- The orientation year gives graduates one year in the Netherlands to look for work.
- It is open to graduates of Dutch universities and of top ranked universities abroad, within three years of graduating.
- You can work in any job during the year.
- Employers can hire you as a highly skilled migrant at a lower salary threshold after the year.
The orientation year (zoekjaar hoogopgeleiden) is one of the most useful and least known permits in Europe. It gives you a year in the Netherlands to find a job, without a sponsor.
Who qualifies
- Graduates of a Dutch university or university of applied sciences.
- Graduates of a top ranked university abroad, as defined by the IND, who completed a master's or PhD.
- You must apply within three years of graduating, and you can use the orientation year once per study level.
What you can do during the year
You may work in any job without a work permit, including part time or freelance work in some cases. Use the time to apply for jobs in your field, because an employer who hires you during or after the year can use the lower salary criterion for the highly skilled migrant permit.
How to use it well
- Apply as soon as you graduate. The clock of three years starts with your graduation date.
- Find housing before you arrive. Housing is the hardest part of moving to the Netherlands.
- Target IND recognised sponsors. Only they can hire you as a highly skilled migrant afterwards. Check the IND register.
- Use Dutch networks. Alumni groups, meetups and recruiters are very active in the Randstad.
Common questions
Can I apply from India?
Graduates of eligible universities abroad can apply from outside the Netherlands, usually with an MVV entry visa if their nationality needs one.
Do I need Dutch for jobs?
Many international companies work in English, but Dutch helps a lot outside tech.
Is there a salary requirement during the year?
No. The salary criterion matters only when you switch to the highly skilled migrant permit.
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I moved to Germany for my master's, collected more than 1,000 rejections, and then got multiple job offers within six months. I work in digital marketing in Germany and help international professionals get hired in Europe. Read my story.
