Changing employer
- You can change to another employer that meets the Blue Card conditions
- The new salary must meet the criterion on the start date of the new contract
- The change must be reported to the IND – we arrange this for you
Family
Your family can come with you
Partner and children
Your spouse, registered or unmarried partner and minor children can apply for residence with you.
Partner may work
Your partner has free access to the Dutch labour market – no work permit needed.
No exam abroad
Family members of a Blue Card holder do not need to pass the civic integration exam abroad.
IND fees 2026
€254 for a partner and €85 per child – filed together with your application when you move as a family.
After you arrive
Your rights as a Blue Card holder
If you lose your job
- 3 months to find a new job
- 6 months once you have held the Blue Card for 2 years
- The period never runs past the end date of your card
Working across the EU
- Business trips to other Blue Card countries: up to 90 days in 180
- After 12 months: move to another EU country on a Blue Card
- Ireland and Denmark do not take part
Permanent EU residence
- EU long-term resident status after 5 years of lawful residence
- Time on a Blue Card in other EU countries can be added up
- Specific conditions apply to the time spent in the Netherlands
Costs
What it costs
Fees 2026
First consultation (30 min)Free
Our service feeFixed quote after the intake
IND fee – Blue Card (2026)€423
IND fee – partner€254
IND fee – child under 18€85
Diploma evaluation (Nuffic)Separate fee
Other routes
Other routes to the Netherlands
Work
Highly Skilled Migrant
The fastest work route, for professionals hired by an IND recognised sponsor.
hsmvisa.nl Open website WorkIntra-Corporate Transfer
For managers, specialists and trainees moving to a Dutch branch of their company.
ictvisa.nl Open website BusinessStart-up visa
One year to build an innovative company, guided by a recognised facilitator.
startup-visa.nl Open website FamilyFamily reunification
Bring your children or other family members to live with you.
family-visa.nl Open websiteFigures valid for 2026, based on ind.nl. Amounts change every 1 January – always check the latest amounts with us or on ind.nl.