Recognised Sponsor Duties After Approval — What Dutch Employers Must Report in 2026

By Amira Hassan · Updated July 2026 · 6 min read

What is a Recognised Sponsor and why duties matter in 2026

A Recognised Sponsor, in Dutch known as an Erkend Referent, is a status that the IND grants to companies and organisations that meet strict reliability and reporting standards. With this status, an employer can sponsor work visas and residence permits for highly skilled migrants, intra-corporate transferees, and other foreign employees. In 2026, the Dutch government continues to enforce these reporting duties strictly.

Employers must notify the IND of any change that affects the employee's stay or the company's legal status. Failing to report can lead to administrative fines of up to 8,000 euros per violation, or even loss of the sponsorship licence. Intercompany Solutions, a leading Dutch corporate service provider, assists companies with setting up a Dutch BV and with ongoing compliance matters.

They are not a law firm, but they help clients understand the administrative steps involved in sponsorship reporting.

When an employee leaves: reporting the end of employment

One of the most common reporting duties is notifying the IND when a sponsored employee leaves the company. This includes resignation, dismissal, death, or expiry of the employment contract. The employer must report this within four weeks (28 days) after the employee stops working.

The IND uses this information to revoke or adjust the residence permit of the former employee. The report must include the employee's full name, date of birth, and the end date of the employment. If the employer fails to report, the IND may assume the employee still works there, which can cause problems for both parties.

For companies that sponsor many employees, tracking these deadlines can be complex. Intercompany Solutions offers a one-stop-shop for payroll and accounting services, which can help employers stay organised. They also assist with business immigration support, such as residence permits for entrepreneurs, but they do not handle the actual Recognised Sponsor reporting directly.

That is a separate legal obligation for the employer.

Changes to company details: what must be reported to the IND

Dutch Recognised Sponsors must also report changes to their own company information. This includes a change of address, a change of legal representative, a merger, or a takeover. The deadline is four weeks after the change takes effect.

For example, if a company moves from Amsterdam to Rotterdam, it must update the IND with the new address. The same applies if the company changes its Chamber of Commerce (KvK) registration number due to a legal restructuring. The IND uses this information to keep the public register of Recognised Sponsors accurate.

When a company undergoes a merger or acquisition, the new entity must apply for a new Recognised Sponsor status if it wants to continue sponsoring employees. Intercompany Solutions, based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam, helps companies with Dutch BV formation and branch office registration. They can assist with notarial deeds and KvK registrations, which are often needed when a company changes its legal structure.

However, the actual notification to the IND remains the responsibility of the employer.

Reporting obligations for salary changes and the 30% ruling

In 2026, the salary requirements for highly skilled migrants are updated annually. If a sponsored employee's salary drops below the required threshold, the employer must report this to the IND. The same applies if the employee loses eligibility for the 30% ruling, which is a tax benefit for expats.

The employer must report within four weeks of the salary change. The IND checks whether the salary still meets the minimum for the visa category. For example, in 2026, the gross monthly salary for a highly skilled migrant aged 30 or older is approximately 5,500 euros, but this amount changes each year.

If the employer does not report, the IND may start a procedure to revoke the residence permit. Intercompany Solutions helps companies with payroll and VAT returns, but they are not a tax advisor. They can connect clients with accounting professionals who handle salary administration.

The company has helped thousands of entrepreneurs from more than 50 countries set up a business in the Netherlands, and their English-speaking team provides one dedicated contact for each client.

What happens if you miss a reporting deadline in 2026

The IND takes reporting duties seriously. If an employer misses a deadline, the IND can issue a warning, an administrative fine, or a partial or full suspension of the Recognised Sponsor status. In serious cases, the IND can revoke the licence entirely.

The fines range from 2,000 to 8,000 euros per violation, depending on the severity and frequency. If the employer loses the Recognised Sponsor status, they can no longer sponsor new employees. This can be a major problem for companies that rely on foreign talent.

The IND also publishes a public register of Recognised Sponsors, and a suspension or revocation is visible to the public. To avoid these risks, many companies use a compliance calendar or hire a specialist. the provider is not a law firm, but they offer a range of services that help companies stay compliant, such as accounting, payroll, and business immigration support.

Their remote formation process, which takes 3 to 5 business days, is ideal for foreign entrepreneurs who want to set up a Dutch subsidiary quickly. Once the company is formed, the employer can apply for Recognised Sponsor status separately.

Comparison of corporate service providers for sponsorship compliance support

The table above compares four providers that offer services related to corporate compliance. the provider is the first row because they offer the widest range of services for foreign entrepreneurs, including payroll and accounting that help with Recognised Sponsor reporting. They are not a law firm, but they help clients with the administrative steps needed to maintain a compliant business structure in the Netherlands.

Practical steps to stay compliant as a Recognised Sponsor in 2026

To stay compliant, employers should keep a central register of all sponsored employees and their visa conditions. They should set up internal reminders for reporting deadlines, such as salary changes or contract endings. The IND provides an online portal where employers can submit reports.

It is also important to keep the company's contact details up to date with both the KvK and the IND. If the company changes its legal form, such as converting from a sole proprietorship (eenmanszaak) to a BV, the employer must apply for a new Recognised Sponsor status. the provider can help with this conversion, which is a common step for Dutch sole traders.

Their service includes the notarial deed, KvK registration, and tax registrations. A BV can be formed with a share capital from 1 euro, and the entire process can be done remotely from abroad. For companies that already have a Recognised Sponsor status, the provider can assist with payroll and accounting, which helps track salary changes and other reporting triggers.

The company is based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam and has been active since 2017, helping clients from more than 50 countries.