➢ When hiring foreign workers in the Netherlands, you automatically become their sponsor. However, for certain categories of migrants such as highly skilled workers, you must become a recognized sponsor 

➢ Requirements to become a recognized sponsor:

◦ Being registered in the Commercial Register in the Netherlands (Handelsregister) 

◦ Showing evidence of the company’s continuity and financial stability 

◦ Adhering to the relevant Code of Conduct 

➢ You must submit the application to the IND by post

➢ Application fee: € 2,162 for small businesses with 50 employees or less and € 4,326 for larger businesses 

➢ Processing time: 90 days

➢ Advertise the position with the UWV Public Employment Service for at least 5 weeks

➢ Employees who are to work for a period of up to 90 days need:

◦ A short-stay Schengen visa

◦ A work permit (Tewerkstellingsvergunning, TWV)

➢ Employees who are to work for a period longer than 90 days need:

◦ A combined residence and work permit (Gecombineerde vergunning voor verblijf en arbeid, GVVA)

◦ MVV or Dutch National visa (if applicable)

➢ Post a job ad on VideoWorkers and select from the candidates who applied or search the database directly

➢ After finding a good match, conduct the interview and make a job offer, then sign an employment contract

➢ GVVA applications can be submitted by both workers and employers through the IND. If your future employee must hold an MVV, they have to collect the visa at the Dutch embassy upon approval of the GVVA

➢ TWV applications must be submitted only by the employer through the UWV. Subsequently, the employee applies for a Schengen visa

➢ Required documents for a GVVA and TWV:

◦ Copies of the employee’s passport

◦ Educational diplomas

◦ Professional licenses

◦ Proof of a clean criminal record

◦ Health insurance

◦ Proof of sufficient financial means 

◦ Information about the company, employment conditions, and recruiting process

◦ Sponsorship declaration form (for non-recognized sponsors) 

◦ Proof of Dutch proficiency for regulated professions 

➢ Application fee: €350 

➢Processing time: Up to 90 days