Netherlands Orientation Year (Zoekjaar)
One-year permit to job-hunt or start a business after a Dutch degree or top-200 university degree.
Official Germany & Europe pageWho this route is for
Recent graduates of Dutch institutions, qualifying researchers, and graduates of top-200-ranked universities worldwide who want to look for work in the Netherlands.
Eligibility requirements
- A Dutch bachelor's/master's/PhD completed within the last 3 years, OR a master's/PhD from a university ranked in the top 200 (THE, QS or Shanghai)
- No salary threshold and no work-permit restriction during the year — may work any job, full-time
- Proof of identity and the qualifying diploma
- Valid Dutch health insurance after arrival
Requirements reviewed June 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.
Recent changes & caveats
Switching from the orientation year to the highly-skilled-migrant permit unlocks the reduced 2026 salary threshold of about EUR 3,122/month rather than the standard rate.
Other Germany & Europe routes
Germany Student Visa (Sec 16b)
TemporaryStudy at a German university, then stay on to find graduate work.
Germany Vocational Training Visa (Sec 16a)
TemporaryDo a recognised apprenticeship (Ausbildung) in Germany and stay to work.
Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte, Sec 20a)
TemporaryPoints-based job-search visa — come to Germany with no job offer.
EU Blue Card (Sec 18g)
TemporaryThe EU's flagship permit for university graduates with a German job offer.