New EU Blue Card Rules in the Netherlands

2 min
NL
Immigration
3 Jan 2024

Important updates to the Dutch EU Blue Card! Including adjusted salary thresholds, diploma evaluations, quicker processing time, and a faster route to permanent residence. The new EU Blue Card Directive has been fully implemented in the Netherlands since June 2024. Here’s what you need to know.

Adjusted Salary Threshold: The new indexed salary threshold for Dutch EU Blue Card holders requires a minimum gross base monthly salary of €5331 (excluding holiday allowance), with a further reduced threshold of €4,265 for recent graduates. This aligns the EU Blue Card with the national Highly Skilled Migrant scheme

Diploma Evaluation of Foreign DiplomasApplicants can now qualify with either a higher education diploma or five years of relevant professional experience, catering to a broader spectrum of expertise. ICT Managers and ICT professionals with at least 3 years of relevant work experience in the past 7 years are exempted from a diploma evaluation and are eligible based on work experience alone.

Shorter Period of Employment Duration is Needed: An initial employment contract of 6 months (instead of 12 months) is sufficient to qualify for a Dutch EU Blue Card.

Quicker Processing Time: For applications under Recognized Sponsors: Decisions within 30 days of submission date, instead of the previous 90 days.

Faster Route to Permanent Residence: After at least 2 consecutive years of valid residence under an EU Blue Card in the Netherlands and 12 consecutive months in another EU Member State with a valid EU Blue Card, a foreign national may already qualify for permanent residence if all other criteria are met.

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