Obligations for (Recognised) Sponsors
Employers acting as (recognised) sponsors benefit from an accelerated procedure, but this also means they must meet a range of obligations. These requirements are intended to enable the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) to check whether all conditions are being met.
Summary of the New Requirement
In addition to existing obligations, from January 1, 2026, an additional requirement applies. Employers must retain evidence that clearly demonstrates that salaries have actually been transferred to a bank account belonging to a highly skilled migrant or EU Blue Card holder. It is advisable for HR and Finance departments to closely cooperate to ensure this proof is properly maintained. Be sure to establish an administrative procedure for this purpose.
Reason for the Additional Requirement
The IND has found it challenging to enforce and monitor whether the correct salaries are actually paid to highly skilled migrants and EU Blue Card holders. Prior to this legislative amendment, the administrative obligation for recognised sponsors was limited to retaining payslips. However, payslips do not guarantee that wages have actually been paid, since they can be easily forged or falsified and do not constitute proof of payment. As a result of the amendment, the administrative obligations for (recognised) sponsors will become more demanding.
Type of evidence required
From January 1, 2026, the IND may ask (recognised) sponsors for business bank statements or equivalent proof, like batch payment overviews. These should confirm wages paid to highly skilled migrants or EU Blue Card holders.
Questions and Contact
Do you have questions about the obligations of being a sponsor or recognised sponsor? Or are you interested in becoming a recognised sponsor? Please contact us via the contact page on this website.
Sources:
Voorschrift Vreemdelingen 2000 art 4.35 (sub D)
https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0012002/2026-01-01#Hoofdstuk4_Afdeling2_Paragraaf2_Artikel4.35
https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/stcrt-2025-33328.html
Newsletter Zakelijk Editie 6 november 2025
https://ind.nl/nl/plichten-referent-en-erkende-referent#administratie–en-bewaarplicht