The EU Talent Pool explained
A new EU-wide platform that matches employers in Europe with jobseekers who live outside the EU. What it is, when it starts, whether the Netherlands takes part – and which Dutch residence permit you still need after a match.
Last checked: 24 October 2026 · 7-minute readKey facts at a glance
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Legal basis | Regulation (EU) 2026/1047 of 29 April 2026 |
| In force since | 1 June 2026 |
| Platform online | Expected by the end of 2027 (European Commission) |
| Participation of EU countries | Voluntary – each country decides |
| The Netherlands | No decision yet |
| Cost for jobseekers | Free |
| Visa or residence permit | Not included – you still apply to the IND |
What is the EU Talent Pool?
The EU Talent Pool is the first EU-wide online platform for international recruitment. Employers in participating EU countries post vacancies, and jobseekers from outside the EU create a profile with their skills, qualifications, work experience and languages. The platform then suggests matches in both directions.
A matching platform
Employers can search profiles and receive suggested candidates. Jobseekers can search vacancies and receive suggested jobs.
Focused on shortages
Matching is for occupations on the EU-wide shortage list – from engineers and IT specialists to healthcare, construction and hospitality.
Free for jobseekers
Registration is free. Employers and agencies may not charge jobseekers any recruitment fee – not before and not after hiring.
Talent Partnership flag
Jobseekers trained through an EU Talent Partnership or a similar programme can show this on their profile. It is information only, not a right.
EU–India pilot: The platform will also support future EU “legal gateway” offices that help skilled workers prepare for a move to Europe. The first is a pilot with India. See eu-legal-gateway.eu.
What the EU Talent Pool is not
Not a visa or permit
A match or a job offer gives no right of entry or residence. You still need a Dutch residence permit through the normal IND procedure.
Not a new migration route
Each country keeps its own admission rules, quotas and labour market tests. The Dutch rules do not change.
Not for posting workers
The candidate must be employed directly by the employer in the country where that employer is established.
Not for trainees
Traineeships and apprenticeships are excluded. The platform is for regular jobs only.
Who can use it?
Jobseekers
- You live outside the EU
- You are an adult and not an EU citizen
- You have no entry ban or refusal of entry in the EU
- You are looking for work in the EU
Employers
- Lawfully established in a participating country
- Genuine and substantial business activity
- Compliance with labour and recruitment law
- Agencies only where the country allows it
Already in the Netherlands? Then the EU Talent Pool is not for you – for example as a student, a partner or a graduate in the orientation year. You can change to a work permit through the normal routes. See orientation-year.nl and hsmvisa.nl.
How it will work
- 1
The jobseeker creates a profile
Skills, qualifications, work experience, languages and availability – using the European Europass format and the ESCO skills classification.
- 2
The employer posts a vacancy
Through the national contact point of its country, which first checks that the employer is allowed to use the platform.
- 3
The platform suggests matches
Based on skills, qualifications, work experience and availability. Employers can also filter for Talent Partnership profiles.
- 4
Interview and job offer
Employer and candidate agree on the job directly. The contract is with the employer in the participating country.
- 5
Residence permit application
Now the national procedure starts. In the Netherlands that means an application to the IND – often with an MVV entry visa.
Good to know: a profile that is not used for one year is removed – you get a warning one month before. A vacancy without a match is removed after one year, and a profile is removed once the jobseeker has been hired.
Does the Netherlands take part?
Not yet. Every EU country decides for itself whether it joins, and the Dutch government has not taken that decision. Until it does, Dutch vacancies will not appear on the platform.
The Dutch position
The government sees labour migration from outside the EU as a last resort for shortages – with the exception of knowledge migrants such as highly skilled migrants.
Concerns in The Hague
The main worries are exploitation and workers being hired in one EU country and quickly posted to another. The Netherlands made a formal statement on this when the regulation was adopted.
Who decides
The government left the decision to a next cabinet. The Netherlands can also join later, after the platform is already running.
Nine months’ notice
A country that wants to join must notify the EU at least nine months before it starts. So a Dutch start will be announced well in advance.
What it means for you: Do not wait for the EU Talent Pool. Dutch employers can already hire international staff today through the highly skilled migrant route, the EU Blue Card or a single permit. We follow the Dutch decision and update this page as soon as it is known.
After a match: which Dutch permit?
| Permit | When it fits | Key condition 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Highly skilled migrant | The employer is an IND recognised sponsor | €5,942 gross a month (30+) or €4,357 (under 30) |
| EU Blue Card | Highly qualified job with a higher education degree | €5,942 gross a month, or €4,754 (reduced) |
| Single permit (GVVA) | Other jobs, also below the highly skilled level | No suitable candidate in the Netherlands or the EU; market wage |
Salary amounts are gross per month without holiday allowance and change every 1 January. The IND fee for a highly skilled migrant or EU Blue Card is €423. Partners of highly skilled migrants and Blue Card holders may work in the Netherlands.
For Dutch employers
Become a recognised sponsor
Recognition is the key to the fastest route. The IND fee is €5,080, or €2,539 for companies with 50 employees or fewer.
Hire now – don’t wait
Every route the platform will lead to is open today. A candidate you find yourself follows the same IND procedure.
Check the role first
Salary, degree and the type of job decide which permit applies. We check this before you make an offer.
Keep your file in order
Fair recruitment, no fees for candidates and correct records – these rules apply with or without the platform.
Hiring from outside the EU?
Recognised sponsorship, work permits, compliance and VIP support – one team for your HR department.
Services for employersFor jobseekers abroad
Beware of scams
Nobody can sell you a “Talent Pool visa”. The platform is free and does not issue visas or permits.
Prepare your documents
Diplomas, proof of work experience and a valid passport. Some documents must be legalised or evaluated for the Dutch procedure.
Know your rights
Ask for a written contract, check the salary and never pay an employer or agency to get a job.
Plan for your family
With a highly skilled migrant permit or EU Blue Card your partner and children can usually come with you.
Frequently asked questions
When can I register on the EU Talent Pool?
Does a match on the platform give me a Dutch visa?
Will Dutch employers be on the platform?
I already live in the Netherlands. Can I use it?
Does registration cost money?
Can the platform be used to hire trainees or apprentices?
Sources: Regulation (EU) 2026/1047 – EUR-Lex · European Commission – EU Talent Pool · Council of the EU – final approval · IND – Highly skilled migrant. This page is general information, not legal advice. Yari Immigration Services is an independent advisory firm and not part of the EU, the IND or the EU Talent Pool.