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🇳🇱 Netherlands

Orientation Year Visa

The Zoekjaar (Orientation Year) is a 1-year residence permit for recent graduates and researchers to seek employment in the Netherlands. Available to those who completed Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD at Dutch institution OR graduated from top 200 university abroad. Must apply within 3 years of graduation. Key benefit: work permit exemption during the year. Major advantage: qualifies for reduced HSM salary threshold (approximately €3,122/month) for up to 3 years after Orientation Year ends. Cannot be extended or used twice. No sponsor required.

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Processing Time

2-4 weeks

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Cost

€243

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Duration

1 year (non-extendable)

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Work Rights

Full work rights without permit requirement

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Renewability

Not renewable - one-time permit

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Path to Permanent Residence

No

Requirements

  • 1Completed degree at Dutch institution OR top 200 global university
  • 2Apply within 3 years of graduation
  • 3Valid passport
  • 4Proof of qualification
  • 5Sufficient financial means

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