Becoming a Recognised Sponsor in the Netherlands: A Guide for Businesses

Becoming a Recognised Sponsor in the Netherlands: A Guide for Businesses

As a business operating in the Netherlands, becoming a recognised sponsor with the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) opens up opportunities to hire highly skilled migrants and streamline immigration procedures. This article provides an overview of the process, benefits, and obligations of becoming a recognised sponsor.

What is a Recognised Sponsor?

A recognised sponsor is a Dutch business that has been granted a special status by the IND, allowing them to:

- Hire highly skilled migrants

- Benefit from fast-tracked application procedures

- Serve as residence permit sponsors for international talent

Application Process

The application procedure varies depending on the company's age:

For Companies Over 3 Years Old

- Simpler process

- Decision typically made within four weeks

- Must meet general requirements and provide financial documentation

For Companies Under 3 Years Old

- More complex process, taking up to 6 months

- Requires a business plan and assessment by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO)

- Evaluation based on a 100-point system (minimum 50 points needed for approval)

Key Requirements

All applicants must:

- Be registered in the Dutch Commercial Register (Handelsregister)

- Follow relevant industry Codes of Conduct

- Provide verified annual figures for the past 3 years (if applicable)

Benefits of Recognised Sponsorship

1. Permission to hire highly skilled migrants

2. Faster application procedures with the IND

3. Simplified visa and residence permit processes for employees

Application Costs (2024)

- Standard fee: €4,560

- Reduced fee for businesses with 50 or fewer employees: €2,279

Obligations as a Recognised Sponsor

1. Information provision: Notify IND of relevant changes within 4 weeks

2. Record keeping: Maintain detailed records of highly skilled migrant employees

3. Responsible recruitment: Uphold standards for hiring highly skilled migrants

4. Employee updates: Keep highly skilled migrants informed about residence conditions

Compliance and Consequences

The IND may conduct checks to ensure compliance. Failure to meet obligations can result in:

- Suspension or withdrawal of recognised sponsor status

- Withdrawal of employees' residence permits

- Warnings and fines

- Potential criminal charges for serious violations

How All About Expats Can Help

Becoming a recognised sponsor can significantly benefit Dutch businesses looking to hire international talent. However, the process can be complex and time-consuming. This is where All About Expats comes in as your trusted partner.

Our Services

1. Sponsorship Application Assistance: We can handle the entire application process on your behalf, ensuring all requirements are met and documentation is properly submitted.

2. Outsourcing Sponsorship: As a recognized sponsor of the IND ourselves, we can act as an intermediary, allowing you to hire highly skilled migrants without going through the application process.

3. Employer of Record (EOR) Service: Our EOR service eliminates the need for you to become a recognised sponsor. We take care of all associated obligations and administrative duties, allowing you to focus on your core business.

4. Immigration Services: We can manage the entire immigration process for your highly skilled migrant employees, including submitting applications to the IND.

5. Payrolling Services: In addition to sponsorship and immigration support, we can handle payroll for your international employees, ensuring compliance with Dutch labor laws.

Take the Next Step

Navigating the recognized sponsorship process can be daunting, but it doesn't have to hold you back from hiring top international talent. At All About Expats, we've helped countless businesses like yours overcome these hurdles.

Why struggle alone when you can leverage our years of experience?

Give us a call at +31 (0) 88 020 4480.

Let's chat about your specific needs and find the perfect solution to help your business grow with global talent.