🇳🇱 Switching Jobs on ICT & HSM Visas in the Netherlands – My Experience & Insights

“Can I switch jobs on an ICT visa?”
“What happens to my 30% ruling if I change employers?”
“Can my spouse work in the Netherlands on a dependent visa?”

If these questions have been running through your mind—you’re not alone. When I was preparing to move to the Netherlands, I had the same concerns. Unfortunately, clear answers were hard to come by. That’s why I’m sharing everything I’ve learned through my personal experience with job changes, visa transitions, and work eligibility for dependents.

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⚠️ Disclaimer

I am not an immigration or legal consultant. The content below is based on my personal experience and what I’ve learned through research and conversations. Always consult the IND or a professional immigration advisor for your specific case.

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🧑‍💼 If You’re on an HSM Visa (Highly Skilled Migrant)

The good news: Yes, you can switch jobs freely—as long as the new employer is a recognized IND sponsor and agrees to sponsor your visa. Most large Dutch and international companies already qualify.

✅ Pro Tip: Don’t assume your HR team understands the visa intricacies. Always inform them upfront.

💡 What About the 30% Ruling?

• The new employer must reapply for the 30% ruling for the remaining eligible period
• It can take up to 3 months to get approved
• Keep a copy of your previous 30% ruling approval letter—it helps speed up the process

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🔄 If You’re on an ICT Visa (Intra-Company Transfer)

Yes, you can switch jobs in the Netherlands—but you’ll also need to switch your visa to an HSM visa (or other relevant category).

I did exactly this: moved from ICT to HSM when I switched jobs. The process took a few weeks and involved filing a new application with the IND. Plan this transition carefully so you don’t end up with a visa gap.

💡 What About the 30% Ruling?

Same rules apply. If you meet eligibility criteria and your new employer reapplies, you can continue enjoying the benefits for the remaining duration.

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👩‍❤️‍👨 If You’re on a Dependent Visa (Partner of HSM/ICT)

Here’s some excellent news:
👉 Yes, you can work in the Netherlands on a dependent visa. No extra work permit is needed.

You are free to work full-time, part-time, or even as a freelancer—which can be highly rewarding in the Dutch market.

✨ In fact, the best setup is one partner on a permanent contract and the other doing freelance work. It offers income flexibility, financial benefits, and better work-life balance.

💡 What About the 30% Ruling?

• If you secured a job offer before entering the Netherlands and meet all criteria (including the 150 km rule and minimum income thresholds), you can apply for the 30% ruling.
• If you get the offer after arriving in the Netherlands, you are usually not eligible.

Still, exceptions exist—so contact the Dutch tax authority (Belastingdienst) for clarity.

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💶 Salary Impacts: ICT vs HSM

This is a common and important question. The ICT visa generally gives you higher in-hand (net) salary, since you’re on a secondment contract and still officially employed in India. This means:

• Social security contributions in the Netherlands may be reduced
• You continue to contribute to EPF in India
• You usually get return flight tickets covered by the company

However, if you switch to an HSM visa, your contract shifts to a Dutch employment contract, and you:

• Start paying full social security contributions in the Netherlands
• Are covered by the Dutch pension scheme
• May see a net salary drop, but you gain long-term benefits

Example Comparison

• ICT Visa with €55K → ~€4.3K net
• HSM Visa with €55K → ~€3.8K net
  (Figures illustrative only; actual amounts vary)

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🔁 Why Switch to HSM?

While ICT has short-term financial perks, there are strong reasons why many prefer switching to HSM:

• 💰 Better local salary and benefits
• 🌴 More vacation days
• 🔒 Greater job security and long-term social coverage
• 📈 Helps build eligibility for PR and Dutch citizenship

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📌 Should You Switch?

Situation	Stay on ICT	Switch to HSM
Unsure about long-term stay	✅ Yes	❌ Not necessary
Want to return to India later	✅ Yes	❌ Optional
Planning long-term Dutch settlement	❌ Not ideal	✅ Recommended
Looking for job flexibility & better salary	❌ Limited options	✅ Better choices
Need job guarantee from home company	✅ Yes	❌ You lose fallback

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📱 Bonus Tip: Scam Alert

If you get a phone call asking for personal info or threatening visa issues—stay calm.
✅ Always verify with the IND directly.
There are known scam calls targeting new expats, especially those with recently activated Dutch numbers.

I’ve received these myself, and never had any issue after checking with IND.

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🙏 Final Thoughts

If you’ve read this far—thank you!
I hope this blog answered your questions about switching jobs and understanding visas in the Netherlands.

💬 If you still have questions, drop them in the comments section—I’ll do my best to help.

If you find my content helpful, consider subscribing to my email list. I share blogs about:

• Moving and settling in the Netherlands
• Life as an expat
• Travel tips across Europe
• Career transitions and salary breakdowns

Thanks again—and good luck on your journey ahead! 🇳🇱🚀