Why invest in Holland? ‌ because Holland welcomes highly-skilled knowledge migrants Expeditious immigration procedures; a no-strings-attached selection based only on a relatively low income requirement; and an attractive country of residence make the Netherlands one of the most desirable destinations in Europe for highly-skilled workers, investors and entrepreneurs. Furthermore, Dutch governmental organization, the NFIA (Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency), can offer free, confidential and up-to-date immigration advice. It goes without saying that the immigration policies of a country are an essential consideration for potential investors and companies when choosing a new business location. In Europe, the terms and conditions of entry for highly-skilled knowledge migrants can vary considerably from country to country and are often in flux as governments come and go. The Netherlands, however, prides itself on offering a consistently favourable, competitive and expeditious immigration regime for highly-skilled, third-country nationals compared to many of its European counterparts. This is largely due to the Knowledge Migrant Program (KMP), introduced by the Dutch government in 2004 in order improve the competitive position of the Netherlands as a knowledge-based economy and make the country more attractive as a work location. The scheme has since proved highly successful with both Dutch employers and foreign employees. In 2010, 5,490 applications for knowledge migrant workers were approved compared to 3,300 applications for residency as regular migrant workers. The Netherlands vs Europe on immigration In May 2011, the NFIA commissioned KPMG Meijburg & Co to conduct a benchmark study to compare Dutch immigration policies for highly-skilled knowledge workers with those of other popular European countries. The independent report – which provided a general overview of the current situation – focused on Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, the UK and Switzerland, and was carried out in close co-operation with reputable immigration advisory teams in the participating countries. From the findings of this report, the Netherlands was deemed to have a highly competitive immigration regime for highly-skilled knowledge workers and offered some attractive incentives compared to the other countries. While it was concluded that the UK and Switzerland offer the least attractive immigration procedures for this category. Switzerland, UK and the Netherlands Switzerland scored low in the study for a number of reasons. Rather incredibly, it doesn't have a separate highly-skilled migrant scheme; every foreign employee must undergo the same
procedure. The country only admits those with specific experience or skills, yet the law is unclear on what exactly these criteria mean. Furthermore, a 'competitive' salary is demanded; the entire process takes over six months; and only a few tax deductibles are on offer for moving or travel expenses which, even then, can change from canton to canton (there are 26 such districts that make up the country each with their own governing bodies). In the UK, the immigration system changed drastically in April 2011 when it closed its Tier 1 procedure to new applicants; highly-skilled migrants must now apply for the Tier 2 procedure (the same as for regular migrants). Not only does this track into the country demand that applicants have a salary of between EUR 27,000-45,000, but it's much harder to be admitted. On top of this, the entire process can take weeks, if not months. Additionally, there are no tax concessions for expatriates: this is in sharp contrast to the Netherlands which offers the very favourable 30% ruling (expatriates can take advantage of a tax-free allowance of up to 30% of their salary). No check on education or experience The study highlighted how the Netherlands is the only country where highly-skilled migrants merely have to satisfy an income requirement: no other conditions, such as education or experience, are taken into consideration. Whereas in France, they are also expected to have "exceptional skills that render them capable of making a lasting and significant contribution to the economic development and influence of both France and [their] home country". And they must also "engage in a specific project that benefits both France and the home country". While in Germany, highly-skilled knowledge migrants "must be able to prove exceptional knowledge and skills and specific professional experience". Only requirement is a minimum salary For entry into the Netherlands, highly-skilled knowledge migrants need only satisfy a relatively low income requirement. In 2011, this is a gross annual salary of EUR 50,619 for knowledge migrants older than 30 years of age, and EUR 37,121 for knowledge migrants younger than 30. Whereas, for recent bachelor or master graduates from a Dutch college or university, along with Masters' students from certain foreign colleges or university, the gross annual salary requirement is even lower: EUR 26,605. This, the study uncovered, compared very favourably to Germany where a gross annual salary of EUR 66,000 (western Germany) and EUR 57,600 (eastern Germany) is required. While in Ireland, the minimum gross annual income requirement is EUR 60,000 (or between EUR 50,000 to EUR 59,999 gross per year for "a restricted number of strategically important occupations"). Additionally, Ireland requires that workers' contracts are for a minimum period of two years.
Free, up-to-date and confidential advice on immigration Besides the considerable advantages outlined above, the Netherlands is renowned for its expeditious immigration procedure for highly-skilled knowledge migrants; a streamlined process that isn't mired in bureaucracy. However, it can still be a daunting procedure and difficult to keep up with all the latest changes and developments. This is where the NFIA can help. As an important advisor for foreign companies wishing to expand into Europe and potentially invest in the Netherlands, the NFIA has to know the immigration regime inside out. Therefore, a team are available to offer advice to any individual or company wishing to invest in the country and employ highly-skilled knowledge migrants. And last but not least, the NFIA can also provide a statement to confirm its familiarity with your company to expedite the process further. For more information please visit www.nfia.co.uk or call NFIA UK & Ireland on +44 207 225 1074
A happy workforce is a productive workforce A survey of 11 industrialized countries conducted by SEO Economic Research in 2010 found that the Netherlands was one of the most popular countries with highly-skilled migrant workers. 40% would be happy to remain in the country, while 15% would like to stay long-term.
August 2011