NL
ENJob level
The role must match the candidate’s experience and qualifications. A clear job description is the basis of the application.
Skilled migrant technician
Filipino technicians under the highly skilled migrant scheme
For technical roles at the right level, the Dutch highly skilled migrant scheme can be a direct route to employ Filipino technicians. SkillShift assesses in advance whether the route fits and handles recruitment, practical testing, the permit and Philippine deployment.
Which technical roles the scheme can work for
The highly skilled migrant scheme is not only meant for office roles that require a degree. Experienced technicians can also qualify, provided the role and the employment conditions meet the requirements of the scheme.
An important difference from the GVVA: the highly skilled migrant scheme has no labour market test. You do not first have to show that the vacancy cannot be filled within the Netherlands or the EU. That keeps the route clear for structural technical vacancies.
Roles we often assess
- Electricians and service technicians
- HVAC and refrigeration technicians
- Maintenance and mechanical technicians
- Marine electricians and maritime technicians
- Certified welders and pipefitters
When is the route feasible?
Whether a technical role fits the highly skilled migrant scheme depends broadly on three points. SkillShift checks them in the feasibility check, before recruitment starts.
CLA grading
Pay must be in line with the market and with the grading in the collective labour agreement (CLA) that applies to your organisation.
IND income threshold
The salary must meet the income threshold for highly skilled migrants. The IND sets this threshold and adjusts it every year.
You can find the current thresholds on the IND website: required amounts and income requirements.
Recognised sponsorship: apply yourself or work through SkillShift
Only an IND recognised sponsor can employ a highly skilled migrant. You have two options.
Become a recognised sponsor
You apply to the IND for recognition as a sponsor yourself. This suits organisations that want to recruit internationally on a structural basis. As a sponsor, you carry the duties to inform, to keep records and of care. SkillShift can support you with the application.
Work through SkillShift
If you have no sponsorship of your own, the technician can work for you through SkillShift. SkillShift is an IND recognised sponsor and is then the employer. You do not need to apply for recognition yourself.
The Philippine side
DMW procedure alongside the Dutch application
A Dutch residence permit is not enough for a Filipino worker to leave the Philippines. Philippine rules for overseas employment also apply, including contract verification and departure clearance through the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
SkillShift is itself registered with DMW as a Foreign Recruitment Agency. Through that registration, we prepare the Philippine procedure alongside the IND application, so that both tracks are aligned.
More about DMW and Philippine deployment →Two models
You employ the technician directly, or SkillShift takes the employer role off your hands. In both cases, we handle recruitment and the Philippine side.
| Topic | Direct employment | Through SkillShift |
|---|---|---|
| What do you arrange? | The employment contract, payroll, recognised sponsorship and the workplace. | The assignment and the workplace. SkillShift is the employer. |
| What does SkillShift arrange? | Recruitment, selection and practical testing in Manila, support with the highly skilled migrant application, DMW deployment, preparation and relocation. | Recruitment, selection and practical testing, the permit application as recognised sponsor, DMW deployment, housing, payroll and support. |
| Who is the employer? | Your organisation. | SkillShift. |
| Suitable when | You recruit internationally on a structural basis, are or want to become a recognised sponsor, and want the technician in your own organisation. | You have no recognised sponsorship of your own, prefer not to take on the employer role, or want to gain experience with international technicians first. |
You receive a proposal after the feasibility check.
If the highly skilled migrant scheme does not fit
GVVA in the Netherlands
If the role does not meet the requirements of the scheme, the combined residence and work permit (GVVA) can be a route. A labour market test by UWV may then apply.
Visas & work permits →Single permit in Belgium
If you need technicians for a site in Belgium, the application runs through the single permit, with its own conditions per region.
Filipino staff in Belgium →Why SkillShift
Selection and practical testing in Manila
You only meet candidates whose technical skills our own team has tested.
Our own DMW registration
We are registered with DMW as a Foreign Recruitment Agency ourselves, so recruitment and Philippine deployment are aligned.
NEN 4400-1 and pay in line with the CLA
A certified route, not cheap labour.
Two models
You employ the technician yourself, or we take the employer role off your hands.
Prepared for day one
Dutch language preparation before departure where needed, housing and one point of contact up to the first working day.
Previous placements
Our team has previously placed professionals with organisations including ABN AMRO, APG, Rabobank, ING and Umicore.
Frequently asked questions
Can a technician without a degree come to the Netherlands as a highly skilled migrant?
Yes. The highly skilled migrant scheme has no degree requirement. The role and the salary are among the deciding factors. The candidate must be demonstrably suited to the role; SkillShift checks this with a practical test in Manila.
Is there a labour market test?
No. Under the highly skilled migrant scheme, you do not have to show that no suitable candidate is available in the Netherlands or the EU. Under the GVVA, this may be required.
Do we need to be a recognised sponsor ourselves?
Not necessarily. You can apply to the IND for recognition as a sponsor yourself. If you prefer not to, the technician can work through SkillShift. SkillShift is an IND recognised sponsor and is then the employer.
Where can I find the current income threshold?
The IND publishes the thresholds on its website and adjusts them every year. In the feasibility check, we assess whether the role and the CLA grading fit the scheme.
How does the DMW procedure relate to the IND application?
Both are required. A Dutch residence permit does not replace the Philippine departure formalities. SkillShift prepares the Philippine procedure through our own registration as a Foreign Recruitment Agency with DMW, alongside the Dutch application.
Can family members come along?
Family members of a highly skilled migrant can in many cases apply for a residence permit. The IND sets the conditions. SkillShift can support relocation and housing for the family.
What does a placement cost?
That depends on the role, the number of technicians and the model. You receive a proposal after the feasibility check.
Does this route also work for Belgium?
No. The highly skilled migrant scheme is a Dutch scheme. For Belgium, SkillShift works with the single permit, with its own conditions per region.
Feasibility check
Does the highly skilled migrant scheme fit your vacancy?
Send us the role and the CLA. We assess whether the scheme fits and which model suits you best.