Orientation Year Residence Permit

The Netherlands Orientation Year Residence Permit allows highly educated foreign nationals to reside in the country for one year while seeking employment, starting a business, or working as a freelancer. The program targets recent graduates of Dutch higher education institutions, graduates of foreign universities ranked in the top 200 globally, PhD holders, scientific researchers, and Erasmus Mundus Masters graduates. Holders enjoy completely unrestricted access to the Dutch labour market and employers do not need a separate work permit to hire them. The permit serves as a transitional pathway into longer-term residence through the highly skilled migrant permit, self-employed permit, or startup permit.

• Non-EU/EEA/Swiss national who, within the past 3 years, meets one of the following:
  • Completed an accredited bachelor's, master's, or post-master's programme (minimum 10 months) at a Dutch higher education institution
  • Obtained a master's, post-master's, or PhD from a foreign university ranked in the top 200 of at least 2 of 3 ranking systems (THE, QS, ARWU) at the time of graduation
  • Held a residence permit for scientific research in the Netherlands
  • Obtained a master's degree through an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master programme
• Credential evaluation from IDW (formerly Nuffic) required for foreign qualifications
• English language proficiency (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent) for foreign graduates whose programme was not taught in English or Dutch
• Must not pose a danger to public order or national security
• No income requirement at time of application

• Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
• Passport-sized colour photograph
• Diploma or graduation certificate
• Credential evaluation from IDW/Nuffic (for foreign qualifications; may be submitted after application)
• English language test results (IELTS 6.0+, TOEFL, TOEIC, or Cambridge English) for applicable foreign graduates
• Signed Antecedents Certificate for applicants over 12 years old
• Proof of BRP registration (for in-country applicants)
• All foreign documents must be legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French, or German

The permit is valid for exactly 1 year from issuance and cannot be extended or renewed under any circumstances. Holders must either transition to another residence permit type before expiry or leave the Netherlands. A second orientation year can only be obtained after completing a different study or research programme.

Spouses, registered partners, and minor children may apply for their own residence permits under family reunification rules. They cannot be added to the main applicant's permit. If family members do not already hold a Dutch residence permit, the main applicant must demonstrate sufficient means of support (EUR 2,477.95/month gross for couples, EUR 1,734.57/month for single parents as of 2026). Approved family members receive unrestricted access to the Dutch labour market without requiring a separate work permit.

Holders residing in the Netherlands for more than 183 days or whose main economic interests are based there are generally considered Dutch tax residents, subject to income tax on worldwide income. Those who subsequently obtain a highly skilled migrant permit may qualify for the 30% ruling, which exempts a portion of salary from income tax for eligible incoming employees. This ruling is being phased down from 30% in stages starting 2024.

• Online (in-country): Applicants already in the Netherlands with a valid residence permit, BSN, and DigiD can apply via the IND portal using DigiD with SMS verification and iDEAL payment
• By post: Using application form 7523 or 9571 for those who cannot use the online system
• From abroad: At a Dutch embassy or consulate, applying simultaneously for a provisional residence permit (MVV) and the orientation year permit. The embassy forwards the application to the IND
• The IND must decide within 90 days, though online applications with complete documentation are typically processed in 2-3 weeks
• Application fee is EUR 254 (reduced rate of EUR 85 for Turkish nationals)
• Upon arrival, holders must register with the municipality (BRP) and complete a tuberculosis test at the GGD within 3 months
• Dutch basic health insurance must be obtained within 4 months of arrival

The orientation year does not directly lead to permanent residency but serves as a stepping stone. Holders who find employment can transition to a highly skilled migrant permit with reduced salary thresholds (EUR 3,122/month gross in 2026, valid for up to 3 years after graduation). Other pathways include the self-employed residence permit or the startup residence permit. After 5 years of continuous lawful residence under subsequent permits, holders may apply for permanent residency.