Netherlands Job Seeker Visa 2023 (Residence Permit) – Complete Guide
Are you looking to start an exciting career in Europe?
Whether it’s a business or a job, the Netherlands government allows job seekers to apply for the Netherlands Job Seeker Visa 2023.
Also known as the “Residence permit for orientation year,” this visa lets you search and work in the Netherlands for one year. It’s open to applicants from all countries.
Many EU countries like Portugal, Sweden, Germany, and Austria offer a similar job seeker visa.
Read on to learn everything about the Netherlands Job Seeker Visa 2023 eligibility, application process, required documents, and more.
Key Takeaways:
- The Netherlands Job Seeker Visa allows you to live and work in the Netherlands for 1 year to find a job or start a business.
- You must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree to be eligible.
- Graduates from top 200 universities worldwide can also apply within 3 years of completing studies.
- Processing time is within 90 days and costs 210 EUR.
- Apply by booking an appointment at the Dutch embassy/consulate in your country.
The Netherlands government believes it’s important to give highly educated migrants enough time to find a suitable job or set up their own company after graduating.
That’s why they offer the Netherlands Residence permit for the orientation year, commonly known as the Netherlands Job Seeker Visa 2023.
This visa gives you 1 year to find employment or launch your own startup in the Netherlands after completing your studies.
Keep reading to learn all the details about eligibility criteria, application process, required documents, and other key details for the Netherlands Job Seeker Visa 2023.
Countries Eligible for the Visa
To be eligible, you must be a citizen of a country that’s not part of the European Union or European Economic Area. So those outside the EU/EEA can apply.
Duration of Stay
With the Netherlands Job Seeker Visa, you can stay in the country for 1 year. This gives you enough time to search for jobs, attend interviews, or start your own business in the Netherlands.
Visa Application Cost
The application fee for the Netherlands Job Seeker Visa is €210.
Key Requirements
Here are the basic requirements to be eligible for the Netherlands Job Seeker Visa 2023:
- Valid passport or other travel document
- Take a TB test after arriving in the Netherlands
- Must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited university
The full eligibility criteria is covered next.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Netherlands Job Seeker Visa, you must fulfill ONE of the following requirements:
1. Carried Out Research in the Netherlands
If you had a Dutch residence permit for research purposes in the past 3 years.
2. Completed an Erasmus Mundus Master’s
If you obtained a master’s degree in the past 3 years through an Erasmus Mundus Masters program.
3. Completed a Study Program in the Netherlands
If you completed any of these study programs in the Netherlands in the past 3 years:
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree from a Dutch higher education institution
- Post-master program in the Netherlands for at least 10 months
- Study program under the Dutch Cultural Policy Act
- Study program under the development cooperation policy of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs
4. Graduated from a Top Global University
You must have completed a master’s, doctoral, or post-master program from a designated top foreign educational institution in the past 3 years.
These are universities ranked in the top 200 globally by at least 2 ranking systems like QS, Times Higher Education, or Shanghai Rankings.
So graduates from leading global universities can also apply within 3 years of finishing their studies.
When to Apply
You must apply for the Netherlands Job Seeker Visa within 3 years of completing your bachelor’s, master’s, Ph.D., or other eligible study program.
Documents Required
On your visa appointment date, carry these documents to the Dutch embassy/consulate:
- Completed application form
- Passport photos
- Any additional documents mentioned in the application form
Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for the Netherlands Job Seeker Visa 2023:
Step 1: Read the requirements to get an MVV (type D visa), which allows you to travel to the Netherlands.
Step 2: Collect all the required documents listed in the application form.
Step 3: Book an appointment and apply at the Dutch embassy/consulate in your country. Apply for the MVV visa and residence permit together.
Step 4: Pay the visa application fee of 210 EUR.
Step 5: Wait up to 90 days for a decision on your Netherlands Job Seeker Visa application.
Step 6: If approved, you will receive your MVV visa to fly to the Netherlands and collect your residence permit.
That’s the entire step-by-step guide to applying for the Netherlands Job Seeker Visa 2023.
Processing Time
The standard processing time is within 90 days from your appointment date.
Conclusion
The Netherlands Job Seeker Visa presents an excellent opportunity for recent graduates and young professionals to live and work in the Netherlands for 1 year.
It allows you to gain international work experience or start your own venture in the Netherlands after completing your studies.
Make sure to check if you meet the eligibility criteria and required qualifications before applying. Give yourself enough time to gather all the necessary documents as well.
With some advance preparation, you can submit a complete visa application and boost your chances of approval.
We wish you the very best in your career and life goals in the Netherlands. Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions.
Editor’s note: Don’t forget to book your appointment well in advance at the Dutch embassy in your country. The Netherlands is a fantastic country to advance your career and the Netherlands Job Seeker Visa 2023 can help make it happen.
