Residence Permits for the Netherlands: What Jobs Qualify and What You Need to Know
As more South African professionals look to Europe for new opportunities, the Netherlands is quickly becoming a preferred destination with the second-largest community of South Africans in Europe. However, understanding the highly skilled migrant permit process can be complex, even for seasoned professionals.
Wendy Nelson, Director of Operations and International Recruiter at Ir Olav's Globetrotters, a specialist agency placing South African talent in the Netherlands, says understanding who qualifies for this residence permit is the first step toward a smooth relocation.
Who qualifies for a highly skilled migrant visa?
Job Offer Requirements:
“The Dutch government has prioritised sectors like engineering, tech, and finance due to ongoing skills shortages,” explains Nelson. In-demand roles include Electrical and Instrumentation Engineers, Software Developers (Java, .NET, Python) and Finance professionals such as Financial Controllers and Accountants.
However, applicants must secure a job offer, a signed contract, and a confirmed start date before applying for their residence permit.
IND-recognised sponsor:
Elizette Nel from Expat Relocation and Emigration Services says that the first non-negotiable step is a job offer from a Dutch employer that is an IND-recognised sponsor. Candidates cannot apply for a visa and then look for work - the job must come first. Once a candidate receives and signs their employment offer, the company applies for a combined residence-and-work permit on the candidate’s behalf.
Salary thresholds:
Salary is the most critical factor in qualifying for a highly skilled migrant permit. While education helps, it’s the market-related salary that determines eligibility.
“These thresholds are how the IND decides if someone qualifies,” explains Nel. In 2025, the minimum gross salary is €4,171/month for candidates under 30, and €5,688/month for those aged 30 and over.
These age-based salary brackets and company IND sponsorship requirements can pose hurdles and barriers to certain professions and industries, even though there’s a high demand for skilled workers across all sectors in the Netherlands.
Contract duration:
Another issue is contract duration and employment. Residence permits are tied to your sponsor (employer) and the length of your employment: a one-year contract means a one-year residence permit, and if you are let go within that one year, you have up to 3 months to find a new employer that is also a registered IND sponsor. Ir Olav’s Globetrotters offers permanent contracts for their candidates, which qualify them for a residence permit for up to 5 years (the maximum length that it’s valid for), which they can renew every 5 years should they choose to stay South African nationals.
“Preparation, employer sponsorship, and strategic salary negotiation are essential for success,” says Nel.
What qualifications do you need?
Typically, candidates need a bachelor’s degree and five years of relevant experience. This is to help HR departments and companies justify the IND income requirement for those candidates. However, for those without formal education, Ir Olav’s Globetrotters conducts technical assessments to evaluate their suitability for the Dutch market.
Language also plays a significant role. Nelson notes that Afrikaans speakers often have an easier time adjusting due to the similarities with Dutch.
“Even if you’re an English speaker, but understand Afrikaans, it can help you integrate more easily,” she adds.
Special cases: what if you are a skilled professional like a lawyer or health practitioner?
South African professionals aiming to practise law or healthcare in the Netherlands must navigate rigorous qualification pathways. Lawyers educated outside the EU, including South Africa, are generally required to obtain a Dutch law degree and complete a three-year professional training programme, including a supervised traineeship, before registering with the Netherlands Bar Association. For healthcare practitioners, recognition of foreign qualifications is essential. This involves assessment by the Commission for Foreign Healthcare Graduates (CBGV) and registration in the BIG register, which mandates Dutch language proficiency and may require additional examinations. Both professions demand a high level of Dutch language skills, typically at B2 or C1 level, to ensure effective communication within the Dutch legal and healthcare systems.
Moreover, the Netherlands maintains a comprehensive list of regulated professions, such as architects, teachers, and physiotherapists, that require formal recognition before practice. To determine if your profession falls under this category, consult the European Commission’s Regulated Professions Database by selecting 'Netherlands' as the country of interest. If your profession is listed, you must apply for recognition through the appropriate Dutch competent authority. This process often involves submitting proof of qualifications, demonstrating relevant work experience, and meeting Dutch language proficiency standards. These measures ensure that all professionals meet the Netherlands' stringent criteria, thereby upholding the country's high standards in various sectors.
Engineer Your Dutch Life
The Netherlands continues to show strong demand for skilled labour. In Q4 2024, the country recorded 108 job vacancies for every 100 unemployed individuals, highlighting opportunities for international workers. For South Africans considering the move, understanding the visa criteria and planning ahead can open doors to long-term career growth in Europe.
Ir Olav’s Globetrotters supports South African professionals from job placement to settling into life in the Netherlands. Their team of South Africans, who have made the move themselves, understands the journey and tailors support to each candidate’s unique needs while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and care. Working with trusted partners, they offer relocation budgets, help with housing, school enrolments, essential admin like BSN registration, residence permits, airport pickups, Dutch language lessons, and access to a strong South African community through regular events.
Start your journey with Ir Olav’s Globetrotters today and take the first step towards Engineering Your Dutch Life.
