Orientation year permit
The Netherlands has a special residence permit for recent graduates and scientific researchers who want to explore the possibility of living and working in the country after finishing their studies. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the orientation year permit for highly educated individuals.
What is the Orientation Year Permit?
The orientation year (zoekjaar, literally: search year) permit allows recent graduates to stay in the Netherlands for up to one year while they look for work. When they find a job, they can change this permit into a different type of residence permit. They can, for example, apply for a highly skilled migrant or start-up permit or a permit for working on a self-employed basis.
In turn, the orientation year permit offers employers an opportunity to hire recent graduates as highly skilled migrants under a reduced income threshold. This makes it easier to bring young professionals on board.
Since this permit can only be applied for once after completing a study program, it is wise to only apply for the permit if absolutely necessary. Do you meet the orientation year criteria and have you found a potential employer? The employer can sponsor you as a highly skilled migrant under the lower salary threshold, even without you applying for the orientation year permit. This allows you to keep the option open and apply for the orientation year permit only when it becomes necessary.
Have you undertaken multiple research projects or completed various study programs or doctoral programs? If all requirements are met, you can obtain a residence permit for an orientation year after each completed research project, study program at a Dutch higher education institution, or doctoral program.
Citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland do not need a permit to live and work in the Netherlands.
Am I Eligible for an Orientation Year Permit?
You are eligible if you have graduated within the past three years or performed scientific research. There are certain conditions that apply to all permits. There are also specific conditions for an orientation permit. The main conditions are:
- You have completed a bachelor’s, master’s or post-master’s programme at a Dutch institution for higher education, or
- You have had a residence permit in the Netherlands for the purpose of carrying out scientific research, or
- You have completed a master’s or post-master’s programme or obtained a PhD at a designated international educational institution outside the Netherlands, and
- You have achieved a minimum score of 6.0 for the IELTS or another accepted English language test or your degree is for a study programme in Dutch or English.
- You did not hold a residence permit for an orientation year following above mentioned research, study program, or doctoral program.
The Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) website has more detailed information about the requirements for an orientation permit for the Netherlands.
How Do I Apply for an Orientation Year Permit?
You apply to the IND for an orientation year permit. The process depends on whether you are already in the Netherlands or applying from abroad.
You can submit your application online if you are living in the Netherlands with a valid residence permit for studying or carrying out scientific research. You must be registered with the municipality where you live and have a Dutch Citizen Service Number (BSN). If you have a residence permit for a different purpose, such as family reunification, you can only apply for the orientation year permit in writing.
If you are applying from abroad, you also need to apply in writing. Check first if you need a provisional residence permit (MVV). You apply for the MVV and the residence permit at the same time.
What Does an Orientation Year Permit Cost?
The fee for applying for an orientation year permit is €243, as of 2025. This must be paid at the time of applying and is not refundable.
If you want to know more about working in the Netherlands, check out our information on finding a job, vacancies in the greater The Hague area, and working during your studies. Interested in making an impact or launching a career in tech, peace, or justice? Explore The Hague’s vibrant innovation hubs.
To prepare yourself for a career in the Netherlands, read about opportunities for internships and the Dutch work culture on our website. We’ve also got plenty of insider tips on living in the Netherlands and The Hague region.
