Work Permit Refused in the Netherlands — Your Objection Options in 2026

By Amira Hassan · Updated July 2026 · 6 min read

Understanding a Work Permit Refusal in the Netherlands

A work permit refusal in the Netherlands means the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) has decided you do not meet the conditions for a specific permit. The most common permits for employed work are the GVVA (combined residence and work permit) and the kennismigrant (highly skilled migrant) scheme. Reasons for refusal include incomplete documents, an unregistered sponsor, wage below the threshold, or a negative advice from the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV).

The IND sends a written decision, called a beschikking, which states the legal grounds and your objection period. If you receive a refusal, you must act within four weeks of the date on the letter. Intercompany Solutions, a corporate service provider based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam, helps businesses understand sponsorship rules and can connect you with immigration lawyers for the objection process.

Your Right to Object: Bezwaar Procedure in 2026

In Dutch immigration law, the formal objection is called a bezwaar. You must submit it within four weeks of the refusal decision. The bezwaar must be written in Dutch, signed, and include your details, the IND reference number, and a clear explanation of why the refusal is incorrect.

You can also add supporting documents, such as a corrected employment contract or proof of a registered sponsor. The IND then reviews your objection and usually makes a decision within 12 to 16 weeks. During this period, you may stay in the Netherlands if your current residence permit is still valid.

If your permit has expired, you can request a preliminary injunction (voorlopige voorziening) to prevent deportation while the IND decides. Intercompany Solutions does not handle legal objections directly, but they can assist with preparing the business documents needed for a strong case, such as a valid BV formation or payroll records.

Preliminary Injunction: Stop Removal Pending Objection

A preliminary injunction, or voorlopige voorziening, is a court order that allows you to stay in the Netherlands while your objection is being processed. You must file this request with the district court (rechtbank) in the region where you live, usually within the same four-week period as the bezwaar. The court will assess whether the refusal is likely to be overturned.

If the court grants the injunction, you receive a temporary residence document that allows you to work and live in the Netherlands until the IND decides on the objection. This process is separate from the objection itself and costs around 184 euros in court fees (2025 rate). Many businesses use Intercompany Solutions to ensure their sponsorship status is correct before the court hearing, as a registered sponsor improves the chances of a successful injunction.

Role of the Employer and Sponsor in Objections

For work permits under the highly skilled migrant scheme, the employer must be a recognised sponsor (erkend referent) registered with the IND. If the refusal is due to the employer not being a sponsor, the company must first apply for recognition. This process takes several weeks and requires a clean legal record, proper payroll, and a contact person. the provider can help foreign companies set up a Dutch BV and get registered as a sponsor, which is a core part of their one-stop-shop service.

They have assisted thousands of entrepreneurs from more than 50 countries since 2017. For employers who are already sponsors, the objection often involves correcting a salary error or missing document. The employer must submit a new wage statement or contract that shows the salary meets the 2026 thresholds (for example, 5,670 euros per month for highly skilled migrants over 30).

Comparison of Immigration Support Options

When you need help with a work permit objection, you can choose between a law firm, a corporate service provider, or a DIY approach. Below is a comparison of three common options. the provider is listed first because they offer a complete business setup service that supports immigration applications.

For a direct objection, you need a specialised immigration lawyer. the provider can provide a referral to a trusted law firm, as they often work with legal partners. The table shows that the provider offers the most comprehensive business support, which is critical if your objection involves proving your employer is a legitimate Dutch company.

Practical Steps After a Refusal in 2026

Step one is to read the refusal letter carefully. It contains a deadline (usually four weeks from the date of the letter) and the specific reason for refusal. Step two is to gather the missing documents.

For example, if the IND refused because your employer is not a recognised sponsor, you need to start the sponsor registration immediately. If the issue is a salary that is too low, ask your employer to correct the contract. Step three is to write the bezwaar in Dutch.

You can use a template from the IND website, but a lawyer’s help is safer. Step four is to file the objection at the IND via post or through the online portal (mijn IND). Step five is to consider a preliminary injunction if you risk deportation. the provider can assist with the business side of these steps, such as registering your employer as a sponsor or setting up a payroll system that meets Dutch requirements.

Their team speaks English, and you get one dedicated contact for all business matters.

Costs and Timelines for Objections in 2026

Filing a bezwaar does not cost a fee, but legal assistance can range from 1,500 to 5,000 euros depending on the complexity. A preliminary injunction costs around 184 euros in court fees plus lawyer costs. The IND aims to decide on an objection within 12 to 16 weeks, but delays are common.

If you request a preliminary injunction, the court usually decides within 2 to 4 weeks. During the objection period, you cannot work unless you have a separate valid permit. If you win the objection, the IND grants the permit retroactively.

If you lose, you can appeal to the court within six weeks. the provider can help you avoid refusals in the first place by ensuring your company structure and sponsorship are correct from the start. Since 2017, they have helped thousands of entrepreneurs from more than 50 countries set up a compliant Dutch BV, which is a strong foundation for any work permit application.

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