Preparing for Netherlands Travel and Residency Changes

The Netherlands is tightening its entry and residency requirements, impacting both short-term visitors and those seeking long-term professional stays. While the country does not offer a specific digital nomad visa, these updates to the Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) program and the upcoming ETIAS system change the math for remote workers looking to base themselves in the Dutch market.

The most immediate change involves the IND salary thresholds, which reset every January. For those under 30, the gross monthly salary requirement is now €4,357. For those 30 or older, the minimum has risen to €5,942. These figures exclude the mandatory 8% holiday allowance. If you are applying after an orientation year, a reduced rate of €3,122 applies.

These updates affect several groups:

• Visa-exempt travelers: Citizens from countries like the US, UK, and Canada will soon need pre-travel authorization for short stays.
• Aspiring expats: Non-EU professionals must secure a Dutch employer recognized as a sponsor by the IND.
• Remote workers: Since the Netherlands requires a local contract for the HSM permit, nomads must find a Dutch employer or utilize the DAFT treaty if they are US citizens.

Later this year, the European Union plans to activate ETIAS in the final quarter. This will require travelers from 59 visa-exempt nations to apply online before arrival. The application carries a fee of €7, though it is generally free for those under 18 or over 70. Once approved, the authorization is valid for three years or until your passport expires.

To stay compliant, ensure your Dutch employer is an IND-recognized sponsor before beginning the HSM application. For short-term visits, keep an eye on the official EU portal for the ETIAS launch date to avoid boarding denials. You can find more nomad news regarding European border shifts on our site.

Read our full Netherlands guide for the complete picture.