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Search-year (zoekjaar; orientation year) permits are popular among recent graduates of Dutch universities, institutions, and programmes. The ‘zoekjaar’ allows recent graduates to seek employment for one year in the Netherlands, without normal labour restrictions applicable to Highly Skilled Migrants or other work permits. Previously, eligibility for such a scheme, including the time period of eligibility (within 3 years of graduating) was ambiguous. However, now there is a tool which simplifies this.
All you have to do is enter the individual’s details, including their graduation year, university, and study programme, and you will be notified about whether they are eligible for such a visa. See the Welcome to NL platform for more information: The orientation year permit - Welcome to NL (welcome-to-nl.nl). This presents further opportunities for incorporating recent graduates from outside of the European Union (EU) into the workplace and aims to further streamline the process of obtaining a zoekjaar permit.
We can help with obtaining the zoekjaar permit, or it can be applied for via the individual’s DigID.
Individuals who previously held a search-year permit or were eligible for one (meaning that they graduated from a Dutch institution in the previous 3 years), can also qualify for a highly skilled migrant permit, with a reduced salary criteria. For those under 30, they have to make approximately €2.631 monthly, compared to the ‘normal’ criteria of €3.672. The IND puts the responsibility on the employer to verify the individual’s eligibility, and expects records reflecting this, despite not requiring document submission as proof. A diploma and/or CV indicating their period of studies is sufficient.
Previously, this separate salary criteria caused confusion with the IND as the internal regulations on it were ambiguous, however, the lower amount remains applicable even when the migrant turns 30 years of age, which is the point where the salary range increases for standard highly skilled migrants. This lowered amount is applicable even after the immediate 3 years following their graduation. See the IND website for more details: Required amounts income requirements | IND.
These changes open up opportunities for recent graduates from outside the EU to enter the Dutch labour market. Additionally, lowering the salary guidelines benefits both graduates and employers, perhaps further incentivising employers to hire recent graduates and expatriates. For Grant Thornton, it also means we must verify the recent graduate’s eligibility status by receiving their CV or diploma from their graduation before submitting their application to the IND.
Do you need more information, or would you like our help to find out your eligibility for the 'zoekjaar’ permit?