Stay in the Netherlands after graduation — handled by a lawyer.
The Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) — also called the orientation year visa, search year visa, or in Dutch zoekjaar visum(literally “search year”) — is a 1-year Dutch residence permit that lets graduates work, freelance, or job-hunt without a work permit. Duration: 1 year, not extendable. Our licensed immigration lawyers prepare and submit your IND application — so you don't risk a rejection on a technicality.
IND application fee (€254) & Nuffic evaluation not included.
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.
Not sure if you qualify? We'll check for free.
Send us your diploma and dates — a lawyer will review your eligibility within 1 working day. No obligation, no cost.
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). 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).
Duration & 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.
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
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)
Paid directly to the IND. Legal fees are separate.
€254
Standard fee
€85
Turkish citizens
Free
San Marino & Israel citizens
Reject & reapply = lost months, lost rights.
- IND fee of €254 is non-refundable
- Gap in legal stay if your student permit expires
- No right to work until reapplication is approved
- 3-year eligibility window keeps shrinking
One shot, done right — by a lawyer.
- Licensed immigration lawyer files the application
- All documents pre-checked against IND criteria
- We handle objections & IND questions in writing
- From €499 — less than a rejected reapplication costs
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).
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.
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.
Graduates who got their Zoekjaar — stress-free.
from 30+ reviews
“I tried applying by myself at first, but my application was rejected because of a document issue. Then I found StudyPath. They filed an objection with the IND, and my case was overturned. I had already lost two months, but they helped me keep the rest of my time.”
“I was a month away from my student visa expiring and panicking. They filed everything within 3 days and gave me the endorsement sticker so I could keep working at my internship. Six weeks later, I had my Zoekjaar. Worth every euro.”
“Oxford graduate, relocated to Amsterdam because of my girlfriend. Top 200 rule is confusing – IND has exact ranking and publisher information. They determined the exact one relevant to my education and managed the Nuffic process. Approved in 52 days.”
“I could have done this myself, but the idea of my application being denied and not being able to work for three months made me very nervous. It was an easy choice spending €499 to have someone else check all my paperwork.”
“No hidden costs, no upselling. They quoted me in half a day, the documentation that is required and everything else followed automatically after that. Once they got their approval, they also informed me about my eligibility for Highly Skilled Migrant.”
“Doctoral student here – my case was special (joint masters under Erasmus Mundus, then research contract). Two other companies answered, ‘Don’t know, send your documents.’ But StudyPath gave me the exact law for my case and quoted an exact fee.”
Official Resources
Bookmark these for your Zoekjaar application.
Tell us about your case.A lawyer replies within 1 working day.
- Written quote within 1 working day — based on your situation.
- €499 for Dutch university graduates · €999 for international graduates — all-in.
- Your data is used only for your quote — never sold.