Netherlands•Europe

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Orientation Year Permit (Zoekjaar)

Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

1-3 months

Application Fee

254 EUR

Stay Duration

12 months

Renewable

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Not Specified

PR Pathway

Remote Work

Not Required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in Netherlands

Cost of Living

7% more than United States

Avg Salary€44,400

Quality of Life

214/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

12-month job search permit for recent graduates from higher education with unrestricted work rights.

The Netherlands Orientation Year Permit (zoekjaar) is a 12-month residence permit for recent graduates to search for work or start a business. Eligible applicants must have completed a bachelor's, master's, or PhD in the Netherlands, or a master's or PhD at a top-200 university abroad, within 3 years of graduation.

Holders can work freely without a separate employer work permit. No job offer or income proof is required to apply. The application fee is EUR 254. The permit is non-renewable and carries no direct PR pathway, but holders can convert to the Highly Skilled Migrant or EU Blue Card permit.

This visa is ideal for recent international graduates who want to find skilled employment or launch a startup in the Netherlands before transitioning to a long-term work permit.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

Validity3 years

Processing1-90 days

View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must have completed an accredited bachelor's, master's, or PhD in the Netherlands, OR a master's, post-master's, or PhD at a designated top 200 university abroad, OR conducted scientific research in the Netherlands.

Must have completed the study, PhD, or research within the last 3 years prior to the application.

Must possess a valid passport.

Must not pose a risk to public order or national security.

Must undergo a tuberculosis (TB) test if required by nationality.

Must meet English or Dutch language requirements (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent) if applying with a foreign degree (unless the degree was taught in English or Dutch).

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Copy of diploma or official graduation statement

Credential evaluation from Nuffic (for foreign degrees)

Completed application form

Proof of payment of application fee

Antecedent certificate (signed declaration regarding criminal history)

Declaration to undergo TB test (if applicable)

Application Process

Complete education: Finish bachelor's, master's, or PhD in Netherlands

Apply within 3 years: Submit application within 3 years of graduation

Prepare documentation: Gather education and identity documents

Submit application: Apply to local IND office or online

Await approval: IND processes application

Receive permit: Obtain orientation year residence permit

Application Forms

Go to application portal

Orientation Year Permit Application	—
7523	—
7523 Application for the purpose of residence of 'looking for work and carrying out work whether or not as an employee'	—
7523	Fill online

Verified Claims (23)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps	Complete education: Finish bachelor's, master's, or PhD in Netherlands; Apply within 3 years: Submit…	ind.nl
Fee Breakdown	Application fee: 254 EUR	ind.nl
Fees	EUR 254	ind.nl
Forms	Orientation Year Permit Application	ind.nl
Forms · 7523 · description	Application for the purpose of residence of 'looking for work and carrying out work whether or not a…	ind.nl
Forms · 7523 · name	7523	ind.nl
Forms · 7523 · url	https://ind.nl/en/forms/7523.pdf	ind.nl
Included Nationalities	—	ind.nl

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