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The Netherlands is the top destination for Indian IT professionals moving to Europe. English is the working language at most tech companies, the Kennismigrant (highly skilled migrant) visa is among Europe's fastest, and the 30% ruling means your effective tax rate is far lower than the headline rate suggests.
The Kennismigrant (Highly Skilled Migrant) visa is the Netherlands' primary route for non-EU professionals. It's designed to be fast — especially when your employer is an IND-recognised sponsor like RelocateEU.
| Category | Minimum monthly gross | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| General (30+) | €5,331 | €63,972 |
| Under 30 with Master's degree | €3,909 | €46,908 |
| EU Blue Card (alternative) | €5,331 | €63,972 |
| Orientation year (graduates) | No threshold — proof of funds required | — |
Most Indian IT professionals at mid-senior level earn comfortably above these thresholds. The salary must be paid by an IND-recognised sponsor — either your direct employer or an EOR acting as legal employer.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Must have an offer from an IND-recognised sponsor employer (RelocateEU is one) |
| Salary | Gross €5,331/month for general applicants (under-30 with Master's: €3,909) |
| Degree | Bachelor's or Master's degree relevant to the role (3+ years experience can substitute in some cases) |
| Passport | Valid Indian passport with at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay |
| Health insurance | Required upon arrival - arrange within first week in NL |
| No criminal record | Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) required |
| Family | Spouse and minor children can apply simultaneously (no separate work permit needed for spouse) |
Here's what happens between your decision to move and your first day of work in the Netherlands.
Passport (min. 6 months validity), legalised degree certificate, employment contract from a recognised sponsor meeting the salary threshold.
Your IND-recognised employer (or RelocateEU as EOR) submits the application. You do not file this yourself — the recognised sponsor does it on your behalf.
With a recognised sponsor: approximately 2 weeks. Without: up to 90 days. IND may request additional documents — we handle all communication.
Once approved, collect your MVV (entry visa) at the Dutch consulate in Delhi, Mumbai, or Chennai. Book the appointment as early as possible — slots fill up.
Enter the Netherlands on your MVV. Register at the municipality (gemeente) to get your BSN number. Collect your biometric residence permit (verblijfsvergunning) from the IND service desk.
The window to apply starts from your employment start date. Apply immediately — missing it costs you the benefit entirely. We submit this on your behalf through the employer.
The gap between gross and net salary in the Netherlands is smaller than many Indian professionals expect — especially with the 30% ruling.
The 30% ruling allows your employer to pay 30% of your gross salary as a tax-free reimbursement for up to 5 years. This is available to skilled migrants who are recruited from outside the Netherlands and meet the salary threshold. Most Indian IT professionals qualify.
| Role | Mid | Senior | Lead / Manager |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | €52–62K | €65–80K | €85–110K |
| Data / ML Engineer | €55–65K | €70–88K | €90–115K |
| DevOps / Platform | €50–60K | €65–80K | €82–100K |
| Product Manager | €55–68K | €72–90K | €90–120K |
| Engineering Manager | — | €80–95K | €95–130K |
The Netherlands is small - everything is 1–2 hours by train. But where you live still matters for rent, commute, and community.
Monthly budget estimates for a single person in Amsterdam vs. Eindhoven. Gross €75K with 30% ruling yields ~€4,400/month net - a comfortable buffer above these estimates.
| Category | Amsterdam | Eindhoven / Smaller cities |
|---|---|---|
| 1 BR apartment (unfurnished) | €1,600–€2,100 | €1,100–€1,500 |
| Health insurance (mandatory) | €130–€160/month | €130–€160/month |
| Groceries (basic, 1 person) | €280–€350 | €260–€320 |
| Public transport (monthly OV) | €100–€120 | €70–€100 |
| Utilities (incl. internet) | €120–€160 | €100–€140 |
| Dining out (2–3 meals/week) | €200–€280 | €150–€220 |
| Total estimate (1 person) | €2,430–€3,170 | €1,810–€2,440 |
Your first 2 weeks in the Netherlands - what to do and in what order.
Bringing your family is straightforward under the Kennismigrant route.
Book a free 15-minute eligibility check. We'll tell you exactly what your visa options are and what your first steps look like.