There are 3 differences:
- A higher salary criteria applies to holders of the European blue card than to highly skilled migrants.
- With a European blue card you can more easily apply for a residence permit in another EU Member State.
- With a European blue card you can apply earliers for a residence permit EU long-term resident, i.e. after 2 years in stead of after 5 years, as applies to highly skilled migrants (and other Dutch residence permits). Your family members can apply for an independent residence permit in the category 'humanitarian non-temporary' earlier, i.e. after 2 years instead of after 5 years.
For more information see Advantages European blue card