4 Immigration Rule Changes in the Netherlands You Need To Be Aware Of

Looking back at the past year, there have been many significant immigration changes that could impact your ability to work and live in the Netherlands. So whether you’re only planning to stay for a few months, apply for permanent residence, or qualify for a passport, this is a must-read. We’ve combed through the government ‘gazettes’ and fine print for you.

Here are the most critical updates that could impact your daily life here in the Netherlands.

1. The Integration Exam Got Real (KNM Exam Update)

Effective: 1 July 2025

Historically, the Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij (KNM exam) was vague. Think questions like “How do Dutch people usually behave at the dinner table?” As of July 2025, this exam formally became the upgraded version. The government decided that the KNM exam should not test you on stereotypes or on “socially desirable behaviour,” but on something practical you could actually use. Now, things have progressed to: How to register a divorce? Where can I apply for Social Security benefits? What is the historical significance of the Holocaust? What are your rights regarding women’s self-determination? As you can see, less “Guess what the Dutch should do” and more know what you’ll actually need to do if life happens. If you are preparing for permanent residence and the inburgering exam (KNM exam) is part of your path, ensure your study materials are up to date.

2. Highly Skilled Migrant (kennismigrant) Salary Threshold Changes

Effective: 1 January 2026

If you are a highly skilled migrant, the government of the Netherlands wishes to ensure that you are really… highly skilled! To this end, the government sets higher minimum gross monthly salaries each year to qualify, excluding holiday allowance. As of January 2026, the following will be the set threshold salaries by age:

€5,942 for applicants aged 30 and over,
€4,357 for applicants aged 30 and under, and
€3,122 for recent graduates of the orientation year.

The salary levels are reviewed twice a year if you are a highly skilled migrant, and they have a direct bearing on the granting of residence permits, their renewal, and the applicants for permanent residence. Anyone who is below the required amount is rejected, regardless of whether they have passed the procedure before.

3. New Application Fees

Effective: 1 January 2026

This relates to residence fees. IND published its revised 2026 overview and fees, and the cost of bureaucracy went up. Some fees/amounts (and the statutory bases for amounts) were listed as applicable from 1 January 2026 for certain items. If you are budgeting for applications (residence permits or naturalization), the updated costs have gone up about 4.4% compared to the 2025 fees. Using old figures could delay your application, so check these.

4. Student and Family Sponsor Income Requirements

Effective: July 1, 2025

The requirement to prove income is not limited to the workers only. Now, the sponsors of family members coming over have a minimum income requirement of €2,245.80 (excluding holiday allowances) for married or cohabiting couples, or €1572.06 for singles or single parents. Besides this, self-financed university students have to demonstrate a monthly availability of €1,094.12 for University of Applied Sciences (HBO) and university, or € 898.48 for Secondary vocational education (MBO).

Be Proactive

Immigration changes in the Netherlands may sound tiresome, but they do not need to be hinderances. Instead, they make it necessary to tighten up your documentation and planning. Whether it is cross-checking your salary against the new thresholds or ensuring the materials for your integration course are updated, some small, proactive steps today will save you time later. Stay up to date with the knowledge, keep your records straight, and enjoy your life in the Netherlands!