When local talent is scarce or too costly, hiring from abroad can be a smart solution-but it often feels complex. Many companies worry about the time, cost and difficulty of the visa process, assuming it's too complicated or expensive. But what if visa sponsorship was easier, faster and more affordable than you think?
The Basics of Sponsoring a Visa
Hiring international talent often comes with the challenge of securing the right visa. Visa requirements differ by country, each with its own set of rules and processes. Some visas are harder to obtain than others, depending on factors such as the candidate's role and the purpose of their move. Given the complexity and variety of visas, countries, and requirements, today we'll focus on the Netherlands and its Highly Skilled Migrant visa, which is specifically designed for professionals in fields such as IT, engineering, science, healthcare, creative industries and finance.
First things first: only recognised sponsors by the IND are eligible to apply for the Highly Skilled Migrant Visa - and that includes YourExpats. If your company company isn't yet a recognised sponsor, don't worry! You can partner with a third-party organisation, like YourExpats, to manage the application process. In this case, YourExpats will act as the official employer for your new hire, with your company as the client.
The visa process itself is straightforward but involves several important steps. For example, in countries like the Netherlands, the process involves applying for a combined MVV. The MVV is an entry visa that consists of a sticker that is placed in the passport and allows your future employee to collect the residence permit.
The initial visa application can be done through the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND), followed by final permit approval at the embassy. Though this sounds complicated, the process is largely standardized for highly skilled migrants, and the costs associated with applying for a visa remain relatively fixed.
Visa costs can vary depending on the applicant's circumstances, but for a highly skilled migrant, the fees are generally predictable. For example, the standard application fee for non-EU applicants, along with our services, is no more than €1,500. This fee covers everything, and there are significantly reduced rates for family members or children. This shows that sponsoring a visa is often more affordable than many companies think. The cost depends on the length of the contract, and if you choose to offer a permanent contract once the visa is about to expire or the current contract ends, the costs will be different. What's more, the process is straightforward and, when managed properly, doesn't require much time- making it a cost-effective and efficient solution for attracting the skilled professionals your company needs.
Simplifying the Visa Process with YourExpats
Although the visa process involves paperwork and legal requirements, companies can simplify it significantly by partnering with a recognised sponsor. With expert services like YourExpats, visa sponsorship becomes a simple formality rather than an obstacle.
Now, long story short, to hire someone from outside the EU, who needs a visa, the process consists in starting with a job offer or contract, followed by a visa application where YourExpats acts as the sponsor due to our recognised status in behalf of your company. Then, once the application is submitted, the IND evaluates whether the candidate meets the necessary criteria, including salary requirement.
The entire process usually takes arout five weeks. While this may seem like a long wait, it's easily manageable with the right expertise. Essentially, this one-month period can be significantly shortened, thanks to digital tools that allow you to begin onboarding sooner.
Why Choose YourExpats?
Partnering with YourExpats means you have an experienced team on your side, guiding you through every step of hiring from abroad.
We don't just offer a simple visa service. We provide a platform that allows you to track the entire visa process in real-time, along with all necessary legal documents. On this platform, you and your team can see which documents have been submitted, which appointments have been scheduled, and if any future actions are required - all in one centralized dashboard.
This level of transparency gives companies complete visibility and control over the process.
By combining our expertise as a recognised sponsor with our intuitive tracking platform, we help you save time, reduce costs, and ensure a smooth transition of international hires. Let us handle the complexities of visa sponsorship, and we'll make sure your candidate is soon in the office.
