Useful Links & Downloads for Established Businesses

On this page you will find various links, as well as downloads, that may be of use when considering or hiring a talented International for your business.

Non-EU Interns

• This can add valuable international insight into your business, as well as a new perspective. It is also notable that many courses at the various tertiary educational institutions require their students to undertake an Internship in industry as part of their course.
  • The IWCN has a specific information page regarding working as a Non-EU Intern. The information is different depending on whether the Intern is studying at a Dutch or non-Dutch university, as well as whether the Intern is being paid, ‘researching’ for a project, and so on.
  • The organization that issues working permits is called the UWV (website in Dutch).
  • The work permit limits students to working 16 hours per week, OR full-time in the summer months.

Non-EU employees

• In order to bring Highly-skilled workers to the Netherlands, companies must be recognized as a sponsor by the IND. Information about becoming a recognized sponsor can be found here.
  • Please note: the application cost is €3,927 for ‘regular’ companies, and €1,963 for ‘small businesses and start-ups’ (under 50 staff).
  • The decision time is 4 weeks, unless information needs to be checked with other government agencies, in which case the a decision will be made in under 3 months.
  • There are different ‘sponsor purposes’- make sure you use the correct form!
  • If you would like to check if a company is a recognized sponsor, the IND keeps a public register.

‘Highly-skilled Migrant’ Residence & Work Permit

• The IWCN has a dedicated information page about the ‘Highly-skilled migrant’ permit.
  • Nuffic has also produced a handy flow-chart and information sheet for those considering applying.
  • There is also a large amount of information on the IND website, see this link.
  • The application form can be downloaded, or completed online, at this link (Form 7511).
  • Applications cost €285 – however citizens of Israel and San Marino pay nothing under the Benelux Treaty. Citizens of Turkey pay a reduced fee of €65.
  • There is a decision time of 90 days.

Recognition as a sponsor by the IND

• In order to bring Highly-skilled workers to the Netherlands, companies must be recognized as a sponsor by the IND. Information about becoming a recognized sponsor can be found here.
• Please note: the application cost is €3,927 for ‘regular’ companies, and €1,963 for ‘small businesses and start-ups’ (under 50 staff).
• The decision time is 4 weeks, unless information needs to be checked with other government agencies, in which case the a decision will be made in under 3 months.
• There are different ‘sponsor purposes’- make sure you use the correct form!
• If you would like to check if a company is a recognized sponsor, the IND keeps a public register.

Family members

If you would also like a family member to join you in the Netherlands, they will also need a residence permit.

• For family members of Non-EU citizens who are also Non-EU, please see here on the IND website.
  • Please note: the application cost is €171 (€57 for children)
  • The decision time is 90 days.
• For family members of EU citizens who are Non-EU, please see here on the IND website.
  • Please note: the application cost is €57 (€30 for children)
  • The decision time is 6 months.

The IWCN and Business

• The IWCN can expedite formalities, such as those mentioned above, and charges fees for this service.
• For more information about how the IWCN works to improve living and working in the Northern Netherlands for International people, please see this page.
• The IWCN has a number of trusted and trust-able service partners (please click on the orange box for a list of sectors).
• The IWCN Business leaflet can be viewed/downloaded here.
• Each year the IWCN creates the ‘Welcome Guide’, full of useful information for international entrepreneurs. It can be viewed/downloaded here.
• The IWCN is open five days per week, and can dispense advice and recommendations for free, to anyone who is interested or in need.
• Through our founding partner, Stichting Connect International, the IWCN offers two-hour orientation sessions for new international employees (a fee is required).

Living in the Northern Netherlands

• For more general information about the costs of living in the Northern Netherlands, please see our information about:
  • Renting
  • Additional housing costs
  • More information about the cost of living is available in our in-depth Welcome Guide