RECOGNIZED SPONSOR

An organization is required to get recognition as a sponsor if they wish to apply for a residence permit for highly skilled migrants, scientific researchers, students and participants in exchange or au pair programs.

When applying for recognized sponsorship, the IND looks at the reliability, solvency and continuity of the company. Companies that have been in existence for more than eighteen months and carry out (actual) business activities fall under a relatively simple application procedure.

Companies that have been in existence for less than 18 months or that have been carrying out actual business for less than 18 months have to undergo a somewhat more complicated procedure.

Recognition as a sponsor means that the company is seen as a reliable organization and therefore enjoys a number of advantages, such as being able to make use of a faster application procedure. On the other hand, a recognized sponsor has a number of additional obligations towards the IND.

A public register of recognized sponsors can be found on the IND website.