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Orientation Year Permit (Zoekjaar)
NetherlandsNetherlands•Europe
Open

Orientation Year Permit (Zoekjaar)

Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

1–3 months

Estimated Cost

EUR €254

Stay Duration

12 months

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
Netherlands flag

Living in Netherlands

Cost of Living
5% more than United States
Avg Salary€42,000
Quality of Life
206/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

12-month job search permit for recent graduates from higher education with unrestricted work rights.

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.

Netherlands

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Stay & Extensions

Initial grant12 months

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Highly Skilled Migrant Permit
Netherlands flagNetherlands

Highly Skilled Migrant Permit

Validity5 years
Processing1 day – 3 months
View Visa Details
EU Blue Card
Netherlands flagNetherlands

EU Blue Card

Validity5 years
Processing1–3 months
View Visa Details
Start-up — Residence Permit for Startup (Start-up)
Netherlands flagNetherlands

Start-up — Residence Permit for Startup (Start-up)

Validity1 year
Processing1 day – 3 months
View Visa Details
Self-Employment Visa
Netherlands flagNetherlands

Self-Employment Visa

Validity2 years
Processing1–3 months
View Visa Details
GVVA — Single Permit (Gecombineerde vergunning voor verblijf en arbeid)
Netherlands flagNetherlands

GVVA — Single Permit (Gecombineerde vergunning voor verblijf en arbeid)

Validity3 years
Processing1 day – 3 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must have completed an accredited bachelor's, master's, or PhD in the Netherlands, OR a master's, post-master's, or PhD at a designated top 200 university abroad, OR conducted scientific research in the Netherlands.

Must have completed the study, PhD, or research within the last 3 years prior to the application.

Must possess a valid passport.

Must not pose a risk to public order or national security.

Must undergo a tuberculosis (TB) test if required by nationality.

Must meet English or Dutch language requirements (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent) if applying with a foreign degree (unless the degree was taught in English or Dutch).

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Copy of diploma or official graduation statement

Credential evaluation from Nuffic (for foreign degrees)

Completed application form

Proof of payment of application fee

Antecedent certificate (signed declaration regarding criminal history)

Declaration to undergo TB test (if applicable)

Application Process

1

Complete education

Finish bachelor's, master's, or PhD in Netherlands

2

Apply within 3 years

Submit application within 3 years of graduation

3

Prepare documentation

Gather education and identity documents

4

Submit application

Apply to local IND office or online

5

Await approval

IND processes application

6

Receive permit

Obtain orientation year residence permit

Application Forms

Go to application portal
Orientation Year Permit Application—
7523—
7523
Application for the purpose of residence of 'looking for work and carrying out work whether or not as an employee'
—
7523Fill online

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