Thinking of staying in the Netherlands After Graduation? Here’s How to Get the Netherlands Orientation Year Visa.
The Netherlands is one of the most attractive destinations for international graduates and researchers looking to build a career in Europe.
If you’ve recently completed your studies or research in the Netherlands or at an eligible foreign institution, the Orientation Year Residence Permit offers a golden opportunity to stay and work freely for up to one year.
This visa allows you to explore job opportunities, start a business, and transition to long-term residency without needing a work permit.
As of February 6, 2025, the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) has introduced important updates to the Orientation Year Visa, refining eligibility criteria, application processes, and work rights. Understanding these changes is crucial to ensuring a smooth and successful application.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the updated Netherlands Orientation Year Visa, including who qualifies, how to apply, and what benefits it offers.
What Is the Netherlands Orientation Year Visa?
The Orientation Year Residence Permit, also known as the Zoekjaar Visa, allows foreign graduates and researchers to remain in the Netherlands for 12 months after completing their studies or research.
The biggest advantage? You can work in any job without needing a separate work permit. This means Dutch employers don’t have to go through additional hiring procedures, making it easier for them to employ you.
During this one-year period, you can:
- Work in any industry without restrictions
- Look for a full-time job as a highly skilled migrant
- Start your own business in the Netherlands
- Gain international work experience and expand your professional network
After this period, if you find a qualifying job, you can transition to a more permanent residence permit, such as the Highly Skilled Migrant Visa or Entrepreneur Visa.
Updated Eligibility Criteria (February 2025 Changes)
The IND has refined its eligibility rules to include a broader range of applicants. Here’s what you need to qualify:
1. General Requirements
- A valid passport and a clean legal record
- No threat to public order or national security
- A tuberculosis (TB) test may be required (some nationalities are exempt)
2. Educational & Research Qualifications
You must have completed your education or research within the last three years before applying. Eligible applicants include:
- Graduates from Dutch universities with a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree
- Graduates from foreign universities with degrees recognized under Dutch immigration policies
- Those who completed a post-master’s program in the Netherlands (at least 10 months)
- Students who earned a degree through the Erasmus Mundus Master’sCourse
- Thosewho studied under Dutch development cooperation policy programs
- Researchers who conducted scientific research in the Netherlands under the EU Directive (2016/801)
- Highly skilled migrants who completed research in the Netherlands
3. Additional Requirements for International Graduates Applying from Abroad
- A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent TOEFL/PTE score)
- Your degree must be from a university where English or Dutch was the primary language of instruction
- Proof of Dutch or international civic integration eligibility under Article 4(1)(b) of the Dutch Civic Integration Act
4. Restrictions
You cannot apply if you already held an Orientation Year Visa for the same study level or research type.
How to Apply for the Netherlands Orientation Year Visa (2025 Updated Process)
The Dutch IND has streamlined the application process to make it faster and easier. Follow these steps to apply:
Step 1: Submit an Online Application
- If you are in the Netherlands, apply online through the IND portal
- If you are outside the Netherlands, apply at the nearest Dutch embassy or consulate in your country.
Step 2: Prepare & Submit Required Documents
When submitting your application, you need to provide:
- A valid passport (plus previous residence permits, if applicable)
- Diploma or degree certificate from a recognized institution
- Proof of residence in the Netherlands (if applicable)
- Financial proof (bank statements or sponsorship letter confirming financial stability)
- Health insurance certificate covering your stay
- Proof of academic or research completion (transcripts, thesis approval, or research participation letter)
Step 3: Pay Fees & Wait for Processing
- Application Fee: €243
- Processing Time: Up to 90 days from submission
- Once approved, you will receive a residence card allowing you to live and work in the Netherlands for one year
Work Rights & Opportunities with the Orientation Year Visa
During your 12-month stay, you have full work freedom, meaning:
- You do not need an additional work visa
- You can work full-time, part-time, or freelance
- Employers do not require a work permit to hire you.
Transitioning to a Long-Term Residence Permit
If you secure a permanent job, you can switch to a different visa type:
- Highly Skilled Migrant Visa – For jobs with a minimum salary requirement (set by the IND)
- Entrepreneur Visa – If you decide to start a business in the Netherlands
- EU Blue Card – For highly skilled workers with a recognized contract
Why Should You Apply for the Netherlands Orientation Year Visa?
- No work restrictions – Work in any job sector without a work permit
- Pathway to permanent residency – Transition to a long-term visa after securing a job
- High employability – The Netherlands has a strong demand for tech, engineering, healthcare, and business professionals
- Business-friendly environment – Start a business without additional visa hurdles
- ✔️ Stay in the Netherlands legally while exploring career opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I extend the Netherlands Orientation Year Visa?
No, the Orientation Year Visa is non-extendable. However, you can transition to another residence permit before it expires, such as the Highly Skilled Migrant Visa or the Entrepreneur Visa.
2. Do I need a job offer to apply?
No, you do not need a job offer to apply for this visa. It is designed to allow graduates and researchers to stay in the Netherlands while searching for a job or starting a business.
3. Can I apply if I graduated more than three years ago?
No, you must apply within three years of completing your studies or research. If you miss this timeframe, you will need to explore alternative work visa options.
4. Can I work in any job with this visa?
Yes! The Orientation Year Visa grants full work freedom, meaning you can work in any sector without needing a separate work permit. Employers do not need to apply for a work visa to hire you.
5. How much does the visa application cost?
The application fee is €243. This fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.
6. How long does the application process take?
The processing time is up to 90 days from the date of submission. You should apply well in advance to avoid delays.
7. Can I bring my spouse or family on this visa?
No, the Orientation Year Visa does not automatically allow family members to join you. However, your spouse or children may apply for a dependent visa under a different category.
8. Can I apply from outside the Netherlands?
Yes! If you are not in the Netherlands, you can apply from your home country through the Dutch embassy or consulate. If you are already in the Netherlands on a valid residence permit, you can apply online through the IND portal.
9. What happens if I don’t find a job within a year?
If you do not secure a job within 12 months, you will need to leave the Netherlands unless you qualify for another type of residence permit, such as a student visa, start-up visa, or skilled worker visa.
10. Can I start my own business on this visa?
Yes! The Orientation Year Visa allows you to start a business in the Netherlands without needing an additional permit. However, before your visa expires, you must apply for an Entrepreneur Visa to continue running your business legally.
Final Thoughts
If you are an international graduate or researcher, the Netherlands Orientation Year Visa is an excellent way to kickstart your career in Europe.
This visa provides the flexibility you need to explore job opportunities or launch a business, with no work restrictions and a clear path to permanent residency,
With the 2025 updates, the Dutch government has made the process more inclusive and streamlined, giving more graduates and researchers a chance to build a future in the Netherlands.
If you meet the criteria, start your application today and take advantage of this opportunity to stay, work, and grow in the Netherlands!
