Becoming a Recognized Sponsor with the IND
In today's competitive job market, it is often difficult for companies to find and attract talent within the Netherlands or the EU. Luckily, The Netherlands offers a streamlined process for hiring employees from outside these borders via the Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) permit. Through this process it is often possible to bring a non-EU national to the work floor in as little as a few weeks.
A pivotal requirement for hiring a HSM is obtaining recognized sponsorship status from the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). This status not only facilitates the hiring process but also underscores an organization's credibility. This article provides a guide on achieving recognized sponsorship status, detailing its benefits, application procedures, and ongoing obligations.
Understanding Recognized Sponsorship
Recognized sponsorship is a designation granted by the IND to employers, educational institutions, and research organizations, allowing them to act as official sponsors for non-EU nationals. This status is mandatory for employers intending to hire highly skilled migrants or sponsor international talent under specific visa programs. Recognized sponsors can facilitate the immigration process for employees under various visa schemes, such as the Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) Visa, and offer faster processing times for the EU Blue Card and the Intra-Corporate Transferee (ICT) permit than for non-recognized sponsors.
Benefits of Recognized Sponsorship
Attaining recognized sponsor status offers several advantages:
Expedited Application Process: Recognized sponsors benefit from a faster decision period for permit applications, usually around two weeks.
Streamlined Procedures: The application process is simplified, requiring fewer supporting documents and allowing for online submissions through the IND's Business Portal.
Enhanced Credibility: Being a recognized sponsor enhances a company’s reputation as a legitimate and trustworthy employer for international talent.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for recognized sponsorship, your organization must meet specific criteria:
Company Registration: The organization must be registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK).
Financial Stability: Demonstrate sufficient financial stability and solvency to meet obligations.
Integrity Standards: Have no record of violating Dutch employment or immigration laws. Tax offense fines can be an issue too.
Payment of Fees: Pay the recognition fee, which varies depending on the organization’s size and structure.
Application Process
The application procedure varies based on the duration of your company's establishment in the Netherlands:
Companies Established for Over 1,5 Years: The process is relatively straightforward. Submit the required documentation, including annual accounts for the past three years, and the IND typically makes a decision within four weeks.
Companies Established for Less Than 1,5 Years: The IND may require a more detailed assessment to evaluate the company's continuity and solvency. This involves submitting a comprehensive business plan and financial projections. The assessment is conducted by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and can take up to six months.
Obligations of Recognized Sponsors
Upon obtaining recognized sponsor status, organizations must adhere to specific legal obligations:
Duty of Care: Ensure employees are carefully recruited, meet visa requirements and comply with Dutch immigration laws.
Administrative Duties: Maintain accurate records of employee information and report changes to the IND.
Notification Requirements: Notify the IND of any significant changes, such as termination of employment, within 28 days.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to meet sponsorship obligations can result in penalties, including fines, loss of recognized sponsorship status, and restrictions on hiring international talent in the future.
Conclusion
Achieving recognized sponsorship status is a strategic move for companies aiming to attract and retain top international talent in the Netherlands. By understanding the requirements, benefits, and obligations associated with this status, your organization can effectively navigate the process and leverage the advantages it offers in the competitive global marketplace.
Exterus has assisted many companies with obtaining recognized sponsorship status and also offers the possibility to (temporarily) hire employees with a HSM permit through our Employer of Record (EoR) Service. Once recognized sponsorship status has been obtained, the employee can be transferred to the hiring company.
Please contact us for further information.
