Understanding the Orientation Year Permit
The orientation year residence permit was introduced by the Dutch government to offer highly educated expatriate graduates the opportunity to seek employment or establish their own businesses after their academic endeavors in the Netherlands. Prior to 2016, there were two distinct policies: “the orientation year for highly educated persons” and “the orientation year for graduates.”
Changes to the Orientation Year Policy
As of March 1, 2016, these two policies were amalgamated into a unified scheme known as “the orientation year for highly educated persons,” referred to in Dutch as an “oriëntatiejaar” or “zoekjaar” (search year). This policy overhaul aimed to encompass a wider spectrum of highly educated individuals, now applicable to foreign students who have either graduated within the Netherlands or from prestigious universities abroad.
Furthermore, the revamped scheme extends the window for submitting applications from one year to three years following the completion of studies or obtaining a PhD. This extension provides graduates with ample time to return to their home countries before considering a return to the Netherlands.
How the Orientation Year Permit Works
Requirements for the Orientation Year Residence Permit in the Netherlands
General Conditions for the Orientation Year Permit
To initiate the application process for the orientation year residence permit, individuals must meet the following general conditions:
• Eligibility within one of the designated categories of eligible applicants (outlined below).
• Application submission within three years following the completion of studies.
• Possession of a valid passport.
• Absence of any threat to public order or national security.
• Provision of accurate information without withholding any essential details.
• Willingness to undergo a tuberculosis test upon arrival in the Netherlands, although certain nationalities may be exempt from this requirement.
It’s important to note that citizens of EU/EEA countries and Swiss nationals are exempt from the requirement of obtaining an orientation year residence permit, as they are entitled to live and work in the Netherlands under the provisions of EU law.
Orientation Year Permit - Specific Requirements
To qualify for the orientation year residence permit, individuals must demonstrate their status as highly educated persons by meeting one of the following specific requirements:
1. Completion of an accredited Bachelor’s or Master’s program in the Netherlands.
2. Completion of a PhD or post-doctoral program in the Netherlands.
3. Previous possession of a Dutch residence permit for scientific research or a residence permit for highly skilled migrant work focused on scientific research in the Netherlands.
4. Completion of a Master’s program based on an Erasmus Mundus Masters Course.
5. Completion of a study relevant to the Dutch Cultural Policy Act.
6. Completion of a study offered through the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ development program.
7. Completion of a higher education program recognized by ministerial order.
8. Completion of a Master’s or post-doctoral program or attainment of a PhD at a designated international educational institution abroad, while fulfilling specific language proficiency requirements.
Designated Educational Institutions
International educational institutions are deemed designated if they rank within the top 200 of general, faculty, or subject ranking lists provided by:
• QS World University Rankings
• Academic Ranking of World Universities
• Times Higher Education World University Rankings
Language Requirements for Graduates from Abroad
Graduates from designated international educational institutions abroad must meet one of the following additional language proficiency requirements:
• Attainment of a score of 6.0 or higher on the IELTS (International English Language Testing System).
• Achievement of an equivalent minimum score or higher in an English language test complying with the Code of Conduct for international students in Dutch higher education.
• Possession of a diploma, certificate, or document recognized by the Dutch Civic Integration Decree (Article 2.3, (1)).
• Completion of a Master’s or post-doctoral program conducted in English or Dutch.