If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen with a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. degree or have done scientific research and want to start your job in the Netherlands, the Residence Permit for Orientation Year, also called the Netherlands Job Seeker Visa, is your key to opportunity. This visa gives you the freedom to look for work in the Netherlands or even start your own business.
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Eligibility Requirements for Netherlands Job Seeker Visa
For the Netherlands Job Seeker Visa, you must meet at least one of the following requirements:
- You have never had a residence pass in the Netherlands that allowed you to look for work after finishing the same study, doctoral program, or scientific research.
- You got your bachelor’s or master’s degree from a recognized school in the Netherlands in the last three years.
- You got a master’s, post-masters, or Ph.D. from a foreign school that is on the list within the last three years.
- You had a residence permit in the Netherlands in the past three years for scientific research or as a knowledge worker for scientific research.
- You took an Erasmus Mundus Masters Course and got your master’s degree in the last three years.
- You did a study about the Cultural Policy Act or the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs policy on development cooperation in the last three years.
- You finished a ministerial-ordered higher education program within the last three years.
Benefits of Netherlands Job Seeker Visa
- High Demand for Experienced Workers: The Netherlands’ economy is robust, and there is a significant need for experienced workers in a variety of sectors, such as finance, healthcare, engineering, and information technology. Numerous opportunities may be available to job candidates who possess pertinent qualifications and skills.
- English Proficiency: The Netherlands is a country in which English is extensively spoken and understood, particularly in the professional setting. This can facilitate the communication and employment of English-speaking job applicants in the country.
- Open and Inclusive Culture: The Netherlands is renowned for its inclusive and open culture. Efforts are made to integrate foreign laborers into society, and they are warmly welcomed. This facilitates the adjustment of expatriates to the Dutch lifestyle.
- Life Quality: The Netherlands consistently maintains a high level of quality of life. It provides a high standard of living, public transportation, education, and exceptional healthcare. Additionally, the nation is recognized for its cities that are bicycle-friendly and its emphasis on work-life balance.
- Job Market Diversification: The Dutch job market is characterized by a wide range of opportunities in a variety of industries and sectors. There are probable opportunities available, regardless of your interest in technology, healthcare, finance, or creative industries.
- Work Permit for Highly Skilled Migrants: The “Highly Skilled Migrant Program” is a unique work permit scheme that the Dutch government provides to highly skilled migrants to attract talent from around the globe. This program provides eligible candidates with simplified procedures for obtaining a work permit.
- EU Blue Card: The EU Blue Card scheme facilitates simpler entry into the Dutch labor market for non-EU/EEA citizens who possess a higher education degree. The Blue Card is a residence and work permit that allows highly skilled non-EU workers to reside and operate in the Netherlands.
- Opportunities for Career Development: The Netherlands is home to numerous innovative firms and multinational corporations, which provide opportunities for professional growth and career advancement. Additionally, the nation promotes entrepreneurship by offering a variety of assistance programs for self-employed individuals and enterprises.
- Social Benefits and Protections: In the Netherlands, employees are liable to a variety of social benefits and protections, such as healthcare, unemployment benefits, and pension contributions. These advantages offer financial stability and assistance.
- Networking Opportunities: The Netherlands is home to a vibrant expatriate community and a plethora of networking events, professional associations, and meetings. These opportunities offer the chance to establish connections with other professionals, potential employers, and mentors.
Duration
Your introduction year in the Netherlands will last 12 months, giving you plenty of time to look into career options, start your own business, or look for work.
Required Documents
- Make a copy of your passport, including the pages with your name and stamps, but not the blank pages.
- “Antecedents Certificate” appendix filled out and signed.
- “Declaration of Intent to Take a TB Test” attachment filled out and signed (if needed).
- Documents that show you are eligible for the orientation year, such as course information and scores from courses you have taken in the last three years.
Cost of Living in the Netherlands
Grocery Costs
| Grocery Item | Netherlands Price Range | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Apples (1KG) | €1.41 – €3.27 | 47% less than US prices |
| Cheese (1KG) | €6.1 – €14.38 | 12% less than US prices |
| Bread (500g) | €0.93 – €2.18 | 38% less than US prices |
| Bananas (1KG) | €1.09 – €2.18 | 1% less than US prices |
| Pack of Marlboro | €6.53 – €7.62 | Prices are comparable to the US |
Restaurant Costs:
| Restaurant Item | Netherlands Price Range | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Beer Imported (0.33L) | €2.94 – €4.9 | 29% less than US prices |
| Beer Local (0.5L) | €3.27 – €5.45 | 9% more than US prices |
| Cappuccino | €2.18 – €3.27 | 32% less than US prices |
| Meal for 2 (mid-rest.) | €43.57 – €76.24 | 14% more than US prices |
Transportation Costs:
| Transportation Item | Netherlands Price Range | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| One-way Ticket (Public) | €2.18 – €3.81 | 40% more than US prices |
| Gasoline (1LTR) | €1.52 – €1.8 | 157% more than US prices |
| Taxi (1KM) | €2.12 – €2.72 | 29% more than US prices |
Rent Costs:
| Rent Item | Netherlands Price Range | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom City Centre | €653.49 – €1524.81 | 18% less than US prices |
| 1 Bedroom Outside City | €490.12 – €1089.15 | 23% less than US prices |
Leisure and Shopping Costs:
| Leisure/Shopping Item | Netherlands Price Range | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Summer Dress (Zara, H&M) | €27.23 – €54.46 | 16% more than US prices |
| Cinema Ticket (one) | €9.8 – €13.61 | 4% more than US prices |
Application Process for Netherlands Job Seeker Visa
- Submit Your Application: Send in your application and the necessary fee to start your journey. Please remember that you’ll need a temporary residence pass (MVV) to enter the Netherlands. The Dutch official will put an MVV sticker on your passport.
- Payment Instructions: After you send in your application, you’ll get directions on how to pay the required fees.
- Decision in 90 Days: The Dutch authorities typically process applications within 90 days.
- Collect Your MVV: You’ll get your MVV once your application is accepted. This will let you into the Netherlands.
- Upon Arrival: After your successful application, your journey doesn’t end there. You should:
- Collect your residence permit.
- Register with the municipality.
- Complete a TB test.
- Secure health insurance.
Conclusion
The Netherlands Job Seeker Visa is a great way for people who are not from the EU or EEA to look into job opportunities in the Netherlands. It’s a simple way to build a successful job in Europe because it’s easy to process.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What Are The Required Documents
Make a copy of your passport, including the pages with your name and stamps, but not the blank pages.
“Antecedents Certificate” appendix filled out and signed.
“Declaration of Intent to Take a TB Test” attachment filled out and signed (if needed).
Documents that show you are eligible for the orientation year, such as course information and scores from courses you have taken in the last three years.Is the Netherlands looking for foreign workers?
Companies in the Netherlands Hiring foreign workers go through a lot to make sure that the positions to be filled are vetted by the Dutch employment agency. These positions are open to all applicants around the world and can be applied for through each company’s online portal.
Can I get a work visa in the Netherlands in the Netherlands without a job offer?
You must have an employment contract with an employer in the Netherlands. You need a single permit (combined permit for residence en work) for paid work or work experience (except for work experience within the framework of an EU action program). Send the application form and the required evidence to the IND.
