What can I do after I finish my studies in the Netherlands?

After graduation the popular route is the orientation year permit (often called the zoekjaar), which lets recent graduates stay in the Netherlands to find a job or set up a business. During this year you have free access to the labour market without a separate work permit.

Alternatively, if you already have a job offer, you may move straight to a work-based residence permit such as highly skilled migrant, or to a start-up permit if you are launching a business. These switches must usually be applied for before your student permit expires.