Hiring International Talent in the Netherlands: What Employers Need to Know

Hiring international talent in the Netherlands gives employers access to a highly skilled global workforce. The country’s strong economy, business-friendly policies, and high quality of life continue to attract professionals from outside the European Union.

For employers, however, hiring non-EU talent requires navigating Dutch work authorization rules, residence permits, and sponsorship requirements. This guide explains who needs permission to work, how sponsorship works, and what employers should prepare to avoid delays.

Hiring globally in the Netherlands? Boundless helps employers navigate sponsorship and work authorization from day one. Talk to an expert today.

Who Needs a Work Visa in the Netherlands

Citizens of the European Union, European Economic Area, and Switzerland can live and work in the Netherlands without a visa or work permit. Most other foreign nationals need authorization, depending on the length and nature of the employment.

For stays under 90 days

A short-stay visa may be required. In many cases, employers must also apply for a work permit, known as a TWV.

For stays of 90 days or longer

Employees generally need both a residence permit and work authorization.

Becoming a Recognized Sponsor

Employers that regularly hire non-EU talent often apply to become a recognized sponsor. Recognized sponsors are authorized to hire specific categories of foreign workers, including highly skilled migrants and intra-corporate transferees.

Sponsorship is required for highly skilled migrants. Even when it is optional, many employers choose sponsorship because it simplifies filings and speeds up processing.

Sponsor recognition and residence permit applications are handled by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).

Why Employers Become Recognized Sponsors

Once approved, recognized sponsors benefit from faster processing times and streamlined procedures. In many cases, the IND requires less documentation and allows online submissions through its business portal. These advantages can significantly reduce onboarding delays for international hires.

How to Apply for Recognized Sponsor Status

Employers apply directly to the IND.

The government fee is €4,866 for companies with 50 or more employees and €2,432 for companies with fewer than 50 employees. The IND typically makes a decision within 90 days. Once approved, the employer is listed in the public register of recognized sponsors.

Employer Responsibilities After Sponsorship Approval

Recognized sponsorship comes with ongoing compliance obligations. Employers must keep accurate employee records, report changes such as role updates or termination, and follow lawful recruitment practices. Employers may also be required to ensure employees leave the Netherlands when employment ends.

Failure to meet these obligations can result in fines or loss of sponsor status.

Main Types of Dutch Work Permits

The Netherlands offers several residence and work authorization options. The correct permit depends on the role, qualifications, and employment arrangement.

Highly skilled professionals often qualify for permits such as the Highly Skilled Migrant permit, the Intra-Corporate Transferee permit, or the European Blue Card. Researchers may qualify under EU Directive 2016/801, while start-ups can sponsor essential early-stage employees under a dedicated permit.

Some workers qualify for a single combined residence and work permit, known as the gecombineerde vergunning verblijf en arbeid (GVVA). This option is commonly used in sectors such as arts and culture, religious work, international non-profits, and certain supply-of-goods arrangements.

When a GVVA is not available, employers must apply separately for a residence permit through the IND and a TWV through the Dutch Employee Insurance Agency (UWV).

After five continuous years of legal residence in the Netherlands, employees generally no longer need a TWV and only require a residence permit.

How Employers Apply for Work Authorization

Employers are responsible for submitting applications on behalf of employees.

GVVA applications are submitted by mail and cost €405. The IND typically issues a decision within 90 days, and negative decisions can be appealed.

TWV applications are submitted online through the employer portal. Employers must have eHerkenning with an EH3 confidence level, and processing usually takes up to five weeks.

Documents Employers Should Prepare in Advance

To avoid delays, employers should gather required documents before starting an application. These typically include a valid passport, educational credentials, a signed job offer or employment contract, proof that salary thresholds are met, health insurance coverage, and a criminal record check. When applicable, a sponsorship declaration may also be required.

Documents must be legalized and translated into Dutch, English, French, or German.

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