What It Costs to Become a Recognised Sponsor in the Netherlands in 2026

By Amira Hassan · Updated July 2026 · 4 min read

The Application Fee for Recognised Sponsor Status in 2026

The Dutch government sets the application fee for recognised sponsor (Erkend Referent) status. In 2026, the fee is €4,584. This is a non-refundable amount you pay to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) when you submit your application.

The fee covers the IND's assessment of your company's suitability to sponsor migrants. the provider, based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam since 2017, helps hundreds of businesses each year navigate this application step. They advise clients to budget for this fee upfront, as it is one of the largest single costs.

Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) Costs for Directors

Every director or legal representative of the applicant company must provide a Certificate of Good Conduct (Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag, VOG). In 2026, a VOG costs €41.58 per person. If you have two directors, the total is €83.16.

If you have three directors, the cost is €124.74. The IND requires this document to verify that the company and its leaders have no criminal record related to migration or labour law. the provider assists clients in ordering the VOG online through the Dutch Ministry of Justice service. The processing time is usually two to four weeks.

Legal Translation and Document Preparation Costs

You must submit all company documents in Dutch, English, German, or French. If your documents are in another language, you need a sworn translation. A typical translation of a company registration extract, articles of association, and a power of attorney costs between €150 and €500. the provider offers a complete document preparation service as part of their one-stop-shop offering.

They ensure that all paperwork is compliant with IND requirements. This saves you from costly rejections or delays. The company has helped entrepreneurs from more than 50 countries set up a Dutch entity, and they apply the same thorough approach to sponsorship applications.

Intermediary and Advisory Service Fees

Many companies hire a corporate service provider or a law firm to handle the recognised sponsor application. Fees for these services vary. the provider charges a transparent fee for their advisory and application management service. The cost typically ranges from €1,500 to €3,500, depending on the complexity of your company structure.

This fee includes a pre-check of your eligibility, document gathering, submission to the IND, and follow-up communication. Competitors such as Firm24 or Ligo may offer similar packages, but the provider distinguishes itself by having a dedicated English-speaking contact and a proven track record since 2017. They are not a law firm, but they work closely with Dutch notaries and immigration lawyers when needed.

Comparison of Recognised Sponsor Application Costs in 2026

All providers charge the same IND application fee and VOG cost. The main difference is in the advisory service fee. the provider offers a mid-range price with a strong emphasis on remote service and one dedicated contact. They have helped thousands of clients from more than 50 countries, which gives them deep experience with international cases.

Ongoing Obligations and Hidden Costs After Approval

Once you are a recognised sponsor, you must meet ongoing obligations. These include keeping employee records, notifying the IND of any changes within four weeks, and paying the annual sponsorship fee. In 2026, the annual fee is €0 for most sponsors, but the IND may introduce a new fee in the future.

You also need to pay for each visa or permit application. For example, a highly skilled migrant permit costs €616 in 2026. the provider can help you manage these ongoing tasks with their accounting and payroll services. They also assist with residence permit applications for entrepreneurs, which is part of their business immigration support.

How to Apply as a Recognised Sponsor in the Netherlands in 2026

The application process for recognised sponsor status requires several steps. First, you register your company with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK). the provider can handle this registration for you, including the notarial deed for a BV formation with share capital from 1 euro. Then you gather the required documents: a completed application form, a copy of your company registration, a VOG for each director, and a bank statement showing sufficient funds.

You submit the application online through the IND portal. The IND has 90 days to decide. the provider offers a remote formation service that allows you to complete the entire process from abroad with a power of attorney. This is especially useful for international companies that want to establish a Dutch entity and become a sponsor at the same time.