European Blue Card (Netherlands)
🇳🇱 Netherlands visas · Work
What it is
EU-wide work and residence permit for highly educated employees from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland taking up a highly qualified position with a Dutch employer.
Key facts
- Category
- Work
- Duration
- Up to 5 years; valid until 3 months after employment contract ends
- Processing time
- 4–13 weeks
- Maximum validity
- 5 years
- Extendable
- Yes
- Path to permanent residence
- Indirect route
- Dependants
- Yes
- How to apply
- Online
- Health insurance
- Required
Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.
Fees
- Application fee (first application; extension EUR 423)
- EUR 423
- Proof of funds (gross SV per month, 2026 salary criterion)
- EUR 5,942 per month
- Proof of funds (gross SV per month, 2026 salary criterion)
- EUR 4,754 per month
Key requirements
- Highly qualified work position in the Netherlands
- Higher education diploma (3+ years) evaluated by Nuffic OR 5 years relevant work experience (3 years for IT professionals)
- Employment contract valid for a minimum of 6 months
- Gross salary meeting the Blue Card income threshold
- Employer conducts genuine economic activity and has no labour-law violations in past 5 years
Money you must show
2026 salary norm; reduced EUR 4,754
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 18 July 2026.