Apply for recognition as sponsor
Categories of recognition as sponsor
You can apply for recognition as a sponsor for the following 4 categories.
- Study: applications for residence permits for the purpose of study.
- Exchange: applications for residence permits for the purpose of au pair and cultural exchange.
- Research: applications for residence permits for the purpose of research under Directive (EU) 2016/801.
- Work: applications for residence permits for the purpose of work as a highly-skilled migrant, work in paid employment, seasonal labour, gaining work experience, intra-corporate transfer or residence as the holder of a European Blue Card.
Do you want to become a recognised sponsor for more than one category? In that case you must apply separately for each recognition category.
Recognition is sometimes mandatory
Recognition is mandatory if you want to apply for these residence purposes as a company, school or organisation.
- Au pair
- Exchange
- Study
- Highly-skilled migrant
- Researchers under Directive (EU) 2016/801
An exception applies to highly-skilled migrants and researchers with Turkish nationality. Recognition is not mandatory, but it is possible for these residence purposes.
- Regular work in paid employment
- Seasonal work
- Gaining work experience
- Intra-company transfer
- Holder of a European Blue Card
For these residence purposes, you can choose whether or not to have your organisation recognised as a sponsor.
Advantages of recognition as sponsor
Recognition as a sponsor has several advantages.
- The IND processes your applications faster. The IND tries to decide on an application within 2 weeks. In some cases the target period is 7 weeks, for example if a work permit (in Dutch: tewerkstellingsvergunning) is needed.
- You need to enclose fewer supporting documents with the application.
- You can apply for residence permits online via the Business Portal.
Obligations as recognised sponsor
If you are recognised as a sponsor, then you will have several legal obligations. See the obligations of a sponsor and recognised sponsor.
Requirements
The general requirements for applying for recognition as a sponsor apply to all categories. In addition, extra requirements also apply to the categories research, study and exchange.
Process and costs
These are the steps in the application process for recognition.
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1. Check requirements open minus -
1. Check requirements open minus -
2. Collect documents open minus -
3. Apply open minus -
4. Pay for application open minus -
2. Wait for decision on application open minus -
5. Wait for decision on application open minus -
6. Decision on application open minus -
7. Entry in public register open minus
Application form
Download the form. Fill in the form and send it by post.
Written application forms
See also
Rules and regulations
All rules and regulations are only in Dutch.
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Reasons to deny recognition: Artikel 2e Vreemdelingenwet (Vw 2000)
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Suspension and withdrawal recognition: Artikel 2f Vreemdelingenwet (Vw 2000)
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Recognition as sponsor and application for recognition: Hoofdstuk 1, Afdeling 3 Vreemdelingenbesluit (Vb 2000)
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Recognition as sponsor: Hoofdstuk 1, Afdeling 2 Voorschrift Vreemdelingen (VV 2000)
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Application recognition and suspension: B1/2 Vreemdelingencirculaire (Vc 2000)
Responsible organisation
Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst
Questions?
