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Looking for a job after study, promotion or research

You have graduated or obtained a PhD or performed scientific research and wish to find a job or start your own company . You live abroad or are still in the Netherlands. You need a residence permit 'orientation year highly educated persons'. What are the conditions and how do you apply?

Do you wish to work as a start-up entrepreneur after your studies? Then you may also be eligible for a residence permit as 'start-up'.

​Other conditions apply to persons with the nationality of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland and their family members.

Conditions

There are certain conditions that apply to everyone. In addition, you must meet the following conditions:

  • You have not previously had a residence permit to look for work after study, doctoral programme or scientific research on the basis of completing the same study or doctoral programme or performing the same scientific research. Have you completed various study programmes or doctoral programmes, or have you performed various scientific researches? The orientation year can be granted after each completed study programme or doctoral programme or after each performed scientific research. However, this study programme, doctoral programme or scientific research must have been completed or performed after your previous orientation year.
  • In the past 3 years you have:
    • completed an accredited bachelor's or master's programme at a Dutch institution for higher education; or
    • completed a post-master's programme of at least an academic year (a minimum of 10 months) in the Netherlands; or
    • completed a study in the Netherlands in the context of the Cultural Policy Act; or
    • completed a study in the Netherlands that is provided in relation to the development cooperation policy of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs; or

    • obtained a master's degree in the context of an Erasmus Mundus Masters Course; or

    • completed a higher education programme designated by Ministerial Decree; or
    • done scientific research at any time. For this, you have had a residence permit in the Netherlands for the purpose of scientific research within the meaning of EU Directive 2005/71/EC, research within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/801, or as a highly skilled migrant to undertake scientific research; or
    • completed a master's or post-master's programme or obtained a PhD at a designated international educational institution abroad and you:
      • have achieved a minimum score of 6.0 for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). There are two versions of the IELTS: Academic and General Training. Both of these qualify to meet this requirement; or
      • have achieved a comparable minimum score in another accepted English language test (TOEFL, TOEIC en Cambridge English grades & scale) set out in the Code of  Conduct for international students in Dutch higher education; or
      • posses a diploma, certificate or document as meant in Article 2.1 of the Regulation on civic integration 2021 (only in Dutch); or
      • have completed a master's, post-master's or doctoral programme in the English or Dutch language.

Designated international educational institution

These are foreign educational institutions which have been listed in the top 200 of at least 2 different publishers of general ranking lists or available ranking lists by faculty or subject field. Your educational institution is listed in the top 200 on the date of your graduation or or obtaining the PhD. It concerns the ranking lists of the following publishers: 

Ranking lists published by the same publisher count as one. All foreign diplomas have to be evaluated by Nuffic before they can be accepted. This does not apply to diplomas from accredited higher education programmes in Flanders, Belgium. Check out the ‘FAQ Orientation year’ for more information.

Other conditions may apply for Turkish nationals and their family members.

Costs

This application costs € 207. 

Apply online

Online applicationLogo DigiD
You can submit this application online when:

  • You live in the Netherlands.
  • You have recently graduated, completed a PhD or carried out scientific research in the Netherlands.
  • You have a valid residence permit for that purpose. Please note, if you have a residence permit for a different purpose, such as 'stay with a partner', you can only submit the application in writing.
  • You are registered in the BRP and have a BSN.

Are you abroad and do you need to apply for a provisional residence permit (mvv)? Please submit the application in writing. You can download and print the application form on this page under 'application forms'. You bring the filled out form to your appointment to apply at the Dutch embassy.

For the online application you need:

Do you not have DigiD yet? Apply for DigiD on www.digid.nl/en/. Do have DigiD, but not have identity check with sms yet? Activate this through MijnDigiD.

Help with logging in with DigiD + sms and DigiD app

  • Information on DigiD + sms: go to explanation on DigiD for more information in different language (Dutch, English, French and Arabic).
  • Information on DigiD app: go to explanation DigiD app for more information (Dutch and English).

You can start the online application by clicking the button Apply online. 

Checklist documents

The application form lists the documents you have to submit along with your application.

You have to have official foreign documents legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French or German. Your diploma does not have to be legalised.


Steps in the application procedure

1. Submit application and payment

To travel to the Netherlands, you need a provisional residence permit (mvv). The mvv is a sticker that the Dutch representation places in the passport. In some cases, you do not need an mvv.

Do you not need an mvv? Please click the tab Without mvv.

You apply for the mvv and the residence permit at the same time. You submit the application in person to the Dutch representation in your own country or the country of continuous residence. This is possible by appointment only. During the appointment, your biometrics will be taken. From the Dutch representation, you will receive a confirmation letter with your alien registration number (V-number).

After the appointment, you yourself send your application to the IND in the Netherlands and pay the fees. You most do both within 3 weeks from the date of application at the Dutch representation. In the application form, it says what documents to send along with your application. In the form, you will also find how to pay the fees for the application.

In order to schedule an appointment to submit your application, please contact the Dutch representation.

2. Receipt and check application

The day you submit your application at the Dutch embassy is de start date of your application. The IND should take a decision within the statutory decision period.

The embassy sends your application to the IND. The IND will then check to see if your application is complete and if the fee has been paid. Are documents missing, are documents not correct, or has the fee not been received? In that case, the IND will send you an e-mail: a request to rectify the omission. This email lists the documents that still need to be sent, or will give you information on how you can pay the fee. Send the requested documents before the mentioned date to the IND. 

My IND en Message Box (Berichtenbox)

Follow your application in My IND. Did you register with the Message Box (Berichtenbox) for mail from IND? And did you enter you e-mail address? Than you will receive an e-mail from the Berichtenbox when you have new mail from IND.

​

3. Decision

The IND checks if you meet all the conditions. The IND has to make a decision within a period of 90 days.

  • Negative decision

    • If you do not meet the conditions, you will not get an mvv and a residence permit. This decision is given in the formal decision. You can apply for a review of this decision.

  • Positive decision

    • If you meet all the conditions, you will get an mvv and a residence permit. You will be notified by the IND about the decision. The IND also informs the Dutch representation.​

4. Collect mvv

​You collect the mvv from the Dutch representation where you have submitted the application form.

You have 3 months to collect the mvv. Please make an appointment for this with the representation. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months on the day you get the mvv.

5. Travel to the Netherlands

​Once you have collected your mvv, you can travel to the Netherlands. The mvv is valid for 90 days. The validity is shown on the mvv sticker. The mvv sticker shows 2 dates:

  • Effective date: as of this date the mvv is valid.
  • End date: as of this date the mvv is no longer valid.
The mvv allows you to travel within the Schengen Area.

Steps in the application procedure

1. Submit application and payment

​Online

You can apply online. You have to have a [DigiD with sms-code] to do this. You pay the costs of the application directly. You do this with iDEAL. You can start the online application by clicking the Apply online button in the block Application forms and costs.

By mail

You cannot or do not want to apply online? You can submit your application by mail. You find the application form on this page in the block Application forms and costs. Click on the button Download. You send the application form with the necessary documents to the IND. When the IND has registered your application you will receive a letter to inform you how to pay the costs of the application. ​

2. Receipt and check application

After your application has been received, the IND sends a confirmation letter. The confirmation letter states the date the IND has received the application. It also states the period within which the IND makes a decision.

The IND will then check to see if your application is complete and if the fees have been paid. Are documents missing, or are documents not correct? In that case, the IND will send a letter: a request to rectify the omission. This letter lists the documents that still need to be sent. Send the requested documents before the mentioned date to the IND.

My IND en Message Box (Berichtenbox)

Follow your application in My IND. Did you register with the Message Box (Berichtenbox) for mail from IND? And did you enter you e-mail address? Than you will receive an e-mail from the Berichtenbox when you have new mail from IND.

3. Decision

​The IND checks whether you meet all the conditions. The IND has to make a decision within a period of 90 days.

  • Negative decision
    If you do not meet the conditions, you will not get a residence permit. This decision is given in the form of a letter: the formal decision. The IND will send the decision by post. You can apply for a review of this decision.

  • Positive decision
    If you meet all the conditions, you will get a residence permit.

Application forms

Application for admission and residence for an orientation year as a highly educated migrant seeking employment9571

In order to schedule an appointment to submit your application, contact the Dutch representation.

Checklist documents

The application form lists the documents that you have to enclose with the application. It may be required for you to submit appendixes that are not included in the application form. Please, print these appendixes yourself and send them along with your application.

You have to have official foreign documents legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French or German.

How to send documents to the IND:

  • You only send copies of your documents, single-sided and on A4 paper.
  • The copies must be complete and legible.
  • Write down your V-number or client number on each copy. If you do not know these numbers, then please write your name and date of birth on each copy.
  • Do not send USB sticks, CDs or DVDs.
  • You keep the original documents yourself. You have to show these documents to the Dutch representation abroad.

Download  

Application forms

Application for the purpose of residence ‘looking for work and carrying out work whether or not as an employee’ (foreign national)7523

Use this form if you are going to apply in the Netherlands.
Will you apply abroad to the Dutch representation? You can get an application form from the embassy or consulate.

Checklist documents

The application form lists the documents that you have to enclose with the application. 

You have to have official foreign documents legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French or German.

How to send documents to the IND:

  • You only send copies of your documents, single-sided and on A4 paper.
  • The copies must be complete and legible (clear enough to be read).
  • Write down your V-number or client number on each copy. If you do not know these numbers, then please write your name and date of birth on each copy.
  • Do not send USB sticks, CDs or DVDs.
  • You keep the original documents yourself. You have to show these documents to the Dutch representation abroad.

Costs application

This application costs € 207.

Sometimes other costs apply.

Apply online  Download  

After the application

Collect your residence permit

The IND aims to have your residence permit ready within 2 weeks following your arrival in the Netherlands. The IND will send you a letter indicating when you can collect your residence permit. For this, you have to make an appointment online at the IND desk stated in the letter. Keep in mind that it is not always possible to visit an IND desk at short notice. Therefore, please schedule an appointment in time.

Check to see if the information on your residence permit is correct while you are still at the IND desk. If something is incorrect, please inform the IND staff member at once.

Registration with the municipality

Upon arrival in the Netherlands, you must register in the Municipal Personal Records Database (BRP)  in the municipality you are going to live.

To register with the municipality you need a legalised and translated  birth certificate. Take this therefore with you when you travel to the Netherlands.

Please contact your municipality in advance to check which (legalised and translated) documents/ certificates you need to take with you.

TB test

You have indicated your intent to undergo a tuberculosis test (TB test) when you applied. You have to make an appointment for this with the Area Health Authority (GGD). You do this within 3 months after having received your residence permit. Please take the 'TB test referral form' with you to the appointment.

In some cases you are exempt from taking a TB test.

Take out health insurance

​Anyone living in the Netherlands must take out health insurance. You do this within 4 months following your arrival in the Netherlands.

You are not obliged to take out Dutch public health care insurance if you have not found a job yet, or your internship allowance is less than the Dutch minimum wage. Your foreign health care insurance will be sufficient in those cases.

You can find more information on the website of the Zorgverzekeringslijn.

Validity residence permit

The residence permit for the orientation year for highly educated persons is valid for a maximum of 1 year. ​

To students completing several programmes of study, the orientation year can be granted after each programme of study or scientific research. You can therefore apply for another orientation year at a later date if this is done on the basis of another completed programme of study or scientific research. This programme of study or scientific research must have been completed after your previous orientation year.

Right to work

​The back of your residence permit shows if you are allowed to work. You are free to work (incl. work on a self-employed basis, with or without personnel). Your residence permit states 'arbeid vrij toegestaan, TWV niet vereist' (work freely permitted, no work permit required).

In the following cases, you can also work freely in the Netherlands during the application procedure:


  • You have enclosed a certified copy of a diploma, university certificate or a 'Statement on completion of study' with your application;

  • You have enclosed a certified copy of a foreign diploma or university certificate to your application and the diploma or certificate has been valued by Nuffic; or

  • You have carried out scientific research over the last 3 years.


To be able to work while awaiting the decision, you do need a residence endorsement sticker in your passport with the labour market note 'arbeid vrij toegestaan, tewerkstellingsvergunning (TWV) niet vereist' (work freely permitted, no work permit required). Make an appointment online at an IND Desk. 

Further applications/ return visa

Replace residence permit

Is your residence permit damaged, lost or stolen? In that case, have the residence permit replaced.

Extend residence permit

You cannot extend the residence permit 'orientation year for highly educated persons'. 

Change residence permit

Have you found work? You can change your residence permit to a residence permit to work. You can, for example, apply for a residence permit as highly skilled migrant, start-up or work on a self-employed basis.

Changing to a residence permit as a highly skilled migrant means a lower income requirement applies to you. This lower amount also applies if you switch to highly skilled migrant directly within 3 years after having graduated in the Netherlands.

Return visa

If you are awaiting a procedure, you do not have a valid residence document at present and you wish to travel outside the Netherlands, you may need a return visa to re-enter the Netherlands. This could be the case if your current residence permit is no longer valid or your current residence permit will expire during your stay outside of the Netherlands. To apply for a return visa you must meet certain conditions. ​

Provisional residence permit (mvv)

​The provisional residence permit (mvv) is a visa you need if you wish to stay in the Netherlands for more than 90 days. For more information, check Regular provisional residence permit (mvv).

DigiD with SMS code

Nowadays you can arrange many things yourself on government websites. With DigiD you log in to your personal account on government websites. Your DigiD consists of a username and password that you both choose yourself. Don't have a DigiD yet? Request this on www.digid.nl.

​To apply for a residence permit online you need to have a DigiD with SMS code. After logging in with your DigiD you will receive an SMS with a code. You will have to fill out this code as well to get access to the online application forms.

Do you have a DigiD but no SMS code verification? Please go to Mijn DigiD and log in. Choose 'Extra sms-controle aanvragen' and enter your mobile phone number. Within 5 days you receive a letter with an activation code. Activate the sms control functionality on the website of DigiD with this activation code.

Dutch representation

​This is the Dutch embassy or consulate.

formal decision

​A formal letter with the decision on your application.

TWV

​A TWV is a work permit. The employer applies for a TWV with UWV (Netherlands Employees Insurance Agency). UWV examines among other things if there is no employee with the Dutch, EU/EEA or Swiss nationality that is qualified for the job.