Countries / Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands: use your orientation year well.
The orientation year lets you work freely while you look. To stay, you’ll usually need an employer that’s an IND-recognised sponsor.
The route after study
- The orientation year gives you a year to find work, and you can work without a separate permit while you look.
- To stay as a highly skilled migrant, your employer must be an IND-recognised sponsor and pay at least the salary minimum. A lower minimum can apply after the orientation year.
Your clock
- 1 year from the start date on your residence permit.
The question that trips people up
- During the orientation year you can usually say you have the right to work now. Be clear that you’ll need a highly skilled migrant permit later, which needs a recognised sponsor.
What Knock checks here
- Each Dutch job shows whether the employer is on the IND public register of recognised sponsors, with the register date.
Language reality
- English works well in tech and at international companies.
- Marketing, procurement, supply chain and many other roles often want Dutch.
Scams to avoid
- Never pay a recruiter or employer for a job or a permit.
- Check the employer is on the IND register yourself before you sign anything.
Official links
Rules as checked on 16 October 2026. Not legal or immigration advice.
Start with recognised sponsors.
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