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← Essential Guide

Orientation Year (Zoekjaar)

The residence permit for highly educated persons — a one-year permit that allows graduates and researchers to look for work or start a business in the Netherlands without a separate work permit.

01 / 06

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, you must meet one of the following conditions within the 3 years prior to your application:

  • Dutch graduates: Completed an accredited Bachelor's or Master's degree or a post-master's programme (at least 10 months) at a Dutch higher education institution.
  • Researchers: Conducted scientific research in the Netherlands under a specific research permit or as a highly skilled migrant (with a job code starting with 01).
  • International graduates: Obtained a Master's, doctoral, or post-master's degree from a designated foreign institution (top 200 in at least two of: Times Higher Education, QS, or ShanghaiRanking).
  • Erasmus Mundus: Obtained a Master's degree in the context of an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master programme.
02 / 06

Requirements for Foreign Degrees

  • Top 200 rankings: Your university must appear in the top 200 of at least two of three rankings — Times Higher Education, QS World University Rankings, or ShanghaiRanking (general or by subject).
  • Credential evaluation: Your diploma must be evaluated by Nuffic to determine its Dutch equivalent value (except for specific Flemish degrees).
  • Language proficiency: Minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (Academic or General) or equivalent (TOEFL, TOEIC, Cambridge). Waived if your entire programme was conducted in English or Dutch.
03 / 06

Application Process & Costs

Application fee

€254.00

IND decision timeline

90 days

  • Online: Available if you currently live in the Netherlands with a valid residence permit, are registered in the BRP, and have a BSN. Otherwise, apply by post.
  • Repeat applications: You can apply for a new orientation year after each new qualifying degree or research project, provided it was completed after your previous orientation year.
04 / 06

Work Rights & Transitioning to HSM

Your residence document will be marked: “Work freely permitted, TWV not required”. You can work as an employee, intern, entrepreneur, or freelancer.

  • HSM advantage: If you find an employer who is a recognised sponsor, they can hire you as a highly skilled migrant at the reduced salary threshold — €3,122/month for 2026.
  • Timing: The reduced rate applies if you transition during your orientation year or within 3 years of graduation/research completion. Once you qualify, this rate remains even if you change employers or turn 30.
05 / 06

Mandatory Obligations

  • TB test: Unless your nationality is exempt, undergo a tuberculosis test at a GGD within 3 months of receiving the permit.
  • BRP & insurance: Register at your local town hall (BRP) and take out Dutch healthcare insurance within 4 months of arrival.
  • Information obligation: You are legally required to notify the IND of any major changes in your situation.
06 / 06

Validity & Extension

Duration

1 year

Extensions

Not possible

Before it expires, you must apply for a different residence permit (such as highly skilled migrant, start-up or self-employed) or leave the Netherlands.

Source: IND — Residence permit for orientation year for highly educated persons