How to become a recognised sponsor

When is a recognised sponsor needed?

Individuals who want to come to the Netherlands and work as a highly skilled migrant or researcher need to contact a recognised sponsor. This is also the case for a young person who wants to work as an au pair, take part in a cultural exchange programme, or study in the Netherlands.

The recognised sponsor is the intermediary between these persons and the Dutch government. The recognised sponsor checks if all the conditions for coming to the Netherlands are in order. If necessary, the recognised sponsor files the application for a residence permit.

Conditions to become a recognised sponsor

To become a recognised sponsor, your organisation must be a reliable partner for the IND. And meet a number of conditions set by the IND. For example, your organisation must be registered in the Business Register. And your company must not be bankrupt.

Apply to become a recognised sponsor

Take the following steps to apply to be a recognised sponsor:

• Check that you meet the conditions.
• Gather all documents before applying.
• Complete the application form to become a recognised sponsor.
• Send your application with the requested documents to the IND by post. Which documents are needed is stated in the application form.
• Pay the IND's invoice. The IND will only process your application after your payment.
• Wait for the IND's decision. This takes a maximum of 3 months. You receive the decision in a letter.

You can find the information you need to apply on the IND website. This includes all conditions, explanations, and the application form.

Recognition for au pairs, cultural exchange, and study

You must also apply for recognition as a sponsor in these situations:

• You run an au pair agency and you want to bring young people to the Netherlands as an au pair. This applies to young people from and outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland.
• Your exchange organisation wants to bring young people to the Netherlands for a cultural exchange. This applies to students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland.
• You have an educational institute and you want to apply for a student residence permit. This applies to students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland.

Public Register for Recognised Sponsors

If your application to become a recognised sponsor is successful, your organisation will be listed in the Public Register for Recognised Sponsors. Anyone can check this register to find out if you are recognised as a sponsor.

File an objection

Is your application to become a recognised sponsor denied? If you do not agree with the decision, you can file an objection.

Advantages of being a recognised sponsor

Being a recognised sponsor has several advantages:

• The IND will process your applications faster. The IND aims to decide on applications from recognised sponsors within 2 weeks.
• Your applications need less documentary evidence.
• You can use the Business Portal to submit and make changes to digital applications.
• There is no minimum or maximum number of applications you can submit per year.

Costs of the application procedure

There is a fee for your recognised sponsor application. The amount depends on the number of employees you employ.

Your organisation will not receive a refund if the application is rejected.