Are you planning to hire international talent in the Netherlands this year? Becoming a Recognized Sponsor (also called Erkend Referent) is very important if you want to use the Highly Skilled Migrant scheme. This status helps companies bring skilled workers from outside the EU more easily. But it costs money, and the prices have increased a little in 2026.
From January 1, 2026, the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) raised the fees by about 4.4% because of inflation. This change is based on wage increases in the country. Also, there are new rules for keeping records, which makes it more work and sometimes more expensive to follow the rules. This guide explains all the costs you need to plan for in 2026 so your business can stay ready and avoid problems with the IND.
2026 IND Recognition Application Fees
These are the one-time fees you pay to the IND to get Recognized Sponsor status. Please remember that these fees are not returned, even if the IND says no to your application.
- Standard Recognition Fee (€5,080) This is the normal fee for most companies. It applies to medium and large businesses with more than 50 employees around the world. Many companies pay this amount to become a Recognized Sponsor.
- Small Business Reduced Fee (€2,539) Small companies get a 50% discount. This lower fee is for businesses with 50 or fewer employees in total, or for companies that are less than 1.5 years old. This helps new or small businesses save money when they start hiring international talent.
- Corporate Restructuring Fee (€2,539) If your company changes a lot, like a new business form or big changes in owners, you need to pay this fee to keep your Recognized Sponsor status. This keeps everything up to date with the IND.
- Exchange/Education Fee (€2,539) This special lower fee is for certain groups, like au pair agencies, cultural exchange programs, or schools and educational organizations. It is the same as the small business fee.
These fees went up from 2025 levels (for example, the standard was €4,866 before). The increase helps the government cover costs. You pay these when you apply for the first time or in some cases to update your status.
Mandatory 2026 Salary Thresholds (for NLP Entities)
To keep your Recognized Sponsor status and to sponsor workers, you must pay salaries that meet the IND rules. These are the minimum gross monthly salaries. They do not include the 8% holiday allowance that most workers get in the Netherlands.
- Highly Skilled Migrants (30+ years): €5,942 For workers who are 30 years old or older, the salary must be at least this amount per month. This is the main level for many experienced professionals.
- Highly Skilled Migrants (<30 years): €4,357 Younger workers under 30 can have a lower minimum salary. This helps companies hire fresh talent from universities or early in their careers.
- Reduced Criterion (Recent Graduates): €3,122 This lower amount is for recent graduates from Dutch schools or top international universities. It makes it easier to hire new graduates who studied in the Netherlands or came from good schools abroad.
- European Blue Card Holders: €5,942 (or €4,754 for recent graduates) The EU Blue Card is another option for skilled workers. The salary is the same as for Highly Skilled Migrants aged 30+, but recent graduates can use the lower amount of €4,754 in some cases. These salary levels also increased in 2026, following the same inflation adjustment as the fees. The IND changes them every year on January 1. You must meet the level that applies when you submit the application.
- Application Processing Fee (€423) Besides the sponsor fee, there is a cost for each person’s residence permit. This is €423 per Highly Skilled Migrant or Blue Card application. It is paid for every new worker or extension.
Compliance & Administrative Costs
Being a Recognized Sponsor in 2026 means more than just paying fees. You need to keep good records and follow strict rules. The IND checks companies more often now, so you must be ready for audits at any time.
- Stricter Proof of Salary Receipt From January 1, 2026, you must keep strong proof that the worker got their salary. You need bank statements from your business account or batch payment lists that show the money went to the employee’s own bank account. Just payslips are not enough anymore. This change makes sure salaries are really paid correctly.
- eHerkenning Level 3 (eH3) To use the IND online portal for applications, you need this digital ID tool called eHerkenning Level 3. It costs between €25 and €60 per year, depending on the provider and how long your contract is. Many companies need this to submit papers fast.
- Liability for Departure Costs If a worker stays in the Netherlands illegally after their job ends, the sponsor might have to pay back some costs that the government spends to send them home. This can last up to one year after the contract ends. It is a risk you need to think about.
- RVO Assessment (Startups) For companies less than 3 years old, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) might do a points-based check. You need to show your business is healthy and has good plans. This can mean extra costs for consultants or help with business plans to pass the check.
These extra steps make compliance more important. Good HR and payroll systems help a lot.
2026 Penalties & Risk Management
The Netherlands Labour Authority (NLA) and IND are very strict in 2026. They call it an “unforgiving” time for following rules.
- Administrative Fines If you forget to tell the IND about big changes, like a salary drop, within 4 weeks, you can get a fine up to €22,500. This is for not doing your “duty to inform.”
- Suspension or Withdrawal If you break rules many times, the IND can take away your Recognized Sponsor status. This stops you from hiring non-EU workers. Your current sponsored workers may need to find new sponsors in 3 months or leave the country.
- Naming and Shaming The IND has a public list that shows companies with warnings or punishments. This can hurt your company’s image and make it hard to attract good workers.
- 2026 Employer Strategy Tip Check your payroll records before March 2026. The new rule about bank proof means old payroll systems may need changes. Make sure your software can make batch payment overviews with the worker’s name clear. If the IND does a quick check and you cannot show this, it can start a “Reliability Review” and you might lose your status.
The total costs for becoming and staying a Recognized Sponsor in 2026 include the application fee (from €2,539 to €5,080), per-person fees (€423 each), salary minimums (up to €5,942), plus ongoing costs like eHerkenning and possible consultant help. Planning early helps avoid surprises.
Disclaimer: This article is for information and learning only. Please check the latest details on IND.nl or talk to a lawyer before you decide anything.