How to move to the Netherlands as a tech professional: The Kennismigrant visa explained
The Dutch Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigrant) visa is one of the easiest and fastest ways for non-EU professionals to work and live in the Netherlands. Here’s what you need to qualify in 2025.
If you've been eyeing the Netherlands for a while, looking for a way to get into the country, maybe with your laptop too, you might have come across something called the 'Kennismigrant', the Dutch version of the 'highly skilled migrant' permit.
This is one of the cleanest and most direct routes into the Dutch tech scene for non-EU professionals. In this article, we'll walk you through what it is and what it means.
Louis Eriakha
What Is the Kennismigrant (Highly Skilled Migrant) Permit?
'Kennismigrant' literally translates to knowledge migrant, and that pretty much sums up the idea. The Netherlands wants to attract people with advanced skills and expertise, especially in tech, research, and engineering. This permit lets non-EU/EEA nationals live and work in the Netherlands under fairly straightforward conditions, as long as certain requirements are met.
Most of the time, permits like these tend to require that the employer prove that no local or EU candidate can fill your position. But that isn't the case here. Once your employer is recognised as a sponsor, the process is much more streamlined, letting both of you focus on getting you into the country rather than fighting bureaucracy.
That being said, the visa is not without its 'hoops' that you would need to jump through. Let’s break down what you actually need to qualify.
What You Need to Qualify
Before you pack your bags, here’s what the Dutch authorities expect from you and your employer.
As mentioned earlier, the first thing to check off your box is that your employer is a “recognised sponsor”. This means they’ve been officially approved by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) to hire highly skilled migrants. The IND keeps an online register of recognised sponsors, so you can check if a company is on the list before applying. Most major Dutch tech employers and global companies with Dutch offices already have this recognition.
Next up, you need to have a valid employment contract or a binding job offer from that sponsor. The role must qualify as “highly skilled,” which generally includes, but generally isn't limited to, tech jobs like software developers, data engineers, product managers, and cybersecurity specialists. In other words, it should be a position that requires expertise and education to match. Technically is used because as long as a position requires expertise and education to match, it counts.
Now, the part that often makes or breaks applications: the salary threshold. The Netherlands uses salary as an indicator of skill level. As of January 2025, the gross monthly minimums (excluding holiday pay) are:
- €5,688 if you’re 30 or older,
- €4,171 if you’re under 30, and
- €2,989 if you’re a recent graduate from a Dutch institution or applying after your post-study “orientation year.”
You’ll also need to meet general immigration conditions, a valid passport, proof of health insurance, a clean criminal record, and properly legalised or translated documents. The IND takes documentation seriously, so having everything squared away up front saves you a lot of stress later.
Why the Kennismigrant Visa Is Worth It
If you’re in tech, this visa hits a sweet spot between accessibility and long-term benefit. For starters, it’s one of the fastest work visa routes in Europe, and recognised sponsors can submit your application directly, often cutting processing time to just a few weeks.
Even better, the Kennismigrant permit combines residence and work authorisation, meaning once it’s approved, you’re free to work under that sponsor without any separate work permit. It’s also family-friendly; your spouse or partner can join you and work without restrictions, and your children can study in the Netherlands.
Then there’s the tax angle: if you’re recruited from abroad, you may be eligible for the Dutch 30% ruling, which lets you receive up to 30% of your salary tax-free for five years, a generous perk that can make a real difference in your take-home pay.
And of course, there’s the lifestyle factor. The Netherlands has a booming tech ecosystem (Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Delft, the list goes on), high English proficiency, and a healthy work-life balance. If you’ve been looking for a European base that’s both professional and livable, this visa is your doorway.
Ogbonda Chivumnovu
How the Application Works
Once you’ve got your job offer in hand, your employer, not you, starts most of the process. If they’re already a recognised sponsor, they can apply to the IND on your behalf for both your residence permit and, if needed, your MVV (provisional entry visa), which acts as a temporary sticker in your passport to legally enter the Netherlands for a long-term stay, at the same time.
If everything’s in order, decisions often come back in two to four weeks, though the IND’s official timeline is up to 90 days. Once approved, you’ll collect your MVV (if required) at a Dutch consulate, travel to the Netherlands, and register with your local municipality to pick up your residence card.
From there, you’re good to go. You can start working immediately once your permit is active, sometimes even before the physical card arrives, depending on how your employer handles onboarding. If you change jobs later, you’ll just need another recognised sponsor and a quick update with the IND. Stay in the Netherlands for five years, and you can apply for permanent residence.
Things to Watch Out For
To be very honest, it's all easier said than done. A lot of these sound great and easy to get through. Yes, the process is relatively straightforward, but there are a few catches worth keeping in mind.
Because the system leans heavily on salary as proof of skill, some less-than-ethical companies have been known to exploit the scheme, underpaying or misclassifying roles. The Dutch labour authorities have cracked down on this, so it’s important to verify your employer’s legitimacy and make sure your role genuinely fits the “highly skilled” definition.
You should also know that if you lose your job, the clock starts ticking. You typically have three months to find another role with a recognised sponsor. The salary thresholds also tend to rise annually, so if your pay hovers close to the minimum, plan for future increases to stay compliant.
Finally, note that the Kennismigrant permit is country-specific. Unlike the EU Blue Card, it doesn’t grant you the right to easily move and work in other EU countries, so if your plan is to jump around Europe, you might need to consider other options.
Tips for a Smooth Application
To basically reiterate all that has been said, if you’re serious about making this work, make sure to apply to companies that are already recognised sponsors, it saves a ton of time and paperwork.
Negotiate a salary comfortably above the minimum, keep all documents properly legalised and translated, and check the IND’s official website for the latest thresholds and forms before submitting anything.
And if you’re eligible for the 30% tax ruling, apply as soon as your job is confirmed; it’s one of the best financial perks of moving to the Netherlands as a knowledge worker.
Conclusion
The Kennismigrant visa is one of Europe’s most tech-friendly immigration routes. It's flexible, fast, and designed for people who bring real expertise to the table. It’s not without its flaws: salary thresholds rise, rules evolve, and you’ll need a reliable sponsor. But for skilled professionals ready to join the Netherlands’ thriving tech ecosystem, this visa offers a clear, achievable path.
Louis Eriakha
