Netherlands PR Pathway

The Orientation Year Permit (Zoekjaar)

The Netherlands' Orientation Year Permit allows non-EEA graduates of Dutch universities to remain in the Netherlands for 12 months after graduation to seek employment.

Unlike Germany's job seeker visa — which restricts work to 20 hours per week — the Dutch Orientation Year Permit allows full-time work (40 hours) in any occupation, without the need for a work permit. This makes it the most flexible post-study work arrangement in Europe, opening a clear pathway to permanent residency and long-term career growth in global technology, finance, and logistics hubs like Amsterdam.