Yes, Indians can apply for the Netherlands Orientation Permit also known as the
Orientation Year Visa. This visa is intended for international graduates and researchers
who are highly educated and allows them to stay in the Netherlands for a maximum of one
year after their studies or research. To some extent, this visa helps non-EU students to find
ways of a career, gain working experience or even do a startup in the Netherlands after
graduation.
It is one of the most attractive post-study work options in Europe for Indian students and
professionals who want to start their international careers in a vibrant and innovation-driven
economy like the Netherlands.
Netherlands Orientation Permit: Eligibility Criteria for Indians
The Orientation Year Visa is available to Indian citizens who meet certain conditions set by
the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).
● You have graduated with a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD degree in no more than three years.
● A higher education institution in the Netherlands or
● A foreign university listed in the top 200 in at least two of the most recognized global ranking lists – QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education or Shanghai Rankings.
● You have been involved in the Netherlands for the past three years doing research or studying for a Ph.D.
● You have taken part in one of the following:
– A post-Master’s course of at least 10 months duration.
– A study programme aligned with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ development cooperation policy.
– An Erasmus Mundus Master’s programme.
– A study linked to the Cultural Policy Act.
Advantages of the Netherlands Orientation Permit
The Netherlands Orientation Permit presents a plethora of advantages for Indian
graduates, such as –
● Flexibility to work – You are allowed to work for any company in the Netherlands
without obtaining a separate work permit.
● Establish your own company – The visa provides you with the opportunity to delve
into entrepreneurship.
● Changing to a work visa – Once you have a job, it will be easy to switch to a Highly
Skilled Migrant Visa with a salary requirement that is lower.
● Opportunities for networking – You get the chance to create professional networks
and discover connections in the Dutch industry.
● Access to the world market – Acquire global work experience in one of the
strongest economies in Europe.
Application Process
The Netherlands Orientation Year Visa application for Indians is an easy and direct process consisting of the following steps –
● First gather all the required documents – a passport that is valid, proof of graduation
or research completion, health insurance that is valid and financial support evidence
that is sufficient to cover your stay.
● Your visa application can be filed via the Dutch embassy or consulate in India (if you are applying from India), or directly to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) if you are already in the Netherlands on a valid student visa.
● The fee for the application of €243 has to be paid as per the regulations of the
Dutch authorities.
● Your application will then be placed in a queue. The processing period is normally up to 90 days.
● Your residence card for one year that cannot be extended will be issued to you once the application is cleared.
Important Conditions
Whereas the Orientation Year Visa is very flexible, there are a few important conditions –
● The visa is only valid for 12 months and is not subject to extension.
● During the visa period you are required to live mostly in the Netherlands.
● The visa does not allow you to claim any Dutch welfare benefits.
● You can only reapply if you go through another qualifying program or research after
your previous orientation year.
Conclusion
The Netherlands Orientation Permit is a great opportunity for Indian graduates who want
to stay and work in the Netherlands after their education. It connects the academic and
professional worlds and gives the talented ones the chance to either find a job or start a
business in a big and vibrant European market.
For Indian students who want to become global professionals, the Orientation Year Visa is
the most suitable way to begin their successful journey in the Netherlands.