Post-Study Work Permit in the Netherlands for International Students

An opportunity to work after the completion of a degree is the dream of every student. The Netherlands makes it a reality through the provision of a post-study work visa. For students who want to remain and work in the nation after finishing studies, the Dutch government provides a post-study work permit, known as an Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) Permit, that has a validity period of one year.

This Story also Contains

1. What is the Post-Study Work Permit or the Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) Permit?
2. Post Study Work Visa Netherlands: Importance
3. Post-Study Work Visa in Netherlands Eligibility
4. Application Process for Post-Study Work Visa in Netherlands
5. Application for Residence Permit for Post-Study Work Visa
6. Post-Study Work Visa Netherlands Application Fees
7. How to Get an Orientation Year and Work in the Netherlands After Study?
8. Advantages of the Orientation Year Permit
9. Residence Permits for Orientation Year in the Netherlands: Rules
10. Validity of the Post-Study Work Visa in Netherlands
11. What can be done with a Post-Study Work Permit in the Netherlands?

Also, according to new rules from March 1, 2016, students need to apply for a post-study work visa in the Netherlands within three years after finishing their degree program. It implies that if you have finished your bachelor’s/master’s or research work in 2026, for instance, you have until 2029 to get the permit and work in the Netherlands. Read the complete article to know more about the post-study work visa in the Netherlands, its eligibility, application process, and so on.

What is the Post-Study Work Permit or the Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) Permit?

The Orientation Year Visa is a special residence permit that grants international students who graduated from the Netherlands the opportunity to remain in the Netherlands for a period of up to one year to find work or establish their own business. Within this timeframe, the graduates can freely work without obtaining a separate work permit.

Post Study Work Visa Netherlands: Importance

The Dutch government finds it important to provide highly educated migrants with adequate time to look for a job or establish their own business in the Netherlands once they have completed their graduation. For this, one must apply for a post-study work visa to seek employment.

Students who have finished their studies in the Netherlands will be permitted to apply for a residence permit for an orientation year (post-study work visa Netherlands) within three years after graduation. This will enable graduates to go back home upon graduation and then return to the Netherlands. Graduates and researchers are free to work in the Netherlands without restriction with the assistance of the orientation year residence permit.

Post-Study Work Visa in Netherlands Eligibility

To apply for a post-study work visa in the Netherlands as an international student, you must:

• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD from the Dutch university

• A research in sciences and fall under the highly skilled migrant category (under the directive (EU) 2016/801)

• a Dutch study in the context of the Cultural Policy (Special-Purpose Funding) Act, or

• a Dutch study programme, and the programme concerns the development cooperation policy of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or

• a Master's degree or postgraduate training from a foreign top 200 university (according to the Times Rankings, the QS Rankings, and the Shanghai Rankings)

• Additionally, it is ensured that the applicant possesses relevant English language skills like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE etc.

Application Process for Post-Study Work Visa in Netherlands

The application process majorly requires:

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

• Valid passport

• Graduation proof

• Completed application form

• Payment of application fee

Step 2: Submit Your Application

• Apply for the application online through the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) website or post the application.

• If you are already in the Netherlands, you can apply on the spot; if you are applying from abroad, you might need an entry visa (MVV).

Step 3: Await Decision

• The IND generally processes the applications within 90 days.

• You will be given a residence permit card after approval.

Application for Residence Permit for Post-Study Work Visa

Foreign students seeking to work in the Netherlands post-graduation, doctorate, or research need a residence permit. Forms can be filed online after satisfying all the prerequisites mentioned below:

• You are staying in the Netherlands.

• You graduated, earned your doctorate, or conducted research in the Netherlands.

• You have a valid residence permit for these purposes.

• You have a Citizen Service Number (burgerservicenummer or BSN).

• You are required to be enrolled in the Personal Records Database (Basisregistratie Personen or BRP).

• You will need DigiD with SMS verification and internet banking (iDEAL).

Post-Study Work Visa Netherlands Application Fees

The student applying for the post-study work visa in the Netherlands must know the application fees for the same. The application fee for the residence permit for orientation year is €243.00.

How to Get an Orientation Year and Work in the Netherlands After Study?

The Dutch universities are known across the world for their excellent education as well as superb connections to the large multinational corporations with headquarters there. Since the Netherlands has close connections with successful enterprises, it is no wonder that most international students remain in the Netherlands once they have finished studying. Once they graduate from the Netherlands' best universities, students have ample opportunities to stay and work here. To begin the path to studying, staying, and working in the Netherlands, students may begin with a foundation program specifically designed for overseas students at Holland International Study Centre.

Advantages of the Orientation Year Permit

A few of the advantages of obtaining a post-study work visa is:

No Work Restrictions: You can work for any or with any employer without the requirement of an additional work permit.

Entrepreneurship Opportunity: You can become an entrepreneur in the Netherlands.

Pathway to Highly Skilled Migrant Visa: If you find a high-skilled job during the orientation year, you have the opportunity to apply for a Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigrant) Visa, which offers long-term residence options.

Residence Permits for Orientation Year in the Netherlands: Rules

There are some validity rules, minimum income requirements, and application fee, which a candidate must meet to get a permit for the orientation year.

Validity of the Post-Study Work Visa in Netherlands

This one-year residence permit cannot be extended. However, if you are following another course or degree (according to the above-mentioned terms), then this residence permit gets renewed. Even if you have completed an orientation year once, you are eligible to apply for another when you complete your research program. This residence permit cannot be extended.

What can be done with a Post-Study Work Permit in the Netherlands?

Once you have received the orientation year (post-study work permit), you are allowed to:

• Work freely in the Netherlands, and your employer need not obtain a work permit.

• Be an independent entrepreneur.

• May be employed as an independent worker.

The Orientation Year Permit is a perfect chance for international graduates to research career opportunities in the Netherlands. With no employment restrictions and direct access to long-term residence, it is an ideal bridge for students wishing to establish their working future in the Netherlands.