How to Sponsor a Highly Skilled Migrant Visa in the Netherlands

Navigating the Netherlands' immigration landscape doesn't have to be overwhelming. The Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigrant) visa, combined with the GVVA single permit, streamlines hiring non-EU experts in fields like tech, engineering, and research.

What Is the Highly Skilled Migrant Visa and Why Sponsor One?

The Highly Skilled Migrant visa allows non-EU/EEA professionals to live and work in the Netherlands for up to five years, tied to their employment contract. It's designed for knowledge workers earning above a salary threshold, bypassing labor market tests that plague other visas.

For employers, sponsoring this visa means accessing a global talent pool without proving no EU candidates exist ideal for mid-sized firms expanding in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or Eindhoven. Partners and children can join, with spouses gaining unrestricted work rights. In 2025, with the Netherlands' tech and green energy sectors booming, this visa is a strategic tool for B2B HR teams managing relocation needs across Europe.

Step 1: Become a Recognized Sponsor – The Key to Fast-Track Sponsorship

Only IND-recognized sponsors can apply for highly skilled migrant visas. This status isn't just a checkbox—it's your gateway to accelerated processing and fewer administrative hurdles.

Recognized Sponsor Requirements in 2025

To qualify, your organization must demonstrate reliability, solvency, and compliance. Here's what the IND expects:

• Registration and Structure: Be registered in the Dutch Commercial Register (Handelsregister) via the KvK, unless exempt (e.g., non-profits). For groups, the entire entity worldwide is assessed.
• Reliability: No directors with fines under the Aliens Act in the last four years; no bankruptcy or insolvency issues.
• Solvency: Provide three years of verified annual financial statements. New firms (<3 years) submit a business plan assessed by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) on a points system for stability.
• Compliance: Adhere to the IND's Code of Conduct, including record-keeping for employee details like passports and addresses.

Extra criteria apply for research/study sponsors (e.g., NVAO accreditation), but for standard employment, focus on the above.

How to Apply for Recognized Sponsor Status

1. Download the IND application form (Form 7501).
2. Gather documents: KvK extract, financials, director IDs, and proof of compliance.
3. Submit via post or the Business Portal (with eHerkenning) to the IND.
4. Pay the 2025 fee: €4,866.

Processing takes up to three months, but approval grants a dedicated IND contact and public listing in the Recognized Sponsors Register. Once recognized, you're set for unlimited applications—no reapplying needed unless revoked.

Pro Tip: If you're not ready for full recognition, partner with an umbrella company or Employer of Record (EOR) like Jobbatical to sponsor on your behalf.

Step 2: Meet 2025 Salary Thresholds for Eligibility

The visa hinges on proving the role is "highly skilled" via salary. These gross monthly amounts (excluding holiday pay) apply from January 1, 2025:

The salary must match the contract from day one, based on the SV salary (social security wage). For EU Blue Card holders, thresholds are slightly higher (€5,688 standard, €4,551 reduced). Use this to benchmark job offers transparency builds trust with candidates.

Step 3: Navigate the GVVA Single Permit Process (2-8 Weeks)

The GVVA (Gecombineerde Vergunning voor Verblijf en Arbeid) is the Netherlands' single permit, merging residence and work authorization. For highly skilled migrants, it's not a separate regular worker track it's integrated into the HSM scheme, exempting you from TWV work permits or labor tests.

The Application Process

1. Pre-Arrival (If Needed): For visa-required nationalities, apply for a Provisional Residence Permit (MVV) via the Dutch embassy. Exemptions apply for many (e.g., US, Canada, Japan).
2. Submit Online: As a recognized sponsor, use the IND Business Portal to file Form 7511. Include all docs (see below).
3. IND Review: They verify salary, job fit, and public order risks. No tuberculosis test proof upfront—handle post-arrival.
4. Decision and Collection: Employee gets a decision letter; collect the biometric residence card at an IND desk.

Timelines in 2025

• Recognized Sponsors: As fast as 2 weeks—ideal for urgent hires.
• Standard: Up to 8 weeks, or 90 days in complex cases.
• Fee: €350 per application (2025 rate).

Post-approval, register the employee in the BRP (municipal records) within five days of arrival. The permit matches contract length (max 5 years) and auto-renews if conditions hold.

Step 4: Essential Documents – Focus on Contracts and Insurance

Gather these employer-submitted docs for a smooth application. All non-Dutch docs need certified translations.

• Employment Contract: Signed agreement detailing role, start date, hours, and salary (meeting thresholds). Include job description to prove "highly skilled" nature.
• Proof of Salary: Contract suffices initially; add payslips if employee has started.
• Health Insurance: Proof of Dutch coverage (e.g., via employer plan or private policy like Zilveren Kruis). Mandatory from day one, fines apply otherwise.
• Passport Copies: Employee's valid passport (ID and stamp pages) and family member's.
• Sponsor Declarations: Appendix 7621 (sponsorship statement) and Appendix 7601 (antecedents certificate, signed by employee).
• Qualifications Proof: Diplomas/transcripts for degree-required roles (e.g., bachelor's for salary criterion).
• Recognition Proof: Your IND sponsor certificate.
• Other: TB test willingness declaration; address in Netherlands.

For family applications, add marriage/birth certificates. Jobbatical's platform automates doc checklists, reducing errors by 40%.

Step 5: Ongoing Obligations as a Sponsor

Post-approval, report changes (e.g., job end, address shift) within 4 weeks via Form 7593 or the Portal. Maintain records for 7 years. Non-compliance risks fines up to €20,000 or sponsor revocation.

Sponsor Smarter with Jobbatical: Your Partner in Dutch Immigration

Sponsoring a highly skilled migrant visa unlocks Europe's talent hub, but the details can bog down your HR bandwidth. At Jobbatical, we handle everything from recognized sponsor applications to full relocations via our intuitive platform. Mid-sized firms using our services see 30% faster hires and seamless compliance.

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