ABN AMRO Bank N.V.
KvK 34334259Major Dutch bank offering retail, private, and corporate banking. Frequently hires internationally for roles in Amsterdam and across the Netherlands.
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Highly Skilled Migrant Sponsors in the Netherlands
Search the official IND-recognised sponsor list and learn how sponsor status affects highly skilled migrant applications, employer eligibility, and your move to the Netherlands.
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How Highly Skilled Migrant Sponsorship Works in the Netherlands
Only an employer recognised by the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) can apply for a highly skilled migrant residence permit. This page helps you search real recognised sponsors and understand what sponsor status means for your move.
Being in the official register does not guarantee a job offer or permit approval. Salary criteria, role suitability, and other IND conditions still apply. This page is a practical directory and explainer, not a job board.
All services hubHighly skilled migrant guideDutch cities overviewAfter arriving
What an IND-Recognised Sponsor Is
Recognised sponsors are organisations approved by the IND to sponsor certain immigration routes. For the highly skilled migrant route, only a recognised sponsor can submit the residence permit application.
The IND maintains public registers so anyone can verify whether an employer is recognised. Recognised sponsor status also enables an accelerated residence-permit procedure for highly skilled migrants, scientific researchers, and students, as set out on Government.nl.
Why Sponsor Status Matters for Expats
If your employer is not recognised by the IND, the standard highly skilled migrant route may not be available in the usual way. Sponsor status is one of the first things to verify when considering a role in the Netherlands.
Salary criteria and other permit requirements still apply. Being in the register does not mean the company is actively hiring or that your application will be approved.
Verifying employer eligibility
Check the official IND register before or after receiving a job offer to confirm the employer can sponsor a highly skilled migrant permit.
Faster official processing context
Recognised sponsors can use an accelerated procedure for highly skilled migrant applications, as explained on Government.nl.
Still subject to IND conditions
Sponsor status does not bypass salary thresholds, role requirements, or other criteria the IND applies to each application.
Not the same as a job offer
Inclusion in the register does not mean the company is hiring or that they will sponsor you; it only means they are allowed to apply if they do.
Search the Official Recognised Sponsor List
Use the directory below to search organisations by name or KvK number. Data is sourced from the IND public register. Do not treat inclusion as endorsement, active hiring, or suitability for your situation.
Source:IND – Public Register Regular Labour and Highly Skilled MigrantsLast updated: 5 March 2026 · 12,660 organisations
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Examples from the Recognised Sponsor Register
Well-known IND-recognised sponsors with links to their websites and careers pages. Inclusion here does not imply endorsement, active hiring, or suitability. Verify sponsor status in the official IND register.
Shell Nederland B.V.
KvK 27155369Energy and petrochemical company with a large presence in the Netherlands. Employs highly skilled migrants in technology, engineering, and corporate functions.
Philips Nederland B.V.
KvK 33008153Health technology and electronics company headquartered in Amsterdam. Recruits globally for R&D, commercial, and support roles.
ING Bank N.V.
KvK 33031431Dutch multinational banking and financial services corporation. Offers roles in Amsterdam and other Dutch cities for international talent.
Accenture B.V.
KvK 34156015Global professional services and consulting firm. Hires highly skilled migrants for technology, strategy, and operations roles in the Netherlands.
Heineken N.V.
KvK 27192391Multinational brewing company headquartered in Amsterdam. Employs international talent in commercial, supply chain, and corporate functions.
Booking.com B.V.
KvK 32124978Online travel and accommodation platform based in Amsterdam. One of the largest tech employers in the Netherlands hiring internationally.
Adyen N.V.
KvK 34259533Global payment platform company headquartered in Amsterdam. Hires highly skilled migrants in engineering, product, and commercial roles.
3M Nederland B.V.
KvK 28020725Diversified technology and manufacturing company. Employs international talent in science, engineering, and business in the Netherlands.
What Expats Should Check Before Relying on Sponsor Status
Is the company still in the official register?
The IND updates the public register regularly. Confirm current status on the IND website before relying on it for your application.
IND – Public registerIs the job actually offered under the highly skilled migrant route?
The employer must intend to use the highly skilled migrant procedure for your role. Confirm with the employer or their immigration contact.
IND – Highly skilled migrantDoes the salary meet the IND threshold?
The IND sets minimum salary requirements for the highly skilled migrant permit. Your employer or a visa consultant can confirm the current figures.
Highly skilled migrant guideIs the route employer-supported?
Only the recognised sponsor (employer) can submit the application. You cannot apply for this permit type without a sponsoring employer.
Government.nl – Hire a highly skilled migrantAre your documents ready for the application?
Passport, diplomas, and other documents may need to be legalised and translated. Prepare early to avoid delays.
Document translationDo you need an MVV from abroad?
If you are outside the Netherlands and an MVV is required, you apply for the MVV and residence permit at the same time. The IND explains the process.
IND – Apply for MVV and residence permit from abroadWhat This Usually Costs
Expats generally do not pay a “sponsor list” fee; the register is free. Sponsor status belongs to the employer. You may still incur costs for document preparation, translation, legalisation, relocation support, or legal help depending on your situation.
Employer sponsorship process
Employer-side
Immigration and permit costs are typically borne by the employer for the highly skilled migrant route.
Translation / legalisation
€25–75 per doc
Certified translation and apostille/legalisation typically €25–75 per document; multiple documents or rush services cost more.
Document translationRelocation support
€500–3,000+
Relocation agencies and visa consultants: from around €500 for light support to €2,000–3,000+ for full packages. Confirm scope and quote with the provider.
Visa consultantsLegal advice
€150–400/hr
Immigration lawyers typically charge €150–400 per hour or fixed fees per case; objections and appeals often €300–800+ depending on complexity.
Immigration lawyersWhen Sponsor Status Alone Is Not Enough
Employer is not recognised
If the company is not in the IND register, they generally cannot use the standard highly skilled migrant sponsor route. You may need to explore other permit types or ask the employer whether they plan to apply for recognition.
Unsure whether MVV is needed
Nationality and purpose determine if you need an MVV. A visa consultant or the IND website can help you confirm the correct procedure.
Visa consultants →Documents are incomplete
Document translation and legalisation services can help you prepare. Check our guides on apostille and document translation.
Document translation →You need family migration too
Family reunification has its own requirements. Visa consultants or immigration lawyers can help with combined planning.
Immigration lawyers →You need legal help after a refusal
For objections, appeals, or complex status issues, an immigration lawyer is usually more appropriate than a consultant.
IND – Object or appeal →You need broader relocation coordination
Relocation agencies can help with housing, registration, and move logistics; some also coordinate with visa and permit steps.
Relocation agencies →Common Highly Skilled Migrant Sponsor Scenarios
Candidate gets an offer and checks the sponsor register
You have a job offer from a Dutch company and want to confirm they can sponsor a highly skilled migrant permit.
What to confirm
- Company name and KvK number
- That the role and salary meet IND criteria
- Who will handle the application (employer or their agent)
What to compare
- This directory and the official IND register
- Employer’s confirmation of sponsor status
Common mistakes
Assuming every Dutch employer is a recognised sponsor; Not checking the register before signing or relocating
Candidate wants to move but employer is not in the register
You have an offer from a company that is not (yet) a recognised sponsor.
What to confirm
- Whether the employer plans to apply for recognition
- Alternative permit routes (e.g. other work permits)
- Timeline if they are applying for recognition
What to compare
- Visa consultants for route advice
- IND – How to become a recognised sponsor
Common mistakes
Assuming the employer can sponsor without recognition; Not exploring other permit options
Candidate has a recognised sponsor but still needs document preparation
Your employer is in the register and will apply; you need to get documents legalised and translated.
What to confirm
- Exact document list from employer or IND
- Legalisation (apostille) and translation requirements
- Deadlines for submission
What to compare
- Document translation and apostille services
- Visa consultants if you want a checklist review
Common mistakes
Using non-sworn translations; Missing apostille where required
Candidate moving with family
You are coming as a highly skilled migrant and your partner or family will join you.
What to confirm
- Family reunification requirements (income, housing)
- Document requirements for partner/children
- Whether the employer offers relocation support
What to compare
- Visa consultants or immigration lawyers for family migration
- Relocation agencies for housing and logistics
Common mistakes
Leaving family document preparation to the last minute; Underestimating income or housing conditions
Candidate comparing cities and employers
You are job hunting and want to know which employers can sponsor and where they are based.
What to confirm
- Which employers are recognised (use this directory)
- City-specific info (housing, registration, cost of living)
- Salary levels and 30% ruling eligibility
What to compare
- Sponsor directory and city guides
- Employer relocation support and benefits
Common mistakes
Only looking at job title and salary without checking sponsor status; Ignoring relocation and integration support
Candidate unsure whether the route is highly skilled migrant or another permit
You are not sure if your offer falls under the highly skilled migrant scheme or another work permit.
What to confirm
- Role, salary, and employer
- IND criteria for highly skilled migrant vs other work permits
- Who applies (employer for HSM)
What to compare
- IND – Highly skilled migrant
- Visa consultants for route clarification
Common mistakes
Assuming all work permits work the same way; Not confirming who must submit the application
Related service categories
Useful Tools for Highly Skilled Migrant Planning
Frequently Asked Questions About Recognised Sponsors in the Netherlands
A recognised sponsor is an employer or institution approved by the IND to submit certain residence applications, including the highly skilled migrant permit. Business.gov.nl describes them as the intermediary between certain foreign nationals and the Dutch government for filing residence permit applications where applicable. The IND maintains a public register of recognised sponsors.
Yes. The IND states that only an employer recognised by the IND can apply for a highly skilled migrant residence permit. The applicant (you) cannot submit this type of application yourself; the recognised sponsor (employer) must do so.
Use the IND public register of recognised sponsors, specifically the Public Register Regular Labour and Highly Skilled Migrants. You can search by organisation name or KvK number. This page also provides a searchable directory sourced from that register.
No. Inclusion in the register only means the organisation is approved to sponsor highly skilled migrant (and related) applications. It does not mean they are currently hiring or that they will sponsor you. Always confirm job offers and sponsorship with the employer.
No. The IND still applies permit requirements such as salary thresholds and other criteria. Recognised sponsor status allows the employer to submit the application; it does not guarantee that the IND will approve it.
If the company is not in the IND register, they generally cannot use the standard highly skilled migrant sponsor route. They may apply for recognition (see IND and Business.gov.nl). You might also explore other permit types with a visa consultant or the IND.
The IND states that the public registers are updated once a month. The register page shows the date of the last update. Always verify current status on the official IND website.
The Public Register Regular Labour and Highly Skilled Migrants shows organisation name and KvK number. It does not show hiring status, industry, or location; it only confirms that the organisation is a recognised sponsor for this residence purpose.
It depends on your nationality and purpose. If an MVV is required, you apply for the MVV and residence permit at the same time. The IND explains the process for applying from abroad.
Yes, if the IND or your employer requires them. Many foreign documents must be legalised (e.g. apostille) and translated. See our guides on document translation and apostille.
Yes. Relocation agencies can help with housing, registration, and move logistics. They do not replace the employer’s role in submitting the permit application, but they can coordinate with the process and with visa consultants if needed.
Yes. The IND public register is free. This page’s directory is based on that register and is also free to use. We do not charge for access to the list.
Official Sources and Useful References
IND – sponsor register
IND – highly skilled migrant rules
IND – recognised sponsor requirements
Government – highly skilled migrants
Business – recognised sponsor
Business – residence permit
IND – forms (optional)
Editorial disclosure
Editorial disclosure
- This page is for information only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice.
- Sponsor data is sourced from the official IND public register. Inclusion does not imply endorsement, active hiring, or suitability for any individual.
- Users should verify current sponsor status and job specifics directly with the IND and the employer. Rules and register contents can change.
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