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A one-year residence permit that lets recent graduates and researchers stay in the Netherlands to look for work or start a business, with free access to the labour market during that year and a lower salary threshold if they move on to a Highly Skilled Migrant permit.
Recent graduates of Dutch institutions or designated top-ranked foreign universities, and certain researchers, who want to find skilled work in the Netherlands.
Our licensed advisors assess your eligibility, build a strategy to strengthen your application, and manage the process end to end, so you submit a complete, competitive application with confidence.
You can work freely during the orientation year and your employer does not need a separate work permit (TWV).
No. There is no income requirement to obtain the orientation year permit, but you must support yourself during the year.
You must apply within three years of completing your studies, PhD or research.
It is valid for one year and cannot be extended, although you can switch to another permit if you find suitable work.
The Orientation Year (zoekjaar) is a one-year permit letting recent graduates and researchers stay in the Netherlands to find skilled work or start a business, with free access to the labour market during that year.
Recent graduates of Dutch higher education, people who obtained a PhD or did research in the Netherlands, and graduates of certain top-ranked foreign universities can qualify.
You can switch to a longer-term permit such as the highly skilled migrant permit, often at a reduced salary threshold for recent graduates.
