Netherlands orientation year visa after study or research
The orientation year gives eligible graduates, doctoral candidates and researchers one year to seek work or build a business. Eligibility depends on what you completed, where, when and whether you already used an orientation year for the same programme or research.
Who can qualify?
Qualifying routes include recent completion of an accredited Dutch bachelor’s or master’s programme, a qualifying Dutch post-master’s programme, a Dutch doctoral programme, qualifying scientific research, an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master, or certain master’s, doctoral or post-master’s programmes at a designated foreign institution. The relevant completion or research normally must fall within the three years before application.
Foreign university route
A designated foreign institution must meet the IND ranking test at the date of graduation or promotion: top 200 in a relevant general or subject ranking from at least two of the three named publishers. The diploma must be evaluated by Nuffic, except for qualifying accredited programmes in Flanders. An accepted English or Dutch language condition also applies.
Work rights
The residence document states that work is freely permitted and no TWV is required. You can work for an employer, take an internship, or work as an independent entrepreneur or freelancer. During a qualifying pending application, work may be possible only after obtaining the correct residence-endorsement sticker.
Application steps
- Identify the exact qualifying study, doctorate or research event and completion date.
- Check that no earlier orientation year was issued for the same programme or research.
- For a foreign qualification, collect ranking evidence, language evidence and Nuffic evaluation.
- Legalise and translate official foreign documents where required.
- Apply online if the IND online conditions are met, or use the written form or applicable embassy process.
- Follow the IND instructions for biometrics, any MVV, TB test and residence-card collection.
What happens after the year?
The permit cannot be extended. Before it expires, change to an eligible residence purpose such as highly skilled migrant, EU Blue Card, start-up or self-employed residence. The HSM reduced salary criterion can remain relevant when an eligible application is made within the official post-graduation or research window, even if the person did not hold an orientation-year permit. Confirm the current rule with the IND and employer.
Frequently asked questions
Can I extend the orientation year?
No. The IND states that the permit is valid for one year and cannot be extended. A new orientation year may be possible after a different qualifying programme, doctorate or research project completed later.
Can I work without a TWV?
Yes. The orientation-year residence document permits free work, internships and self-employed activity without a TWV.
Does every foreign university qualify?
No. The institution, ranking date, ranking publishers, programme level, subject relevance, language evidence and Nuffic evaluation must satisfy the IND rules.
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IND: Orientation year permitIND: Orientation year FAQIND: Highly skilled migrantNuffic/IDW: Credential evaluationInformational guidance only. Requirements depend on your facts and can change. Verify decisions with the responsible authority.