Orientation Year Visa
Have you just graduated, obtained a PhD or performed scientific research and wish to find a job or start your own company? The Orientation Year permit enables you to explore the endless possibilities to start your career in the Netherlands. Do you have a foreign diploma and want to work or study in Netherlands but not sure if you are eligible? The orientation year permit allows people that finished their bachelor* or master, obtained a PhD or performed scientific research at one of the top 200 educational institutions in the world (Dutch universities are among the top 200) to obtain this one year permit.
What do I need for an Orientation Year Visa?
1.Criteria for the graduate
The following main conditions apply when you apply to the Orientation Year Visa:
- You have finished a bachelor* or master, obtained a PhD or performed scientific research in the past three years.
- The Orientation Year Visa can be granted after each completed study program or doctoral program or after each performed scientific research.
2.Criteria for the institution
You finished your bachelor* or master, obtained a PhD or performed scientific research at one of the top 200 educational institutions in the world (Dutch universities are among the top 200).
These are the ranking lists:
– Times Higher Education World University Rankings
– QS World University Rankings
– Academic Ranking of World Universities
The educational institution must be listed in at least 2 of the available lists (general, faculty or subject field-specific) from separate publishers.
* Only bachelor degrees obtained at a Dutch university are eligible to the orientation year visa
3.Submit your application.
As a graduate, register your application at the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). The costs to process your application include a one-time fee.
Is the Orientation Year Visa right for you?
Use the tool below to see if the Orientation Year Visa applies to you!
Good to know about the Orientation Year Visa
The Orientation Year Visa offers many benefits. Not only does it allow you to apply for jobs or even start your own company without any restrictions for the period of 12 months, but it can also make the transition to the next work permit easier. One of the options for a next work permit could be the permit for the highly skilled migrant. The Orientation Year Visa also gives you the opportunity to learn the Dutch language while you’re working in the Netherlands. Acquiring some level of Dutch will make your life easier and will make you feel more at home, while gaining insight in the Dutch culture and customs. Are you set on being an entrepreneur and ready to build on your own innovative business? Be sure to first look into the Startup Visa which offers excellent opportunities for startups. More information about the Startup Visa can be found here.