Netherlands Work Visa Lawyer Fees 2026
Do you intend to get a Dutch work permit in 2026? Being a business owner interested in the DAFT visa or a company in need of Recognized Sponsor, knowing the cost of legal issues is the first step to a successful move.
Starting January 1, 2026 the IND (Immigration and Naturalization Service) has raised government application costs by 4.4%.1 Starting January 1, 2026, many leading immigration law firms have adapted their fee structures and pricing to include new, more rigorous compliance audits. This is the guide, which dis aggregates precisely what you are likely to spend on professional legal advice in the Netherlands this year.
Hourly Rates vs. Years of Experience.
The lawyers will charge on an hourly basis in case your case has been in relation to Red Flags e.g. past deportation, criminal history or company restructuring that is tricky. Depending on the seniority of the attorney, there are great differences in the rate.
- Junior Associate: €150 – €200 per hour. (Standard document reviews are best done by this).
- Senior Associate / Specialist: €225 -350/hour. (The HSM/Blue Card market standard).
- Partner / SVMA Expert: €400 + per hour. (Strategic litigation or policy level litigation).
- Office Surcharge: It is important to note that administrative surcharge on top of the hourly charge is often added by a percentage of 2-5 by most Dutch companies.
The Expat Relocation Packages.
Companies in 2026 are going outside the process of completing a visa application to providing Full-Circle. These packages are created to put your talent on the ground and have them audit-ready within a short time.
- The Dual-Track Strategy: Lawyers can offer a premium that permits them to make two visa applications at the same time (i.e., EU Blue Card and HSM) to have a backup in case one is delayed.
- Compliance Retainers: Businesses are now charged a fixed monthly fee (usually ranging between 300-600 euros) to comply with the 2026 reporting obligations, which have now to demonstrate all bank transfers of all staff sponsored by the company.
- The “First 30 Days Bundle: it includes visa application, BSN registration support, and a consultation of the Dutch rental agreement.
How to Find a Dutch Lawyer You Can Trust.
Do not simply look at the price tag. Immigration Expert is not a registered title in the Netherlands. In order to promote E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness), the following filters could be used:
- Lid van DE SVMA: The Specialist Association of Migration Attorneys should have a lawyer among its members. This is the Dutch standard of immigration law.
- BECON Number: In the case of the entrepreneur visas (DAFT), a lawyer or accountant will need a BECON number in order to submit some financial statements.2
- Fixed Fee Agreement: It should be a written agreement at all times. By 2026, well-known companies will have a 1000-dollar introduction of No-Cure, No-Pay, but will be rarely billed the full amount, because ethical standards put a limit on success fees in traditional immigration proceedings.
2026 Government Fees (Leges)
These IND Application Fees should also be added to the quote of your lawyer:
- Recognized Sponsor (Regular): €5,0803
- Recognized Sponsor (Small Biz/Startup): €2,5394.
- Highly Skilled Migrant / Blue Card: €4235.
- Family Members: €254 per person
FAQ
Is the amount of the lawyer fee tax-deductible?
In the case of companies, legal expenses on a Recognized Sponsor application are usually deductible as business expenses. In the case of individuals, they are normally not deductible.
Can I use a “Pro Bono” lawyer?
When your income and assets fall below a certain salary, you can get subsidized legal assistance through the Rand boor Freestanding.6 but it hardly happens to Highly Skilled Migrants or Entrepreneurs.
Final Thought
Buying peace of mind is navigating the Netherlands Work Visa lawyer fees in 2026. As the IND moves to become more vigilant in applying the Market Rate Test and 30% Ruling caps, any administrative mistake may result in a visa rejection or a company audit. By spending on an SV-MA-certified attorney, you can have the confidence that your application will be Right the First Time and save you months of waiting and even loss of income.
Disclaimer
This paper is informational and educational in nature. It is recommended that the reader should first verify information in official sources before making decisions, including the official IND site or a registered lawyer in the Netherlands specializing in immigration.