The Netherlands updates a lot of immigration “numbers” every year ( such as salary thresholds, living-cost amounts, and fees). In early 2026, there are also new compliance duties for employers, and new political plans for asylum (some are not yet law).
The 6 Biggest 2026 Changes
| What changed in 2026 | Who is affected | When | What it means in practice |
| Higher salary thresholds for Highly Skilled Migrants (HSM) + EU Blue Card | Skilled workers + sponsoring employers | 1 Jan 2026 | Offers must meet the new minimum monthly salary levels (IND checks this). |
| New proof-of-salary-payment duty for recognised sponsors | Recognised sponsors (employers) of HSM / Blue Card | 1 Jan 2026 | Payslips are not enough; sponsors must keep proof the salary was actually paid (e.g., bank payment evidence). |
| IND application fees increased (indexation) | Anyone filing IND applications (many categories) | 1 Jan 2026 | Government fees went up (IND announced a fee increase for 2026). |
| Updated income requirements & living-cost amounts | Family migrants, short-stay sponsors, students, workers, au pairs, etc. | From 1 Jan 2026 (often split into half-year periods) | You must show you meet the new required monthly amounts (different per permit type). |
| Asylum + family reunification: longer waiting times and new IND guidance | Asylum applicants + family reunification applicants | Updated Feb 2026 | IND warns waiting times are increasing due to high volumes; this affects planning and expectations. |
| Citizenship/naturalisation: 10-year idea is not law (and appears dropped for now) | People planning Dutch citizenship | Status discussed in 2025–2026 | Payslips are not enough; sponsors must keep proof that the salary was actually paid (e.g., bank payment evidence). |
1) Higher salary thresholds for Highly Skilled Migrants and EU Blue Card
If you apply as a Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) or EU Blue Card holder, the Netherlands uses strict minimum salary levels. These thresholds were adjusted upward from 1 January 2026.
What to know:
- The minimum salary differs if you are under 30 or 30+ (for HSM).
- There are also reduced thresholds in some cases (for example, some graduates).
- Employers must make sure the contract salary meets the correct threshold at the time of the application.
This is one of the most common reasons for refusals or delays, so it’s a key 2026 update.
2) New Sponsor Compliance Rule
In 2026, there is a major compliance change for recognised sponsors (employers who sponsor skilled migrants).
New requirement:
- Sponsors must keep proof of salary payments, not just payslips.
- Examples can include bank payment records or batch-payment overviews that show the salary was transferred.
Why this matters:
- During inspections, employers may need to show evidence quickly.
- Poor administration can create risk for both the employer and the employee’s permit situation.
This is a real “process rule” change that employers must implement.
3) IND Application Fees Increased
IND fees (the costs you pay to submit many applications) were indexed for 2026.
What to expect:
- Many common applications cost more than in 2025.
- The IND published that fees would rise for 2026, and other professional updates list examples (such as sponsor recognition and skilled migrant permits).
| Application Type | Fee (from 2026) |
| Recognition as sponsor — normal rate | €5,080 |
| Recognition as sponsor — reduced rate | €2,539 |
| Residence permit for highly skilled migrants / EU Blue Card | €423 |
4) Updated Income Requirements and Study Living-cost Amounts
The IND updates the required amounts you must show for many permit types. In 2026, the IND published new numbers starting 1 January 2026 (some are valid for Jan–June, others for the full year, depending on category).
Examples of where this matters:
- Family migration (income requirements)
- Short-stay visa sponsorship
- Student permits (monthly living-cost requirement)
- Work permits in certain categories
- Au pair and other specific routes
If you do not meet the updated 2026 amount, IND can refuse the application.
5) Asylum and Family Reunification
In February 2026, the IND published an update saying:
- Many people are applying for asylum and family reunification.
- Waiting times are increasing as a result.
This is important because it changes planning (travel, housing, jobs, and family timelines). Even if the law is the same, the real-life immigration outcome changes when waiting times rise.
6) Dutch Citizenship in 10 Years?
In 2025, multiple sources reported a proposal to increase the standard naturalisation residence requirement to 10 years. Furthermore, in January 2026, Dutch media reported that the new coalition dropped the 10-year residence plan.
The IND still states the standard requirement is 5 years of legal residence (with listed exceptions). The IND page was updated on 6 February 2026, and it still uses the 5-year baseline.
So, as of now, there is no confirmed 2026 law that changes naturalisation to 10 years, but it has been a serious political topic, and it could return via future legislation.