Working in the Netherlands

Highly skilled migrant, EU Blue Card, orientation year and the 30% ruling.

Most Indian professionals come to the Netherlands as highly skilled migrants. The employer must be registered with the IND as a recognised sponsor and the salary must exceed a threshold that is set annually. Partners and children can come along, and the partner is free to work.

Graduates of a Dutch institution, or of a top university abroad, can apply for an orientation year to look for work here. Employees recruited from abroad may qualify for the 30% ruling, a tax advantage for incoming employees. Its rules have changed several times in recent years; check the current conditions with the Dutch Tax Administration.

Useful links

• IND – Highly skilled migrant ind.nl
  Requirements and current salary thresholds.
• IND – Register of recognised sponsors ind.nl
  Check whether an employer is a recognised sponsor.
• Dutch Tax Administration (English) belastingdienst.nl
  Including the 30% facility and the annual tax return.
• Business.gov.nl business.gov.nl
  Official information for entrepreneurs and freelancers, in English.