Dutch Orientation Year for Highly Educated Persons (Zoekjaar)

Who it's for

Recent graduates of Dutch higher education, holders of degrees from designated top-ranked foreign universities, former highly skilled migrants, and researchers/PhD graduates who want time to find skilled work in the Netherlands.

Requirements

• A qualifying degree, PhD, or research completed within the last three years (from a Dutch institution or a designated top-ranked foreign university/master's programme)
• Application made within three years of obtaining the qualification
• A valid passport
• No public-order objections; TB test where required by nationality
• Sufficient means are generally presumed; no employer sponsor is required

What you can do

• Work for any employer during the year without a work permit and with no salary threshold
• Search for a Highly Skilled Migrant job that later uses the reduced salary threshold
• Start an innovative business or transition to a startup/self-employed permit
• Live in the Netherlands while you orient toward longer-term status

How to apply

You apply to the IND yourself, in most cases from within the Netherlands using the application for 'looking for work' (orientation year).

You do not need an employer or sponsor for the orientation year itself.

Once you secure a qualifying highly skilled job, your new employer (a recognised sponsor) applies to switch you to a Highly Skilled Migrant permit at the reduced threshold.

Documents

• Valid passport
• Diploma / PhD certificate, or proof the foreign university/programme is on the designated list
• Proof the qualification was obtained within the last three years
• Antecedents (public order) declaration
• TB test appointment/exemption depending on nationality