Netherlands: Minimum Salary Levels to Increase for High-Skilled Foreign Nationals

Last Updated on February 23, 2023

Key Points

  • Minimum salary levels will increase for high-skilled foreign nationals on January 1, 2021
  • Salary levels will increase for high-skilled foreign nationals by age
  • Salary thresholds will also increase for recent graduates and EU Blue Card holders
  • The changes apply to applications submitted after December 31, 2020
  • Bonuses and non-guaranteed wages do not count towards the minimum salary level

Overview

On January 1, 2021, the Dutch government will increase minimum salary levels for high-skilled foreign national employees.

What are the Changes?

In 2021, minimum salary thresholds will increase by approximately three percent across all categories. The new minimum salary levels will increase as follows:

  • High-skilled foreign nationals age 30 and over: €4,752
  • High-skilled foreign nationals under age 30: €3,484
  • High-skilled foreign nationals (recent graduates): €2,497
  • EU Blue Card holders: €5,567

Who is Affected?

The new minimum salary levels apply to applications submitted after December 31, 2020 for the categories above. Current 2020 minimum threshold levels apply to applications submitted before the end of the year.

What Should Employers and Applicants Know?

An employee’s minimum salary only includes guaranteed gross monthly salary components that are deposited directly into an employee’s bank account. Certain wages and in-kind benefits that are not guaranteed, such as bonuses for performance, do not count towards the minimum salary level.


Content in this publication is not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. For additional information on the issues discussed, consult an Envoy-affiliated attorney or another qualified professional.