The school year has come to an end in the Netherlands! Many students are finishing their research projects or enjoying a well-deserved summer break. For international graduates, the next big step is finding a job, and securing a work visa in the Netherlands. The Orientation Year, or zoekjaar in Dutch, helps international graduates stay in the country and search for work for up to 12 months. This guide explains how it works, who can apply, and how it connects to the process of getting a Netherlands visa from UK or other countries.
Start Your Career with a Work Visa in the Netherlands
The Orientation Year offers a perfect bridge between studying and starting your career. It allows you to gain experience before applying for a long-term work visa in the Netherlands.
Why Complete the Orientation Year Before Applying for a Work Visa in the Netherlands?
You don’t always need to complete an Orientation Year to work in the Netherlands. Some students find a job during their studies, often through internships. In that case, you can move directly from a student residence permit to a work permit, such as the Highly Skilled Migrant visa.
However, many international graduates use the Orientation Year as a valuable step. It allows them to live and work freely in the Netherlands while they search for the right employer.
The Orientation Year permit gives graduates full access to the Dutch labour market for 12 months. During this time, they can work for any company without restrictions. In 2025, the reduced salary requirement for highly skilled migrants is €2,989. This amount applies even if you change employers or turn 30.
Applying for a Netherlands Visa from UK After Graduation
Graduates do not need to apply for the Orientation Year immediately after finishing their degree. Non-EU graduates can apply within three years after graduation. This means you can gain experience abroad before applying for your Netherlands visa from UK or any other country.
Orientation Year with a Foreign Diploma: A Path to a Work Visa in the Netherlands
If you completed your studies abroad, you can still apply for the Orientation Year if your degree meets certain standards. Your diploma must be at least a master’s level and from a top-ranking international university. Accepted global rankings include:
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- QS World University Rankings
- Academic Ranking of World Universities (ShanghaiRanking)
If your degree meets these criteria, you can apply for the permit and later switch to a full work visa in the Netherlands.
How to Apply for the Orientation Year Residence Permit
The application process is simple but requires preparation. Contact the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) at least three months before your student residence permit expires. To apply, you must:
- Have a valid passport or travel document
- Sign an antecedents statement
- Take a TB test (unless exempt)
If you don’t find a job before your search year permit expires, you must change your residence status or leave the Netherlands.
Applying for the Orientation Year
If you already live in the Netherlands and have a BSN, you can submit your Orientation Year application online via the IND website.
If you live abroad, for instance, if you’re applying for a Netherlands visa from UK, you will need a provisional residence permit (MVV). You can collect the form from a Dutch embassy or consulate.
Employment During the Orientation Year and Transition to a Work Visa
When you find a job during your Orientation Year, your employer must be a recognised sponsor by the IND. After hiring, your employer can apply for your Highly Skilled Migrant permit. This step allows you to stay longer under a full work visa in the Netherlands.
Hire or Get Hired Through Octagon Professionals
Octagon Professionals proudly holds recognised sponsor status with the IND. We help companies hire international graduates quickly and compliantly.
If your company needs to employ a graduate from abroad, reach out to us. We can manage the visa application process or hire directly through our payroll.
Graduates looking for roles in the Netherlands can explore Octagon’s vacancies to match their skills and ambitions. Once we find a suitable opportunity, we’ll reach out to help you start your career in the Netherlands.
