Highly Skilled Migrant Visa (Kennismigrant): Timeline for Nigerians ₦878,971
Processing time for the Highly Skilled Migrant Visa (Kennismigrant) for Nigerian applicants is 2–4 weeks (employer-sponsored, IND fast-track). Below is what to expect at each stage, plus the verified fees you pay along the way.
Highly Skilled Migrant Visa (Kennismigrant) fees — verified breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee | ₦662,753 (~$485 USD) |
| Proof of funds (your own savings)Not required | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Health surcharge | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Language test (IELTS/TEF) | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Credential evaluation | ₦216,217 (~$158 USD) |
| Total government fees | ₦878,971 (~$643 USD) |
Verified against official immigration authority schedule. Exchange rates as of 21 June 2026. Proof of funds is your own money — you do not pay it to the government.
What each fee covers
The ₦878,971 total is made up of several distinct charges. Here is what you are actually paying for:
- Visa application fee — ₦662,753: Paid to the Netherlands immigration authority when you submit your application. Non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
- Credential evaluation — ₦216,217: A third-party body (WES, ACS, Engineers Australia, SAQA, or equivalent) verifies that your Nigerian degree and certificates meet Netherlands’s standards. Allow 4–8 weeks for this process.
Processing timeline
Total processing time: 2–4 weeks (employer-sponsored, IND fast-track)
- 1
Confirm eligibility
Check that you meet the Highly Skilled Migrant Visa (Kennismigrant) requirements before paying any fees.
- 2
Prepare documents
Passport, qualification certificates, credential evaluation report.
- 3
Pay fees
Pay ₦878,971 in government fees.
- 4
Submit application
Submit online or through the relevant embassy.
- 5
Wait for decision
Processing time: 2–4 weeks (employer-sponsored, IND fast-track).
Expert tip
Highly Skilled Migrant Visa (Kennismigrant)
The Highly Skilled Migrant Visa is employer-sponsored — your Dutch employer applies through the IND and must be a recognized sponsor. No language test required, no proof of funds from your side. The minimum salary threshold for 2026 is €5,942/month (age 30+) or €4,357/month (under 30), excluding holiday allowance. Processing is fast — typically 2 weeks through the IND's fast-track. The 30% ruling lets you receive 30% of your gross salary tax-free for up to 5 years, which is a massive financial advantage. Tech companies in Amsterdam, Eindhoven, and Rotterdam actively recruit Nigerian developers.
Where Nigerians settle in Netherlands
Once your Highly Skilled Migrant Visa (Kennismigrant) is approved, most Nigerians head to Amsterdam or Rotterdam. Here is what to budget for your first year:
- Amsterdam: 1-bedroom rent ₦3,039,577/month · Lagos–Amsterdam flights from ~$650 · Nigerian community: Medium
- Rotterdam: 1-bedroom rent ₦2,188,809/month · Lagos–Rotterdam flights from ~$660 · Nigerian community: Medium
- The Hague: 1-bedroom rent ₦2,254,614/month · Lagos–The Hague flights from ~$660 · Nigerian community: Small-Medium
Life in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the Netherlands' capital and most expensive city — a 1-bed apartment in the center costs €1,800–2,200/month ($1,960–$2,400), dropping to €1,400–1,600 outside the center in areas like Amsterdam Zuidoost (Bijlmer), which has a significant African community. The tech sector is booming with companies like Booking.com, Adyen, TomTom, and numerous startups. The 30% ruling makes Amsterdam salaries go much further. Public transport is excellent — an OV-chipkaart monthly pass covers trams, buses, and metro. Almost everyone speaks English, so you can function without Dutch initially. Nigerian churches and community groups meet regularly in Zuidoost.
2% of Nigerians who use Japa Calculator choose Netherlands as their destination. Average Japa Score: 63/100. Most common salary expectation among applicants: ₦500K–₦1.5M.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the Highly Skilled Migrant Visa (Kennismigrant) cost for Nigerians moving to Netherlands?
- Total government fees for the Highly Skilled Migrant Visa (Kennismigrant) are ₦878,971 (about $643). This covers the visa application fee, credential evaluation of ₦216,217, and any other applicable government charges.
- How long does Highly Skilled Migrant Visa (Kennismigrant) processing take from Nigeria?
- Processing time for the Highly Skilled Migrant Visa (Kennismigrant) is 2–4 weeks (employer-sponsored, IND fast-track). Apply from the Netherlands High Commission in Abuja or the Consulate in Lagos — book your appointment slot as early as possible, as backlogs frequently add 2–4 weeks beyond the official window.
- What documents do I need to apply for the Highly Skilled Migrant Visa (Kennismigrant) from Nigeria?
- You will need a valid Nigerian international passport (at least 6 months validity beyond your intended travel date), completed application form, recent passport photographs, and supporting evidence of eligibility. A credential evaluation (₦216,217) from an approved body verifies your Nigerian qualifications for Netherlands authorities.
- Where do most Nigerians settle after relocating to Netherlands?
- Amsterdam is the most popular destination for Nigerians relocating to Netherlands. Average 1-bedroom rent is ₦3,039,577 per month. The Nigerian community in Amsterdam is smaller but active; diaspora associations and online groups help new arrivals settle quickly.
Related guides
Sibling variants of this visa route and other ways into Netherlands.
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Start Free CalculatorData methodology: Visa fees sourced from official immigration authority schedules. Naira conversions use live exchange rates from open.er-api.com (last updated 21 June 2026). All fees are subject to change with policy updates — verify with the official immigration website before applying. Last verified: 2026-06-02