Orientation Year Residence Permit (Zoekjaar)
🇳🇱 Netherlands visas · Exploring
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Orientation Year Residence Permit (Zoekjaar)
Orientation Year Residence Permit (Zoekjaar)
Netherlands · Exploring
What it is
Permit allowing recent graduates and researchers to seek employment in the Netherlands for one year after completing studies or research, with free access to the labour market (no TWV required).
Key facts
- Category
- Exploring
- Duration
- 1 year (Type I temporary regular residence permit, non-renewable)
- Processing time
- Up to 13 weeks
- Maximum validity
- 1 year
- Extendable
- No
- How to apply
- Online
- Health insurance
- Required
Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.
Fees
- Application fee (first application/change of purpose)
- EUR 254
Key requirements
- Completed studies or research in the Netherlands within the prior 3 years, OR obtained a master's degree from a top-200 ranked foreign institution with English proficiency
- No previous orientation year permit following the same study/research period
- Foreign diplomas evaluated by Nuffic
- General requirements applicable to all applicants
Working on this visa
Free to work during the orientation year; no work permit (TWV) required.
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 18 July 2026.