What are the differences between an EU Blue Card and an HSM?

Factors

EU Blue Card

Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM)

Type of permit

Residence permit

Work permit

Who can apply?

non-EU academics

Highly skilled employees or workers from non-EU/EEA or Switzerland

Where can they work?

25 EU countries except Denmark & Ireland

Only in the Netherlands

Eligibility Criteria

Have a university degree ( Master’s or an equivalent)

Have an employment offer from a Dutch employer.

Have at least 5+ years of professional/work experience

Meet the monthly minimum income requirement of €5,008 for employees over 30 years and €3,672 for employees under 30 years.

Have an employment offer from any of the eligible EU state countries

Your salary must align with the Netherlands' market rate

Have earnings that meet the minimum income requirements

The company that offered you the job must be Chamber of Commerce-registered & recognized by the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service)

Minimum contract of the job offer

12 months

3 months

Documents required

Application form

Valid passport

Valid Passport

Two copies of passport-size photographs

Two copies of color photographs

Confirmation of job offer from a registered employee in the Netherlands

Employment contract

Medical insurance

Proof of work experience of five years

Sponsorship declaration Form

Updated CV

Clear criminal record

Medical insurance

Results of the Tuberculosis (TB) test

Proof of income

Criminal clearance certificate

A Declaration from the EU employer

Family Reunification?

Yes

Yes

Can I re-apply for residence permit when I change to another EU country?

Yes

Yes

Can I transfer my residence to another EU country?

No

Yes (only after completing 18 months of residence in the issued EU member state country)

 Validity

Up to 4 years

Up to 5 years (in most cases valid for the duration of the employment)

Processing Time

6- 12 weeks

2 -12 weeks

Processing Cost

€ 140

€ 380