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Yes. A Dutch student permit allows limited part-time or seasonal work during studies, and graduates can move onto the Orientation Year (zoekjaar) to look for skilled work or start a business.
International students on a Dutch student residence permit can do a limited amount of part-time or seasonal work, which helps with living costs while you study at a recognised institution that sponsors your permit. You will need to keep genuine, full-time enrolment with satisfactory progress, show sufficient funds and hold health insurance.
The stay-on path is one of the route's biggest strengths. On graduation you can apply for the Orientation Year (zoekjaar) permit, which gives you up to a year of free labour-market access to find skilled work or start a business. Better still, moving from the orientation year onto a Highly Skilled Migrant permit unlocks a lower salary threshold, easing the transition into a skilled job.
Because the permitted working hours and orientation-year conditions can change, confirm the current rules with your institution and the IND. ACME can help you map the journey from a student permit through the Orientation Year to a Highly Skilled Migrant permit and, in time, toward permanent residence and citizenship.
Get a free, personalised assessment from a licensed ACME advisor, or ask Acey.
Guidance only, not legal advice. ACME is an independent consultancy, not affiliated with any government. Rules change, confirm details with official sources.