The salary of knowledge migrants

Do you want to employ a worker from outside the European Union? That's possible if the worker qualifies under the knowledge migrant scheme. However, certain conditions apply. One of the conditions for knowledge migrants is that they must earn a specific minimum salary. The Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) website specifies the minimum salary required for each type of residence permit.

What is the salary for knowledge migrants in 2024?

The minimum salary a knowledge migrant must earn is outlined in the Implementation of the Foreign Nationals Employment Act Decree. The amounts mentioned are adjusted annually. For knowledge migrants, the following minimum gross monthly salaries apply from 1 January 2024, excluding 8% holiday allowance: **30 years and older**: €5,331 **Younger than 30 years**: €3,909 **Knowledge migrant who starts working in the Netherlands within three years after completing an approved bachelor's, master's, or postgraduate degree**: €2,801 **Holder of a European Blue Card**: €6,245 If you already employ knowledge migrants, it's good to know that you don't have to immediately increase their salary. This also applies to employees with a European Blue Card. You pay the new amounts only upon the extension of the residence permit or if the recognized sponsor changes. The table also mentions a reduced salary criterion of €2,801, also known as the 'reduced standard amount'. This reduced salary criterion applies to knowledge migrants who wish to continue working in the Netherlands after their study, promotion, or research. They must then apply for a 'search year for highly educated persons' residence permit. There's an exception to the rule that a knowledge migrant must earn a certain salary per month. For university lecturers, postdoctoral researchers under 30 years of age, and PhD candidates, this rule does not apply. It is sufficient that they receive a market-conform salary. The IND compares this salary with salaries in similar positions.

The 30% Ruling

Knowledge migrants can make use of the 30% ruling. This is a tax rule allowing the employer to pay 30% of the wage tax-free to a knowledge migrant. This money can be used by the knowledge migrant to cover the costs of working in the Netherlands.

When can a knowledge migrant work in the Netherlands or the EU?

The knowledge migrant scheme outlines the conditions for a foreign worker to work in the Netherlands or the EU. It must be a highly qualified immigrant coming to the Netherlands for a specialist position. Examples include medical trainees, (guest) lecturers, or (scientific) researchers. The position requires the knowledge migrant to have specialized knowledge. To apply for a residence permit, a knowledge migrant needs a valid ID at the very least. To be admitted to the knowledge migrant scheme, two more conditions apply: The employer is a recognized sponsor. The employee earns the minimum salary for knowledge migrants (see the table above). **A knowledge migrant can also work in the Netherlands if:** they hold a European Blue Card. Special salary requirements apply (see the table above). Moreover, the scheme only applies to highly qualified individuals. The knowledge migrant must have completed at least a three-year higher education program. the knowledge migrant is a researcher according to EU directive 2016/801. If a knowledge migrant already has a residence permit as a researcher in another EU country according to directive 2016/801, they can also conduct research in the Netherlands for 180 days within a 3-year period without needing a residence permit. the knowledge migrant wishes to continue working in the Netherlands after their study, promotion, or research. They can apply for a 'search year for highly educated persons' residence permit. For these knowledge migrants, the reduced salary criterion from the table applies.

Everything well-organized for knowledge migrants with payroll

Employing a foreign worker can be the solution for that vacancy you can't seem to fill. Worried about all the administrative hassle because you need to apply for various permits? There's no need, as there's an ideal solution: payroll. Did you know that payroll is also possible for knowledge migrants at Maqqie? Maqqie is a recognized sponsor by the IND. We ensure that the application process goes smoothly and quickly. We also take care of all other matters, such as paying the salary. Discover what Maqqie can do for you.

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