How does Orientation Year for Highly Educated Persons (Zoekjaar) work in the Netherlands, and who qualifies?

The Orientation Year for Highly Educated Persons gives recent graduates of Dutch institutions and designated top-ranked foreign universities, plus certain researchers, up to one year to look for skilled work or set up a business. To qualify you must have graduated, obtained a doctorate, or completed qualifying research within the eligible window from a qualifying institution, and apply within the application period after graduation or qualification. You will also need sufficient means of support and a valid passport.

During the orientation year you may work without a separate work permit (TWV), which gives real flexibility. A key advantage is that if you move on to a Highly Skilled Migrant permit during or just after the orientation year, a lower salary threshold applies, making the transition into the labour market easier.

The legal maximum for a decision is 90 days. Because eligibility windows and the qualifying-institution lists can change, confirm the current details on ind.nl. ACME can help you check your eligibility, time your application within the window, and plan the move from the orientation year onto a Highly Skilled Migrant permit.