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EU Blue Card

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

1–3 months

Estimated Cost

EUR €423

Stay Duration

5 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Living in Netherlands

Cost of Living

5% more than United States

Avg Salary€42,000

Quality of Life

206/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Highly skilled employment with a recognized degree and salary above the member state threshold. Portable across EU after 12 months.

The EU Blue Card is a Netherlands residence and work permit for highly qualified non-EU/EEA nationals in employment. Applicants need a higher education diploma (3+ years) or 5 years of relevant experience, a job contract of at least 6 months, and a gross monthly salary of at least EUR 5,942 (EUR 71,304 annually).

The permit is valid for up to 5 years and is renewable, with a pathway to long-term EU residence. Processing takes 30 days for recognised sponsors or 90 days otherwise. The application fee is EUR 423. Spouses have unrestricted work rights, and the card facilitates intra-EU mobility after 12 months.

This visa is ideal for non-EU professionals with a Dutch job offer at a high salary who want a renewable, family-inclusive work permit with a long-term residence pathway.

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Explore Guide

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

5 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Netherlands

EU Long-Term Residence Permit

Validity5 years

Processing1 day – 6 months

View Visa Details

Netherlands

Highly Skilled Migrant Permit

Validity5 years

Processing1 day – 3 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationality

Valid employment contract for a highly qualified job for at least 6 months

Meet the minimum salary threshold set by the IND

Possess a higher education diploma (at least 3 years of study) or equivalent professional experience (e.g., 5 years of relevant experience, or 3 years for ICT specialists)

If the profession is regulated, meet all statutory requirements to practice

Valid health insurance

Do not pose a risk to public order or national security

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

Min. Income

71,304 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Signed employment contract

Higher education diploma (with Nuffic evaluation if foreign)

Proof of relevant work experience (if applicable)

Proof of meeting salary requirements

Proof of health insurance

Antecedents certificate

Application Process

Secure employment

Obtain a job offer meeting the Blue Card salary threshold and contract duration requirements.

Submit application

The employer (or the applicant) submits the residence permit application to the IND.

Pay fees

Pay the required application fee of EUR 423.

Wait for decision

The IND processes the application within 30 days (for recognised sponsors) or up to 90 days (for others).

Travel to the Netherlands

Obtain a provisional residence permit (MVV) if required and travel to the Netherlands.

Collect residence permit

Make an appointment to collect the physical residence document at an IND desk.

Application Forms

7515 Application for the purpose of residence 'holder of the EU Blue Card' (foreign national)	Fill online
7517 Application for the purpose of residence 'holder of the EU Blue Card' (sponsor/employer)	Fill online
7573 Application for family members of the holder of the EU Blue Card	Fill online

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