Netherlands: New immigration services and fees for 2025
The immigration authorities in the Netherlands have announced new services for migrants and employers, as well as updated fees and income requirements applicable from 1 January 2025.
Improved services for highly skilled migrants in Zeeland
Effective 1 January 2025, highly skilled migrants can go to the municipal office in Goes to arrange everything for their stay in Zeeland.
They and their families can register at once with one of the local councils in Zeeland. They will receive a Citizen Service Number (in Dutch: burgerservicenummer or BSN), pick up their residence document and receive practical information about working in the region.
This is possible because Expat Centre Zeeland, the local councils in Zeeland and the IND have joined forces to create a one-stop shop at the town hall in Goes under a three-year pilot programme.
Besides highly skilled migrants and their families, other migrants who wish to stay in the Netherlands for work, education or residency with a partner, can also go to this IND service point. The IND service point offers limited services, such as collecting a residence document, taking biometric data, and obtaining a residence endorsement sticker or a return visa.
Digital application for recognition as a sponsor possible in 2025
In the first quarter of 2025, it will be possible to digitally submit the application for recognition as a sponsor for labour. The digital application form is only available in Dutch (‘Erkenning als referent (arbeid)’) and is submitted via the IND’s Business Portal.
For a digital application for recognition as a sponsor, the employer needs eHerkenning (eRecognition). Application for eHerkenning can be submitted now. Those who want to submit the digital application as authorised representative on behalf of a company need chain authorisation and can then log in to the Business Portal on behalf of the company and submit the application there.
Applicants pay the fee directly when submitting a digital application. This allows for a quicker decision on the application. They will receive the proof of payment of the fees by post.
New fees and required amounts for 2025
From 1 January 2025, new fees apply for applications for residency in the Netherlands. The IND adjusts these fees every year as prices and wages rise. This year, the fees will increase by 6.7 percent.
The required minimum income amounts for residence permit applications have also been adjusted from 1 January 2025.
These are the gross required amounts per month without holiday allowance for 2025:
- Highly skilled migrant aged 30 years or older: EUR 5688
- Highly skilled migrant under 30 years of age: EUR 4171
- Orientation year highly skilled migrant: EUR 2989
- EU Blue Card: EUR 5688
- Reduced salary criterion EU Blue Card: EUR 4551.
Immigration support in the Netherlands
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