Impact of COVID-19: Staying in the Netherlands after graduation
The whole world has been affected by Covid-19 and therefore graduating this year can bring a lot of uncertainty about the next step. To help recent graduates, Holland Alumni Network put together information about the available options and special considerations regarding those options related to the Corona crisis. Click here to read it.
If you have a non-EU nationality, you have graduated and wish to find a job in the Netherlands, then you can apply for the ‘orientation year highly educated persons’ residence permit.
What is the ‘Orientation year highly educated persons’ residence permit?
This residence permit allows recent non-EU graduates to stay in the Netherlands for a period of up to twelve months. During this one-year period, you can work in any type of job without any restrictions and your employer does not need to apply for a work permit for you.
After the orientation year is finished your employer may hire you as a highly skilled migrant, but with a reduced salary level compared to a regular highly skilled migrant which makes you more competitive in the job market. Another advantage of the ‘Orientation year highly educated persons’ residence permit is that you can apply for the one-year permit within three years of completion of each degree obtained.
Conditions that you need to meet to apply for the ‘Orientation year highly educated persons’ residence permit
- You have a valid passport or another travel document.
- You need to sign an antecedents certificate.
- You will undergo a Tuberculosis test if applicable.
- You completed an accredited bachelor's or master's programme in the Netherlands.
The full list of conditions can be viewed on the Dutch Immigration Office (IND) website.
Cost of the application
To apply for the ‘Orientation year highly educated persons’ residence permit you will need to pay €207.
Application procedure
You will need to apply for the ‘Orientation year highly educated persons’ residence permit directly at the IND. You will need to apply for this residence permit by yourself. You cannot apply for it through the Centre of International Affairs.
The procedure
You can submit the application online when you live in the Netherlands, are registered with the municipality and have a BSN. For the online application you need:
- DigiD with sms code or the DigiD app
- iDEAL (internet banking) to pay for your application
A video taking you through the online application steps, can be found here.
If you are abroad and you need to apply for a provisional residence permit (mvv), then you will need to submit the application in writing. You can get an application form from the Dutch embassy or consulate.
Checklist documents and application form
The application form (when applying from the Netherlands) and list of documents that you need for your application of the ‘Orientation year highly educated persons’ residence permit can be found on the IND’s website.
Frequently asked questions regarding the ‘Orientation year highly educated persons’ residence permit
The IND has set up a list of frequently asked questions which should answer any further questions you may have regarding the ‘Orientation year highly educated persons’ residence permit. You can view the list here.
Webinar about working in Holland with a special permit for alumni of higher education.