Orientation Year Permit (Zoekjaar)

The Netherlands Orientation Year Permit (zoekjaar) is a 12-month residence permit for recent graduates to search for work or start a business. qualifying applicants must have completed a bachelor's, master's, or PhD in the Netherlands, or a master's or PhD at a top-200 university abroad, within 3 years of graduation.

Holders can work freely without a separate employer work permit. No job offer or income proof is required to apply. The application fee is EUR 254. The permit is non-renewable and carries no direct PR pathway, but holders can convert to the Highly Skilled Migrant or EU Blue Card permit.

This visa is ideal for recent international graduates who want to find skilled employment or launch a startup in the Netherlands before transitioning to a long-term work permit.