Recently graduated in the Netherlands or at a top university abroad? The orientation year (zoekjaar) gives you twelve months to find a job or start a business – with free access to the Dutch labour market.
It is a once-in-a-lifetime permit – use it at the right moment.
Most graduates use the orientation year as a bridge to the highly skilled migrant permit.
| Orientation year | Highly skilled migrant (graduate) | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Looking for work or starting a business | Working for a recognised sponsor |
| Job needed? | No | Yes |
| Work rules | Any job, any employer, also self-employed | Only with a recognised sponsor |
| Salary requirement | None | €3,122 gross per month (2026, reduced criterion) |
| Duration | 1 year, not renewable | Up to 5 years, renewable |
| IND fee 2026 | €254 | €423 |
It starts with a free 30-minute consultation.
We check your diploma, your three-year window and the best moment to start your year.
We prepare your application – online via My IND if you still have a study permit, or with an MVV from abroad.
Work freely, build your network and look for a recognised sponsor or start your company.
When you find a job, we arrange your switch to the highly skilled migrant permit at the reduced salary.
Three groups can use the orientation year.
Bachelor, master, PhD or post-master from a Dutch university or university of applied sciences.
Studying first? study-visa.nl →A master or PhD – and in some cases a bachelor – from a university ranked in the top 200 of a recognised international ranking.
Scientific researchers who completed research in the Netherlands can also use the orientation year.
Make the most of your twelve months.
Dutch bachelor, master, PhD or post-master – or a degree from a top-200 university abroad. Researchers who completed scientific research in the Netherlands can also qualify.
You must apply within three years after graduating. Note the exact date on your diploma.
The year can be used only once. Plan it when you can actually spend twelve months on your job search or business.
Still in the Netherlands on a study permit? Apply online via My IND. Coming from abroad? You may need an MVV first.
You may work immediately – any job, part-time or full-time, or as a freelancer. No work permit is needed.
Target employers in the IND register of recognised sponsors: they can hire you as a highly skilled migrant at the reduced salary.
As soon as you have a suitable job, switch to the highly skilled migrant permit. Do not wait until the last weeks.
Where most graduates go next.
The most common next step – at the reduced salary requirement of €3,122 gross per month in 2026.
hsmvisa.nl →Built something during your year? Continue with the self-employed permit or the start-up visa.
selfemployed-visa.nl →In a relationship with someone living here? A partner permit may be the better long-term route.
partner-visa.nl →The orientation year is a one-time chance – avoid these.
No. That is the point of the orientation year: you can look for work, take any job, freelance or start a company.
Yes, if your university is in the top 200 of a recognised international ranking and you apply within three years after graduating. We check your university for you.
You can use it only once, so timing matters. Many graduates apply straight after graduation; others first work elsewhere and use it later within the three-year window.
Your employer – if it is a recognised sponsor – can apply for the highly skilled migrant permit at the reduced salary of €3,122 gross per month (2026). You do not have to wait until your year ends.
Yes, but your partner applies for their own residence permit, with its own conditions.
Yes. During the orientation year you may work as a self-employed person. Afterwards you need a self-employed or start-up permit.
The first 30 minutes are free.
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