If you are an international professional looking to work in the Netherlands, understanding the IND recognized sponsor system is your first step. Recognized sponsors are companies that have been approved by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) to hire highly skilled migrants — and working for one makes your visa application faster, simpler, and more likely to succeed.

In this guide, we explain everything about IND recognized sponsors in 2026: what they are, how to find them, and how to get hired.

A recognized sponsor (erkend referent) is a Dutch company or organization that has been vetted and approved by the IND. These companies have demonstrated they meet the requirements to employ foreign workers and have committed to certain obligations regarding their international employees.

When a recognized sponsor hires you, the process is significantly different from a regular work permit:

- Faster processing: Visa applications through recognized sponsors are processed within 2 weeks, compared to months for non-recognized sponsors

- No labor market test: The employer does not need to prove they could not find a suitable candidate within the EU

- Simplified paperwork: The sponsor handles most of the application on your behalf

- Higher approval rate: Applications through recognized sponsors have a much higher success rate

The IND maintains a public register of all recognized sponsors. You can check it here:

1. Visit the IND website at ind.nl

2. Navigate to the public register of recognized sponsors

3. Search by company name, city, or sector

4. The register is updated regularly

Alternatively, you can use ArrowLancer to browse jobs exclusively from companies that sponsor visas for international talent.

As of 2026, there are approximately 10,000+ recognized sponsors in the Netherlands. These range from large multinationals to small startups. Key sectors include:

- Technology: Companies like ASML, Booking.com, TomTom, Adyen, and hundreds of tech startups

- Engineering: Civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering firms

- Healthcare: Hospitals, clinics, and pharmaceutical companies

- Finance: Banks, insurance companies, and fintech firms

- Academia: Universities and research institutions

- Agriculture & Food: The Netherlands is a global leader in agritech

To qualify as a highly skilled migrant (kennismigrant) through a recognized sponsor, you must meet minimum salary thresholds. These are updated annually:

| Category | Monthly Salary |

|----------|---------------|

| Skilled migrants aged 30 and over | €5,331 |

| Skilled migrants under 30 | €3,909 |

| Recent graduates (orientation year) | €2,801 |

| EU Blue Card holders | €6,245 |

*Note: These figures are indicative and based on recent trends. Always check the IND website for the most current thresholds.*

Do not apply randomly. Focus your job search on companies that are recognized sponsors. Use:

- ArrowLancer: All listed companies offer visa sponsorship

- IND Public Register: Search directly

- LinkedIn: Filter by companies in the Netherlands and check their IND status

Dutch CVs are different from what you might be used to:

- Keep it to 2 pages maximum

Dutch interviews tend to be:

- Direct and informal: First names are common, even with senior leaders

- Competency-based: Expect behavioral questions (STAR method)

- Two-way conversations: They expect you to ask questions too

- Multiple rounds: Usually 2-3 interviews, often including a case study or technical test

Many recognized sponsors offer relocation benefits:

- 30% ruling: A significant tax advantage where 30% of your salary is tax-free (check current eligibility)

- Relocation allowance: Help with moving costs

- Temporary housing: Some companies provide initial accommodation

- Visa handling: The company manages your IND application

1. Get a job offer from a recognized sponsor

2. Sponsor submits application to the IND on your behalf

3. IND processes the application (typically 2 weeks)

4. Entry visa (MVV) is issued at the Dutch embassy in your country (if required)

5. Travel to Netherlands and collect your residence permit

6. Register at municipality (gemeente) and get your BSN number

- Not checking sponsor status: Always verify the company is on the IND register before accepting an offer

- Salary below threshold: If your salary does not meet the minimum, your application will be rejected

- Starting work before permit: Never start working before your work permit is issued

- Ignoring the 30% ruling deadline: You must apply within 4 months of starting employment

If the company you want to work for is not a recognized sponsor, there are still options:

- GVVA (Combined Work and Residence Permit): A different route through UWV + IND, slower but possible

- EU Blue Card: For highly qualified workers, available through both recognized and non-recognized sponsors

- Startup visa: If you are founding your own company

- Orientation year visa: For recent graduates of Dutch or top-200 universities

ArrowLancer connects international professionals with IND recognized sponsors hiring in the Netherlands. Browse hundreds of visa-sponsored positions across tech, engineering, healthcare, and more.

Start your search at arrowlancer.com and take the first step toward your career in the Netherlands.