When does my visitor need a sponsor?
Whether your visitor needs a sponsor depends on how much money they have for each day of their trip, including for any children travelling with them.
- If your visitor has at least €55 per person to spend for each day of their trip, they do not need a sponsor. You can provide your visitor with accommodation. Read how you can provide private accommodation.
- If your visitor has less than €55 per person to spend for each day of their trip, they will need to be sponsored. Follow the steps below to arrange proof of sponsorship.
How can I arrange sponsorship?
You can be a sponsor if you meet the following 3 requirements:
- You live in the Netherlands.
- You have a citizen service number (BSN).
- You have a steady and sufficient income in the Netherlands. This could be income from work, self-employment, a pension or a benefit. Check the minimum income needed to sponsor a foreign visitor on the website of the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).
Fill in the proof of sponsorship form of the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). Many municipalities allow you to do this online.
If you wish to sponsor several visitors, fill in a separate form for each one.
Have your municipality legalise your signature on the form. Bring a valid form of identification with you.
After your signature has been legalised your visitor must apply for a visa within 6 months. Their trip can take place beyond 6 months away, however.
Certain additional documents must accompany the form. Which documents you need to provide depends on your personal situation.
You have an employment contract and want to sponsor a visitor
- A photocopy of your employment contract. The contract must be valid for at least 12 months from the date on which your visitor applies for their visa.
- A recent employer's declaration.
- Photocopies of your 3 most recent salary statements.
- A photocopy of your valid passport, ID card or Dutch residence permit. Ensure that the citizen service number (BSN)on the copy of your passport or ID card is clearly visible. Your residence permit must be valid for at least as long as your visitor’s planned stay.
You are self-employed and want to sponsor a visitor
- A recent extract of your business registration from the Chamber of Commerce Business Register.
- Your most recent final income tax assessment.
- A recent profit and loss account, showing your net profit.
- A photocopy of your valid passport, ID card or Dutch residence permit. Ensure that the citizen service number (BSN)on the copy of your passport or ID card is clearly visible. Your residence permit must be valid for at least as long as your visitor’s planned stay.
You receive a pension or benefit and want to sponsor a visitor
- Proof of income showing that you will continue receiving the pension or benefit for at least 12 more months.
- A photocopy of your valid passport, ID card or Dutch residence permit. Ensure that the citizen service number (BSN)on the copy of your passport or ID card is clearly visible. Your residence permit must be valid for at least as long as your visitor’s planned stay.
If you are unsure if you can be a sponsor, contact your municipality.
Send the form and all the documents required to your foreign visitor. They can apply for a visa as soon as they have received them.
If your visitor does not need a visa, they can show the form and documents at the Dutch border.
As a sponsor, you act as a guarantor for any costs relating to your visitor’s stay, medical care and repatriation. Your role as a sponsor ends once your visitor leaves the Schengen area.
If your visitor returns, they will need a new proof of sponsorship form of the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).