European Blue Card (EU Blauwe Kaart)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 1460 days
- Processing time
- Up to 90 days
- Fee
- EUR 423
- Validity
- Up to 4 years
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Key advantage over kennismigrant: employer does not need to be a recognized sponsor, and the Blue Card facilitates transfer to other EU member states after 12 months. After 33 months of legal residence with an EU Blue Card, you can apply for an EU long-term residence permit. 2026 minimum salary: EUR 5,937/month. Reduced threshold for recent Dutch graduates: EUR 4,751/month (within 3 years of graduation).
Eligibility
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Nationality
All non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals.
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Employment
Must have an employment contract of at least 12 months with a salary meeting or exceeding the EU Blue Card threshold (EUR 5,937/month in 2026).
Required status: Employment contract of at least 12 months
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Financial
Minimum gross monthly salary of EUR 5,937 (2026), or EUR 4,751 for recent Dutch graduates within 3 years of graduation.
Minimum funds: EUR 5,937/month
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 12
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Bank transfer; Amount: EUR 423
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Curriculum vitae
Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.
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Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
How to apply
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Document gathering
Gather employment contract, higher education diploma (at least 3-year degree), passport, and CV.
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Online application
Submit application to the IND. The employer or the applicant can submit the application.
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Fee payment
Pay the IND application fee of EUR 423.
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Processing wait
IND processes the application within 90 days.
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Visa collection
Collect MVV sticker from Dutch embassy/consulate (not required for MVV-exempt nationals).
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Biometrics
Provide biometrics at IND desk in the Netherlands and collect residence permit card.