the Highly Skilled Migrant scheme, including higher income requirements and stricter sponsor rules. No effective date has been confirmed.
From Immigration to Everyday Administration
A permit is only one part of relocating employees to the Netherlands. Employees staying more than four months must register with their municipality within five days of arrival. Registration provides a citizen service number, or BSN, used for many everyday processes.
Employees who live or work in the Netherlands generally need Dutch health insurance. They should arrange it as soon as possible and no later than four months after arrival.
Housing also deserves early attention. The Netherlands has a model-based housing shortage of around 5% of housing stock. Rents rose 4.4% on average in July 2026 compared with a year earlier. Starting the home search before arrival can reduce pressure during the first weeks.
Tax planning should begin early. Eligible employees can use the Dutch Expat Scheme, commonly called the 30% ruling, subject to specific conditions. In 2026, the standard expertise salary threshold is above €48,013. From January 1, 2027, the maximum tax-free percentage is expected to fall from 30% to 27% for affected arrangements.
Supporting Accompanying Families
Partners and children may need residence permits depending on nationality and the employee’s immigration status. Partners of highly skilled migrants, EU Blue Card holders and intra-corporate transferees are generally free to work without a separate work permit.
Families should also consider schooling before the move. The Netherlands offers Dutch and international education options, but availability varies by location and age group. Early planning helps align housing, commuting and school choices.
Where International Talent Is in Demand
The Dutch labor market remains tight. In April 2026, 64% of firms reported staff shortages. The country had about 387,000 unfilled vacancies in the second quarter.
Demand is visible in high tech, semiconductors, IT, engineering, life sciences, healthcare, business services and logistics. The semiconductor sector alone supported about 43,000 jobs in 2025, almost twice the 2019 level. Prominent employers include ASML, NXP, Philips, Booking.com, Adyen, Amgen and Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Making Relocation Easier for Employers and Employees
Successful relocation requires immigration, tax, housing and family arrangements to work together. Small administrative delays can quickly affect start dates and the employee experience.
Movenet helps employers manage these details so HR teams can focus on talent and assignees can focus on their new role. Contact us to learn how we can support your relocations to the Netherlands.
