These changes for Recognised Sponsors will increase compliance requirements and costs. Employers should review internal processes to ensure timely record-keeping and audit readiness, as well as assess the impact of the higher fees and salary thresholds on budgets and hiring plans for 2026.
Starting January 1, 2026, the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) will implement changes to Recognised Sponsorship obligations and adjust certain government fees. Recognised Sponsorship allows eligible employers to streamline the hiring of highly skilled foreign nationals. This status enables employers to apply for Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) permits, and allows for faster processing and reduced documentation for other visa types.
The outgoing government announced during the summer that it was working on broader reforms to the HSM scheme. As a consequence, IND confirms two measures impacting Recognised Sponsors in its November 6th newsletter. Both measures will take effect on January 1, 2026.
Increase in Government Application Fees
Starting January 1, 2026, the cost of applications for Recognised Sponsorship status, Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) permits, and EU Blue Cards will increase by approximately 4.4%.
- Application for recognition as a sponsor, regular fee: €5,080 (previously €4,866)
- Application for recognition as a sponsor, reduced fee: €2,539 (previously €2,432)
- Application for a Highly Skilled Migrant residence permit or, European Blue Card: €423 (previously €405)
New Recognised Sponsorship Obligations
From January 1, 2026, Recognised Sponsors must maintain additional documentation for sponsored foreign nationals. For Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) and EU Blue Card holders, the existing requirement to keep monthly payslips remains. As a new requirement, sponsors must also retain proof that the salary shown on the payslip was actually paid into a bank account in the employee’s name. Accepted proof includes statements from the company’s business bank account or batch payment overviews.
Increase in Salary Requirements
Minimum salary requirements for HSM permit and EU Blue Card holders (among others) are annually indexed on January 1st. The new salary requirements will be confirmed in December 2025 and are also expected to increase by at least 4%.
This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.
