The latest changes in Dutch immigration rules, salary thresholds and fees – explained in plain English, with what they mean for you.
Last update: 7 October 2026 · Summaries by Yari Immigration Services. Always check the official source before you take a decision.
The IND’s service desk for recognised sponsors is closed from 9:00 to 13:00 on Tuesday 29 September and Tuesday 27 October 2026. The new Business Newsletter for recognised sponsors was published the same day.
What it means for you: Plan urgent questions to the IND around these dates.
Official source →The IND has started assessing a small number of family reunification applications from refugees (nareis) under the new rules, to test them in practice before wider use.
What it means for you: Waiting for family to join you as a refugee? Ask us how the new rules apply to your case.
Official source →With the European Pact on Migration and Asylum in force, new asylum rules apply across the European Union, including in the Netherlands.
What it means for you: The Pact changes asylum procedures; regular residence routes such as work, study and family stay separate.
Official source →The IND is changing the way it processes pending asylum applications to reduce waiting times and give applicants clarity sooner.
What it means for you: Applicants with a pending case may receive news earlier than expected.
Official source →From 1 January 2026 the gross monthly salary (excluding holiday pay) must be at least €5,942 for highly skilled migrants aged 30 or over, €4,357 under 30 and €3,122 for the reduced criterion (for example recent graduates). For the EU Blue Card the threshold is €5,942, or €4,754 under the reduced criterion.
What it means for you: The amount that counts is the one valid on the date of the application.
Official source →The IND raised its fees by 4.4% in 2026, in line with wage growth. A highly skilled migrant, EU Blue Card or ICT application now costs €423; an application for a family member €254.
What it means for you: Fees change every 1 January – always check the current amount before you apply.
Official source →Since 1 January 2026, recognised sponsors must keep extra information about their employees in their records, so the IND can supervise more effectively.
What it means for you: Employers: check that your HR file for each international employee is complete.
Official source →For the 30% ruling, the salary norm for 2026 is more than €48,013 per year, and the income cap is €262,000. The transitional rule for the cap ended on 1 January 2026, so the cap now applies to all employees.
What it means for you: Talk to your employer or tax adviser about what this means for your net salary.
Official source →All IND news in Dutch and English: ind.nl/en/news