EU Blue Card
Netherlands
Last updated: December 26, 2025
5 years
$885
30-90 days
Medium
About this Visa
The EU Blue Card is a work visa for skilled workers from outside Europe. It lets you live and work in the Netherlands if you have a good job and proper education or work experience. This visa combines your work permit and residence permit into one—you don't need separate documents. The visa is best for professionals like engineers, doctors, IT workers, accountants, and managers. You need a job offer that pays well and proof that you're qualified for that job. The Netherlands is actively accepting applications for this visa right now.
Key Benefits
- Work without separate work permit
- Bring spouse, partner, and children who can work unrestricted
- Travel freely to other European countries after 12 months
- Full healthcare access
- Social benefits like pension and family payments
- Change jobs anytime if new salary meets requirements
- Path to permanent residence after 5 years
- Renew visa every 5 years
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Age 18 or older
- University degree (3+ years) OR 5+ years relevant work experience
- Signed job contract for at least 6 months
- Salary at least €5,688/month (€4,551 if recent graduate)
- Employer with no labor law violations in past 5 years
- Professional license if regulated profession
- Pass TB test if required by nationality
- No serious criminal record
- Not a security risk
Financial Requirement
Must earn at least $8,830 per month (€5,688) or $7,065 per month (€4,551) if graduated less than 3 years ago
Documents
- Valid passportGood for 6+ more months
- Job contractSigned, at least 6 months long
- Salary proofProof income meets requirement
- University degree or work experience3+ years degree OR 5+ years work experience (3+ for IT)
- Education evaluationNuffic evaluation if foreign degree
- Professional licenseRequired if regulated profession (doctor, lawyer, nurse)
- Background checkClean record from home country
- TB test promiseAgree to take TB test within 3 months if required
- Health insurance proofValid coverage documentation
- Marriage certificateIf married or in partnership
- Children birth certificatesIf bringing dependent children
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.