The highly skilled migrant scheme

What is a highly skilled migrant?

A highly skilled migrant is defined by law as someone who comes to work in the Netherlands from outside the European Union (including Switzerland). There are specific requirements, conditions, and salary criteria for hiring a highly skilled migrant. Most highly skilled migrants have completed a technical study. A significant portion of highly skilled migrant work in the IT and other professional services sectors, often in roles such as Manager, IT professional, and Consultant.

What is the highly skilled migrant scheme?

The highly skilled migrant scheme established by the Netherlands makes it possible for you as an employer to hire a highly skilled migrant, subject to certain conditions. In simple terms, this scheme streamlines the admission requirements for highly skilled migrants. In addition to the general requirements that apply to everyone, the following conditions must be met when hiring a highly skilled migrant.

• The highly skilled migrant must have an employment contract (of at least 3 months) with an employer recognized by the IND. An acknowledged employer is listed in the public register of recognized sponsors.
• The highly skilled migrant must meet the income requirements.
• The agreed-upon salary must be market competitive. This means that the highly skilled migrant should earn a salary similar to what employees in the same position typically earn.
• The knowledge migrant must have a valid passport, Dutch health insurance, and should not pose a threat to national security.

The primary objective of the highly skilled migrant scheme is to make it more attractive for students and highly educated individuals to work in the Netherlands. Their knowledge and talent can contribute to the Dutch economy, prosperity, and education system.

Who is the highly skilled migrant scheme intended for?

The highly skilled migrant scheme is intended for highly educated workers who wish to work in the Netherlands as highly skilled migrants due to their specialized knowledge. Com.pas can provide full support in the process of bringing employees from outside the European Union to the Netherlands. We can also serve as the sponsor for highly skilled migrants who are already in the Netherlands or who currently hold a residence permit under the “orientation year highly educated persons” program.

Hiring a highly skilled migrant?

The process of becoming an officially recognized sponsor as an employer can be time-consuming, complex, and expensive. As an alternative, you can choose to hire the knowledge migrant through our payroll services. We handle the permit application with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) and become the legal employer in this arrangement. Subsequently, we exclusively provide the highly skilled migrant to you as the hirer.

The benefits of Com.pas

In addition to ensuring that everything is taken care of down to the last detail throughout the entire process, you will immediately benefit from our up-to-date knowledge and expertise. Our payroll services are an integral part of our Immigration services, so we offer full support to bring employees from outside the European Union and possibly their family members to the Netherlands.

Would you like to know more about our services and how we can support your organization? Please feel free to contact us. Or arrange it directly through the quotation form and we will contact you within 24 hours.