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Apply to Become a Recognized Sponsor

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What is a Recognized Sponsor?

A Recognized Sponsor is a status granted by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) to companies that meet specific requirements. This status allows businesses to sponsor highly skilled migrants, allowing them to obtain the necessary residence permits to work and live in the Netherlands.

As a Recognized Sponsor, your company can sponsor foreign employees under various visa categories, such as the Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) visa and the Intra-corporate Transferee (ICT) permit. This opens doors to a global talent pool, making it easier to bring in specialized professionals and fill critical roles in your business.

Eligibility Requirements for Becoming a Recognized Sponsor

To apply to become a recognized sponsor, your company must meet the following criteria:

  1. Business Establishment Duration:
    • Your company must have been established in the Netherlands for at least three years. This ensures that only stable, established businesses are granted the ability to sponsor foreign talent.
  2. Registration with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce:
    • Your business must be officially registered with the Kamer van Koophandel (KvK), the Dutch Chamber of Commerce, and maintain a valid registration.
  3. Good Financial Standing:
    • Your company should demonstrate financial stability, showing that you are in a good position to employ and pay foreign workers. You may need to submit financial records such as tax returns or bank statements as part of the application process.
  4. Compliance with Dutch Laws:
    • Your company must comply with all Dutch laws and regulations, including labor laws, and should not have a history of violating immigration or employment rules.
  5. Employment Conditions for Foreign Workers
    • You must ensure that your foreign employees will receive proper wages and benefits according to Dutch standards. Specifically, you must adhere to salary thresholds for highly skilled migrants or other workers you sponsor.

Benefits of Recognized Sponsor Status

  1. Access to a Global Talent Pool
    • One of the primary advantages of being a recognized sponsor is the ability to hire foreign talent. Whether you’re looking for a specific skill set, a language capability, or specialized experience, being able to sponsor foreign workers opens doors to an entirely new candidate pool.
  2. Faster and Simplified Visa Process
    • As a recognized sponsor, your company benefits from a faster application process for work permits and residence permits for foreign employees. This streamlined process helps ensure that you can hire the best talent without unnecessary delays.
  3. Attracting Top Global Talent
    • Dutch BVs are subject to mandatory bookkeeping, tax filings, and corporate governance obligations.Being a recognized sponsor makes your company more attractive to skilled migrants, as they know they will be working with a reliable, compliant organization. This can improve your recruitment efforts and help you compete in the international job market.
  4. Enhancing Company Reputation
    • The status of being a recognized sponsor reflects positively on your company, demonstrating that you are a reputable and compliant business with international reach. This can enhance your brand image both locally and globally.
  5. Simplified Employee Mobility
    • If your company operates internationally, you may need to transfer employees between different locations. As a recognized sponsor, it becomes easier to bring employees to the Netherlands under the Intra-corporate Transferee (ICT) route, streamlining the relocation process.

The Application Process

  1. Prepare the Required Documentation
    • Collect all the necessary documents that show your company’s registration, financial stability, and compliance with labor laws. These may include:
      • KvK registration and business address
      • Tax returns and financial statements
      • Payroll records demonstrating compliance with Dutch labor laws
      • Proof of compliance with previous sponsorship or work permit obligations
  2. Submit Your Application
    • The application is submitted online via the IND portal. You will need to create an account and complete the required forms. Ensure that all documentation is up-to-date and submitted correctly to avoid delays.
  3. IND Review and Approval
    • The IND will review your application, assessing your company’s financial standing and compliance with Dutch immigration laws. This process may take several weeks, so it’s important to be patient and ensure all information is correct.
  4. Receive Recognized Sponsor Status
    • Once approved, you will receive recognized sponsor status from the IND. This status is valid for three years and can be renewed as long as your company continues to meet the requirements.
  5. Sponsorship Responsibilities
    • As a recognized sponsor, your company will have ongoing responsibilities to report any changes in employment status for sponsored employees. This includes notifying the IND if an employee leaves your company, or if there are any other significant changes.

Key Considerations

  • Salary Requirements: For highly skilled migrants, the IND requires that your foreign employees earn a minimum salary threshold, which varies depending on the type of visa and the employee’s age and experience. It’s important to stay updated on these thresholds to ensure compliance.
  • Ongoing Compliance: Maintaining your status as a recognized sponsor means regularly reviewing your company’s adherence to Dutch immigration and labor laws. Failure to comply can result in penalties or the loss of your sponsorship status.

How Bolder Launch Can Help

At Bolder Launch, we specialize in guiding international entrepreneurs and corporations through the entire Dutch company setup process. Our services include:

  • Company Incorporation
    • Full BV registration & notarial setup.
  • Corporate Secretarial Support
    • Ongoing compliance & board meeting organization.
  • Tax & Accounting
    • Filing corporate tax, VAT, and financial statements.
  • Recognized Sponsor Application
    • Full end-to-end support with the application process.

Why Choose Bolder Launch

  • Expert Local Knowledge
    Located in the Netherlands, we have in-depth knowledge of Dutch laws, tax systems, and compliance requirements. Everything is handled in-house, so you never have to worry about third-party delays or miscommunications.
  • Focus on Your Core Business
    Let us handle the complex tasks while you focus on growing your business and driving revenue.

Conclusion

Becoming a recognized sponsor in the Netherlands can significantly enhance your company’s ability to attract global talent and strengthen your workforce. The process can seem complex at first, but with the right preparation, it’s a manageable and highly beneficial opportunity.
If your business has been established for over three years and you’re ready to expand your talent pool, applying for recognized sponsor status is a smart move. We encourage you to start the application process today and take the next step toward building a diverse, international team.

Please contact us at launch@bolderlaunch.com / corporate@bolderlaunch.com or +31 76 230 0011 to learn more about how we can help expand your business in the Netherlands. We are more than happy to assist with guidance!

The publication has been prepared for general guidance on matters of interest only and does not constitute professional advice. You should not act upon the information contained in this publication without obtaining specific professional advice. No presentation or warranty (express or implied) is given as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this publication, and, to the extent permitted by law, Bolder Launch B.V., its members, employees and agents do not accept or assume any liability, responsibility or duty of care for any consequences of you or anyone else acting or refraining to act in reliance on the information contained in this publication or for any decision based on it.