This article demystifies the idea that hiring a highly skilled migrant in the Netherlands always requires meeting the standard salary threshold. Now, you might wonder how it is possible, but in specific situations, the IND allows employers to apply a reduced salary criterion, which can significantly lower the minimum required salary.
Important to Know
In 2026, the reduced salary threshold for highly skilled migrants will be €3,122 gross per month, excluding vacation pay.
This lower salary threshold may apply when an employee is taking advantage of the “search year” for highly educated professionals or is eligible for it.
YourExpats Tip: Check this during the recruitment process. This will help you avoid delays during the IND application and ensure you know right away which salary requirement applies.
When does the reduced salary criterion apply?
First things first: in 2026 the reduced salary criterion for highly skilled migrants is €3,122 gross per month, excluding the holiday allowance. To be eligible, one of the two specific scenarios must apply, both linked to the residence permit for an orientation year for highly educated persons.
2026 Reduced Salary Threshold at a Glance
| Salary criterion | €3,122 gross per month |
| Does it include vacation pay? | No |
| Is a gap year required? | Not always |
| Application Deadline | Within 3 years |
| Applicable to | Graduates, doctoral candidates, and researchers |
Scenario 1: The employee has (or previously had) a one-year residence permit
A highly skilled migrant qualifies for the reduced salary criterion if they currently hold, or have previously held, a residence permit for an orientation year. In this case, the application for the highly skilled migrant permit must be submitted within three years of:
- The graduation date, or
- The doctoral defence ceremony, or
- The expiry date of a residence permit for research.
Scenario 2: The employee never had an orientation year permit, but would have qualified for it
The reduced salary criterion can also apply if the highly skilled migrant never held an orientation year permit, but does meet the requirements for that residence purpose. This may be the case if the individual:
- Graduated from a qualifying educational institution
- Obtained a doctoral degree
- Conducted research in the Netherlands
Here too, the application for the highly skilled migrant permit must be submitted within three years of the relevant graduation date, doctoral defence, or the expiry of a research permit.
Is your employee eligible?
-
✓ Recent graduate
✓ Een PhD afgerond
✓ Onderzoek verricht in Nederland
✓ Binnen de driejaarstermijn
✓ Voldoet aan het salariscriterium
For more information tailored to your employee's country of origin, please visit the IND website. You can also schedule an appointment with one of our experts for personalized advice.
Salary rules still apply
While the reduced salary criterion lowers the required minimum salary, all other salary rules remain unchanged. The salary must still meet IND standards regarding structure and composition.
Which is to say, the IND salary threshold always refers to the gross monthly salary, excluding holiday allowance, and not all income components are treated equally. For a detailed explanation of how salary thresholds work, when they apply, and what counts toward them, see our article Which salary threshold applies to highly skilled migrants.
Long story short
The reduced salary criterion offers employers a valuable opportunity to hire recently graduated or research-experienced talent at a lower salary threshold. However, the application must be submitted to the IND within the applicable three year window.
Being able to determine early on whether a candidate is eligible for the “search year” program can make a big difference during the recruitment process. Proper timing, clear documentation, and an accurate salary structure remain essential to ensuring a smooth and compliant application process.
