From 1 January 2026, the Netherlands will introduce significant updates to the management of Highly Skilled Migrants (HSMs) and EU Blue Card holders under the evolving Netherlands Immigration Rules.
These changes will reshape administrative responsibilities for recognized sponsors and adjust several application fees. Companies that rely on international talent will need to prepare for stricter compliance requirements.
Key Changes in the Netherlands Immigration Rules
Organizations that hold recognized sponsor status with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) have long benefited from streamlined procedures for hiring highly skilled migrants. However, this status comes with legal responsibilities — responsibilities that will become more demanding from 2026.
1. Expanded Documentation Requirements
Traditionally, recognized sponsors were only required to keep payslips as proof that salary thresholds were met. Payslips, however, do not verify that the salary was actually transferred to the employee. Since actual payment is a critical condition for maintaining a valid residence permit, the IND is strengthening verification measures.
Starting 1 January 2026, sponsors must retain new types of documentation that confirm salary payments were made correctly.
2- Required Salary Payment Evidence
Under the updated Netherlands Immigration Rules, employers must keep:
| Document Type | Purpose |
| Bank statements from the organization’s business account | Confirms salary was deposited directly to the employee’s account |
| Batch payment overviews for monthly payroll transfers | Provides traceable evidence of systematic payments |
| Clear recipient identification | Verifies that the salary was transferred to a bank account in the employee’s name |
These documents must clearly demonstrate that the employee received the salary into a personal account.
3- Mandatory Retention Period
All documentation must be stored for at least five years after the employee leaves the organization or the company’s sponsorship status ends. The IND may request these documents during audits or inspections.
Why These Changes Matter for Employers
The updated rules represent a substantial elevation in compliance expectations. The IND places strong emphasis on sponsor reliability, and this includes:
- Correct and timely payment of salaries
- Proper administrative oversight
- Availability of verified documentation
Failure to meet these standards can trigger:
- Formal inspections
- Financial penalties
- Processing delays
- Revocation of recognized sponsor status
Losing sponsor status would severely limit a company’s ability to employ highly skilled migrants — a serious setback for organizations dependent on international expertise.
Preparing for Compliance
To mitigate risks under the new Netherlands Immigration Rules, companies should:
- Synchronize HR and payroll processes
- Ensure salary payments are fully traceable
- Implement secure storage for required documents
- Educate staff on the 2026 obligations
Proactive adaptation will protect organizational reliability and support continued access to global talent.
Updated Application Fees for 2026
The government has also introduced new application fees, effective 1 January 2026. The updated rates published in the Government Gazette are:
| 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 |
These fees apply to applications submitted on or after the effective date.
The upcoming changes in the Netherlands Immigration Rules mark a stronger focus on transparency, accountability, and compliance within the highly skilled migration system. Employers must ensure that payroll, HR, and compliance processes are well-aligned and capable of meeting the new documentation standards. Staying ahead of these requirements will safeguard a company’s reputation and maintain its ability to attract and retain international talent.