EU Blue Card checker
Compare your Dutch offer against the current EU Blue Card rules without digging through immigration tables. This checker is built for expats who want a fast route comparison before they commit to a move or application strategy.
Standard threshold
EUR 5,942
gross per month excl. holiday allowance
Reduced threshold
EUR 4,754
for qualifying recent graduates
Contract rule
At least 6 months
shorter contracts usually fail
Use the salary excluding 8% holiday allowance.
Main route checks
- Salary threshold must be met excluding holiday allowance.
- The contract usually needs to be valid for at least 6 months.
- The role must be highly qualified and linked to your background.
- You normally need a diploma or qualifying work experience.
Why expats compare this to the kennismigrant route
- The salary threshold can differ by route and date band.
- The employer does not need recognised sponsor status for the Blue Card route.
- The best route depends on your age, salary, background and employer profile.
- Your CV still needs to fit Dutch expectations whichever route you choose.
Slimme vervolgstappen
Best next steps after the Blue Card check
Use the immigration route check together with CV localization and title matching so your application works in the Dutch market, not just on paper.
Highly skilled migrant salary checker
ExpatCompare the Blue Card route with the standard sponsor-based route.
Zoekjaar checker
ExpatCheck whether the orientation year route is still open after graduation or research.
Job title translator NL-EN
ExpatLocalize your job title for Dutch vacancies and recruiter search.
Build your Dutch CV
CVMove straight from route planning to an editable CV.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the EU Blue Card salary threshold in the Netherlands in 2026?
From January 1, 2026 up to and including June 30, 2026, the standard Dutch EU Blue Card threshold is EUR 5,942 gross per month excluding holiday allowance. A reduced threshold of EUR 4,754 applies to qualifying recent graduates.
How long must the contract be for an EU Blue Card?
The employment contract usually needs to be valid for at least 6 months.
Do I need a recognised sponsor for the EU Blue Card route?
No. Unlike the highly skilled migrant route, the Dutch EU Blue Card route does not require the employer to be a recognised sponsor.
Can work experience replace a diploma?
In some cases, yes. The route can involve either a higher education diploma or sufficiently strong relevant work experience, depending on the role and route conditions.
Sources