Extended job search period for highly skilled migrants 

As of 22 May 2026, the job search period for labour migrants holding a residence permit for paid employment purposes, including highly skilled migrants, has been expanded. Highly skilled migrants who have held a residence permit for at least two years at the time they become unemployed are now granted up to six months to find new employment. For highly skilled migrants with a residence history of less than two years, the maximum search period remains three months. 

This extension follows from the revised Single Permit Directive (Directive (EU) 2024/1233). As a result, the search period for labour migrants holding a residence permit linked to paid employment is now aligned with the search period that previously applied exclusively to holders of a European Blue Card. 

It is important to note that the search period can never extend beyond the validity of the residence permit. For example, if a residence permit expires on 1 January 2027, the search period cannot be granted beyond that date. 

For highly skilled migrants, the requirement remains that any new employer must be a recognised sponsor listed in the https://ind.nl/en/public-register-recognised-sponsors. In addition, the employee must continue to meet all other conditions of the highly skilled migrant scheme, including the applicable salary threshold. 

If no suitable employment is secured within the applicable search period, the residence permit may be withdrawn by the IND. 

If you have any questions following this news update, please feel free to contact us.