Post-Graduation Visa Guide

Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) — Stay in the Netherlands After Graduation

The zoekjaar gives recent graduates one year to work, start a business, or find a sponsored job in the Netherlands — no work permit needed.

Who Can Apply?

You must apply within 3 years of graduating or completing your research. The following categories are eligible:

Completed an accredited Bachelor's or Master's at a higher education institution in the Netherlands

Completed a Dutch post-master programme (at least 10 months) or obtained a PhD in the Netherlands

Conducted scientific research in the Netherlands under the relevant residence category

Graduated from a designated foreign educational institution (top-ranked university route)

Completed a Master's in an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master programme

3-Year Window

You must meet the general requirements and fall into one of the eligible categories, typically within 3 years before the application date.

What Can You Do During the Zoekjaar?

The orientation year gives you full labour market access — no restrictions

Work Freely

Take any job — full-time, part-time, or internship. Your employer does not need a TWV (work permit) for you. This is a huge advantage over a student visa.

Self-Employed / Freelance

Work as an independent entrepreneur / self-employed / freelancer during the orientation year.

During Processing

In certain cases, you may start working during the application process, but you may need a residence endorsement sticker first (the IND explains the conditions).

Validity

1 Year — NOT Extendable

The permit is valid for 1 year. Extension is not possible — you must switch to another permit type if you want to continue to stay in the Netherlands.

Application Process

How you apply depends on whether you're currently in the Netherlands or abroad

From the Netherlands

Apply Online via IND

  • Submit your application online through the IND portal
  • Upload your diploma/graduation letter
  • Pay the application fee
  • Decision within 90 days
From Abroad

Apply via Dutch Embassy

  • Apply for an MVV (entry visa) at the Dutch embassy or consulate
  • Provide Nuffic credential evaluation (for foreign degrees); IND uses top-200 ranking test based on specific publishers (e.g., THE, QS, ShanghaiRanking)
  • Collect MVV from embassy once approved
  • Decision within 90 days

Application Fees (2026)

€254

Standard fee

€85

Turkish citizens

Free

San Marino & Israel citizens

After the Zoekjaar — What's Next?

Before your orientation year expires, you need to switch to a long-term residence permit

Highly Skilled Migrant

The most common path. Your employer must be a recognised sponsor (IND). As a recent graduate, you benefit from a reduced salary threshold of €3,122/month (gross, excl. holiday allowance).

Learn more at Pathway Partners

Start-up Visa

Have an innovative business idea? Apply for a start-up visa with a recognised facilitator. You get 1 year to develop your startup into a viable business.

Learn more at Pathway Partners

Self-Employed

Continue as an independent professional. You'll need to demonstrate your business adds value to the Dutch economy. Scored on a points system.

Learn more at Pathway Partners

StudyPath Tips for the Zoekjaar

Make the most of your orientation year with these practical tips from our advisors

  • Don't miss the 3-year eligibility window
  • If using a foreign diploma, plan time for Nuffic evaluation
  • Remember: the permit is not extendable — prepare your "next permit" strategy early

Official Resources

Bookmark these for your zoekjaar application

IND — Orientation Year

Official IND application page

Nuffic

Credential evaluation for foreign diplomas

IND Recognised Sponsors

Find employers who can sponsor you

KVK (Chamber of Commerce)

Register as self-employed / freelancer

Need legal help with your zoekjaar or next-step permit?

This page is a general guide. If you want professional legal support with your orientation year (zoekjaar) application, objections, or switching to a work permit (e.g., Highly Skilled Migrant or self-employment), contact Pathway Partners for free legal assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The orientation year (zoekjaar) is a one-year Dutch residence permit that lets recent graduates and researchers stay in the Netherlands to find a job or start working. During the orientation year you can work freely (no separate work permit required).
Yes. You can work freely as an employee (TWV not required), do an internship, or work as an independent entrepreneur / self-employed / freelancer. In certain cases, you may start working during the application process, but you may need a residence endorsement sticker first (the IND explains the conditions).
No. The permit is valid for 1 year. Extension is not possible — you must switch to another permit type if you want to continue to stay in the Netherlands.
For Highly Skilled Migrant applications, a reduced salary criterion applies for eligible graduates. For 2026, the reduced salary criterion is €3,122 gross per month (excluding holiday allowance).
Yes. For the foreign top-university route, the IND uses a top-200 ranking test based on specific publishers (e.g., THE, QS, ShanghaiRanking) and additional conditions (including Nuffic evaluation of the diploma). You must apply within 3 years.
The IND states the decision period for this permit is within 90 days.