The application process for obtaining a European Blue Card in the Netherlands is quite simple, but it can take several months. The process is not expensive; and to apply for the Blue Card, a sponsorship status is not required by the Employer (similar as to the ICT scheme).
If you decide to apply for an EU Blue Card, then the following facts must be taken into consideration:
- You have completed a college/ University degree of which the program has a minimum duration of 3 years.
- Unless your diploma is from a Dutch educational institution, your diploma must undergo a diploma evaluation by the IDW/Nuffic (Dutch Office of the Evaluation of Foreign Credentials).
- Next, you will need to have an employment contract with a Dutch entity. The employment agreement must be valid for at least 1 year;
- You can not own a substantial shareholding in the company
- Your gross monthly salary needs to be a minimum of €5,670 (2022, see European blue card (ind.nl) ) excluding of 8 % statutory holiday allowance. Since the employee will be on the Dutch payroll, the EU Blue Card applicant will also be eligible for the Dutch 30% tax concession.
- Depending on the duration of your employment agreement, the EU Blue Card will be issued for a maximum of 4 years and can then be renewed.
An important advantage of the EU Blue card, compared to the ICT scheme, is the fact that the ICT permit is only valid for 3 years. After that period, the Dutch residency holder should renew its residency under one of the other residency programs.
This guide is part of Relocate Staff to the Netherlands in our Launch Guide.
