Frequently Asked Questions

Recognised Sponsorship (erkend referent)

Whether you want to attract international talent for the first time or optimize your existing processes,
here you will find all the answers to your questions about recognised sponsorship applications,
knowledge migrants and IND compliance.

A Recognised Sponsor (erkend referent) is an employer or organisation approved by the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) to facilitate sponsorship applications for non-EEA nationals.

It’s the official route to bring international talent to the Netherlands, confirming you meet IND compliance criteria and positioning you as a trusted partner for Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigranten), study, exchange or research placements.

The IND aims to decide on your Recognised Sponsor (erkend referent) application within 90 days, though this can be extended if additional information is requested.

In reality, from document preparation through submission and review, you can expect the process to take several months.

Yes. To employ a Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigranten) in the Netherlands, your organisation must hold Recognised Sponsor (erkend referent) status granted by the IND. Only then can you apply for and secure a residence permit for your Kennismigrant.

As a Recognised Sponsor (erkend referent) you must meet your obligations:

  • Exercise due-care requirements by vetting each Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigranten) candidate’s credentials.
  • Maintain record-keeping for at least five years after employee departure.
  • Report changes to the IND within four weeks of any employment, contract or status update.

Non-compliance may lead to suspension of your sponsor status.

To become a Recognised Sponsor (erkend referent), your organisation must satisfy several conditions—such as registration in the Chamber of Commerce and demonstrating continuity and solvency via financial statements—and follow the IND’s application process.

Gather all required documents, submit your dossier through the IND portal, and await their decision.

EMG supports you at every step to ensure a seamless experience.

As an erkend referent, you gain priority processing for Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigranten) visa applications—often a decision within two weeks instead of the usual 90 days—alongside reduced documentation requirements and full online submission capability, streamlining your global talent mobility.

Once approved, Recognised Sponsors (erkend referent) are subject to:

Periodic compliance checks, both on-site and remote, of HR and payroll files.

Random audits to verify ongoing adherence to due-care standards.

Requests for further documentation, with the risk of suspension or withdrawal if obligations aren’t met.

Have any questions?
We are here to help you

Over 15 years of supporting international professionals as they build their lives and careers in the Netherlands.

EMG has a great team of compassionate people who are there to support and help.
Monika was exceptionally helpful, professional and friendly. She was really responsive and clarified things when we had questions or concerns. She really made a difference making sure my partner and I are set up for success in our new home country!
I know people moving without support from a relocation company and I know how challenging it can be. Thanks to Monika my process was so easy and smooth.
Big "Thank you" to Susan van Haperen for professional approach and constant support!
It was one of the most challenging stage of my life; and both Indri and Lea supported me a lot. All things went smooth!
Great support and collaborative way of working! Very convenient to access all the documents and steps. Thank you for job done!
I wanted to express my sincere gratitude to the Executive Mobility Service team for their exceptional assistance during our recent relocation.
An amazing team of professionals. Well coordinated, always on point with their communication and able to provide clarity to their clients also in fast-paced and last-minute situations.
I had Joyce as my consultant and she was one of the most helpful I have encountered - always readily available and a great resource for information.
From the very beginning, they were accommodating, attentive to our needs, and always quick to respond to any inquiries. The staff were consistently friendly and approachable, making the entire experience smoother. Additionally, their system was user-friendly, which made everything easy to manage.
Thanks a lot, it was a very smooth process, with a lot of support and being managed very professionally by Joyce.
Indri always helped me a lot, she explained everything very clear and made quick solutions!! Thanks so much!
I wanted to thank Nathalie once again for your supporting my wife during her visa process, your guidance was incredibly helpful.

I want to thank my relocation consultant, Joyce Hofman, for her support and professionalism during my entire relocation process. Thanks to her I had a hassle and stress-free relocation in the Netherlands. After my wonderful experience recommend EMG's services to other expats in a heartbeat.