Sponsoring a visitor from abroad

When don't you need to sponsor a foreign visitor?

Your visitor does not need a sponsor if they have enough spending money per person per day. Your visitor must be able to prove that they have at least € 55 to spend per person per day, for all the days that they are in the Netherlands.

For more information visit the website of the Immigration and Naturalisation Service.

Private accommodation

Does your guest have enough money during their stay? Then a sponsorship is not necessary. In that case, you only request private accommodation via the proof of sponsorship and/or private accommodation form. With this form you only have your signature legalised.

Conditions for sponsors

• Sponsors must live in the Netherlands.
• Sponsors must have a citizen service number (BSN).
• Sponsors must earn the minimum wage gross income (excluding holiday allowance).
• Couples acting as sponsors must jointly earn the minimum wage (excluding holiday allowance).
• You must also fill in a proof of sponsorship and/or private accommodation form

For more information on income requirements visit the website of the Immigration and Naturalisation Service.

Sponsorship: step-by-step plan

1. Fill in the proof of sponsorship and/or private accommodation form. Fill in one form for each person you want to sponsor. In some municipalities you can do this online.
   
   Please note: both the form and the website state that this is intended for visitors who need a visa. But the form can also be used for visitors who do not need a visa.
2. Have your municipality legalise your signature on the form. The form is then valid for 6 months. Are you sponsoring a visitor who does not need a visa? Then you do not need to have your signature legalised.
3. Collect all the other documents required (see the paragraph below).
4. Send the form and all the documents required to your foreign visitor.
5. After receiving it, your visitor can apply for a visa abroad. If your visitor does not need a visa, they should take the documents with them to the Netherlands and show them to border control officers.

Other documents required

You must send the following documents with the sponsorship form to your foreign visitor:

You have an employment contract and want to sponsor a visitor

• a copy of your employment contract. The contract must be valid for at least 12 months from the date of the visa application.
• an employer’s declaration
• a copy of your last 3 salary statements
• a copy of your passport or ID card, or Dutch residence permit

You run your own business and want to sponsor a visitor

• a recent extract proving your registration with the Chamber of Commerce
• your most recent final income tax assessment
• a recent profit and loss account, showing your net profit
• a copy of your passport or ID card, or Dutch residence permit

You receive a pension or benefit and want to sponsor a visitor

• proof of income showing that you will receive the pension or benefit for at least another 12 months. Do you receive a benefit that is paid from general resources, such as a social assistance benefit, benefit under the Participation Act or a Wajong benefit? Then you cannot sponsor a visitor.
• a copy of your passport or ID card, or Dutch residence permit

Also useful

How can my sponsor invite me to the Netherlands for a short stay?