Do I need a recognised sponsor employer for the highly skilled migrant permit, and what else does the IND check?

Checked on 2026-10-26

Your employer must be on the IND's public register of recognised sponsors. The employer applies on your behalf. You need a valid passport, must meet the income threshold, and must undergo a TB test on arrival unless your nationality is exempt.

Key facts

What	The IND says	Source
Recognised sponsor	The employer must be on the IND’s public register of recognised sponsors; the employer submits the application	IND, Highly skilled migrant
Passport	The migrant must hold a valid travel document	Business.gov.nl
Public order	The migrant must not be a danger to public order or national security	Business.gov.nl
TB test	The migrant must be willing to undergo a tuberculosis test on arrival; some nationalities are exempt	Business.gov.nl
Income	Must meet the income threshold: €5,942 (30+), €4,357 (under 30), or €3,122 (reduced) per month gross in 2026	Business.gov.nl
Healthcare work	For healthcare professions, registration in the BIG register is required	Business.gov.nl

The highly skilled migrant route is employer-driven. The employer must first become a recognised sponsor with the IND — a status that comes with duties: the sponsor must keep records, report changes and is liable if the migrant no longer meets the conditions. The IND publishes the register of recognised sponsors on its website. Only a recognised sponsor can submit a highly skilled migrant application.

The employer applies for the residence permit on behalf of the migrant. The migrant does not apply on their own. This is a fundamental difference from the self-employed permit.

What the employer must provide

When applying, the employer must submit an employment contract, an appointment decision or, for guest lecturers, a guest agreement. For an intra-corporate transfer, the foreign employer must provide a declaration stating the duration of the transfer, the type of employment and the income.

What the migrant must meet

The migrant must hold a valid passport, not be a danger to public order or national security, and be willing to undergo a tuberculosis test on arrival in the Netherlands unless their nationality is exempt. They must also meet the income threshold that applies to their age and situation.

When a highly skilled migrant changes employer, the new employer must also be a recognised sponsor, and the migrant must meet the income threshold in effect on the date the new contract starts.

Income thresholds: see Netherlands highly skilled migrant income requirements 2026.
Application fee: €423 in 2026, normally paid by the employer.
After 5 years on a highly skilled migrant permit you can apply for permanent residence or naturalisation.

Sources

IND: Highly skilled migrant checked 2026-10-26
Business.gov.nl: Residence permit for highly skilled migrant checked 2026-10-26

Change history

2026-10-26: Page created

This is general information, not legal advice, and Lumen is not a law firm. Rules change and offices differ: check the official sources above before you act. Found something wrong or out of date? Write to support@lumen.observer.