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The Netherlands offers a special residence permit known as the Orientation Year visa (zoekjaar) for international students and recent graduates who wish to stay in the country to search for employment or start a business. This visa provides an excellent opportunity to transition from education to professional life in the Dutch labor market without the need for immediate sponsorship by an employer.
Purpose of the Orientation Year Visa
The Orientation Year visa allows recent graduates from Dutch higher education institutions—or from top international universities abroad—to remain in the Netherlands for up to 12 months to seek employment as a highly skilled migrant or explore entrepreneurial opportunities.
Who is Eligible?
To qualify for the Orientation Year visa, applicants must have completed one of the following within the past three years:
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A bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree from a Dutch university or university of applied sciences.
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A postdoctoral or scientific research program in the Netherlands.
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A degree or postgraduate qualification from a top 200 university (based on recognized global rankings) outside the Netherlands.
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A master’s degree from an accredited Dutch university under an Erasmus Mundus program.
The application must be submitted within three years of graduation or completion of the qualifying program.
Key Features of the Orientation Year Visa
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Duration: Valid for 12 months, non-renewable.
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Work Authorization: You may work in any job without a permit or salary threshold during this year, including internships or self-employment.
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No Sponsorship Required: You do not need a job offer or recognized sponsor to apply.
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Pathway to HSM Visa: If you find qualifying employment, you can transition to the Highly Skilled Migrant (kennismigrant) visa.
Application Process
1. Prepare Required Documents
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Valid passport or travel document
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Proof of graduation (diploma, degree certificate, or official letter from the institution)
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Completed application form
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Proof of Dutch or foreign degree from an eligible institution
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Proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself (around €1,300 per month)
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Health insurance coverage valid in the Netherlands
2. Submit Your Application
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Apply online or via mail to the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).
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Pay the application fee (approximately €228 as of 2025).
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If applying from abroad, you may need a provisional residence permit (MVV) depending on your nationality.
3. Wait for IND Decision
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The IND generally processes applications within 90 days.
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Once approved, you will receive your residence permit card.
After the Orientation Year
Once you secure a job that meets the salary criteria for a Highly Skilled Migrant, EU Blue Card, or other qualifying permit, you can switch to the appropriate residence status. Employers can then apply on your behalf, and your previous search year simplifies the transition.
Important Notes
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You can only use the Orientation Year visa once per study level (bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD).
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If you had a residence permit for job-seeking purposes before, you are not eligible again after a new degree.
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You must be registered with a Dutch municipality and maintain valid health insurance during your stay.
Conclusion
The Orientation Year visa offers a valuable opportunity for recent graduates to gain international work experience, build a professional network, and explore job opportunities in the Netherlands. It acts as a bridge between education and a full-fledged professional career, especially for those seeking to become highly skilled migrants in one of Europe’s most innovative economies.
Disclaimer:
This blogpost is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules and visa procedures may change over time. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult the official website of the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) or speak with a licensed immigration advisor.
July 7, 2025
