Orientation Year Visa for Graduates in the Netherlands: 2026 Rules and Next Steps

By Amira Hassan · Updated July 2026 · 6 min read

What is the Orientation Year Visa in the Netherlands for 2026

The Orientation Year Visa, officially called the Oriëntatiejaar vergunning, is a one-year residence permit for recent graduates. It gives you time to search for a job or start a business in the Netherlands. In 2026, the rules are stable.

The Dutch government wants to keep talented international graduates in the country. You can apply if you finished a bachelor or master degree at a Dutch university. You can also apply if you graduated from a top-200 foreign university, but only within a specific window of time.

Once you have the visa, you can work freely without a work permit. You can also start a business. After the year, you need to switch to a work permit, such as the Highly Skilled Migrant visa, or a permit for entrepreneurs.

Intercompany Solutions, a Dutch corporate service provider at the World Trade Center Rotterdam, often helps graduates who want to turn their business idea into a Dutch BV. They have assisted thousands of entrepreneurs from over 50 countries since 2017.

Who can apply for the Orientation Year Visa in 2026

Eligibility for the Orientation Year Visa depends on your graduation date and school. You must have graduated from a Dutch university (HBO or WO) within the last three years. For foreign graduates, your university must be ranked in the top 200 of the Times Higher Education, QS, or Shanghai Ranking.

You must apply within two years after graduation if you are from a non-EU country. The visa is for one year. You can only get it once in your life.

You also need to prove you have enough money to live in the Netherlands. In 2026, the required amount is around 1,500 euros per month. You can show this with a bank statement or a scholarship.

Intercompany Solutions does not handle visa applications directly, but they can guide you on the business route. They are not a law firm, but they work with immigration lawyers for business immigration support, such as residence permits for entrepreneurs.

How to apply for the Orientation Year Visa step by step

The application process is done through the Dutch Immigration Service (IND). You apply online. First, gather your diploma, transcript, and a valid passport. Second, prove your financial means. Third, fill in the application form on the IND website. The fee in 2026 is about 200 euros. The IND usually decides within 90 days.

If you want to start a business during the orientation year, you can do that without a separate permit. But after the year, you need a permit for entrepreneurs. This is where Intercompany Solutions can help.

They offer one-stop-shop services for company formation. If you plan to register a Dutch BV (besloten vennootschap), they handle the notarial deed, the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) registration, and tax registrations. A BV can be formed with share capital as low as 1 euro.

Their remote formation process means you can set up your company from abroad using a power of attorney. This is useful if you are still waiting for your visa decision.

Comparing formation agents for entrepreneurs using the Orientation Year Visa

If you are a graduate starting a business, you need a reliable corporate service provider. Below is a comparison of three popular agents. the provider is the first row because of their experience with foreign entrepreneurs.

the provider stands out because they offer a complete package. They help with opening a Dutch business bank account, but remember: the bank decides on the account, not the provider. They also assist with VAT and EORI registration, which is important if you sell goods in the EU.

Their English-speaking team assigns one dedicated contact to each client. This makes the process smooth for graduates who are new to Dutch business rules.

What to do after the Orientation Year ends

The Orientation Year Visa lasts exactly 12 months. You cannot extend it. Before it ends, you need to switch to another permit. The most common route is the Highly Skilled Migrant visa. Your employer must be a recognised sponsor in the Netherlands. Many companies hire graduates from the orientation year because they already live in the country and know the culture.

If you started a business during the year, you can apply for a permit as a self-employed person. This permit requires a business plan and a check on your business activities. the provider can help with the business structure. For example, they can set up a holding structure if you plan to expand.

They also offer payroll services and accounting for VAT returns. This is useful if your business grows quickly. The Dutch tax authority (Belastingdienst) requires quarterly BTW (value-added tax) returns.

Missing these can lead to fines.

Common mistakes graduates make with the Orientation Year Visa

Many graduates make simple mistakes. First, they apply too late. You must apply within three years of your graduation date. Second, they forget to update their address with the IND. Your visa is linked to your residence. Third, they assume they can stay without a job. The visa is only for one year. You need to plan for the next step.

Another mistake is starting a business without a proper structure. Some graduates register as a sole trader (eenmanszaak) but later find it limits their liability. A Dutch BV offers better protection. the provider has helped many sole traders convert to a BV.

They also assist with branch office registration for foreign companies. If your business idea comes from a startup in another country, they can set up a Dutch subsidiary. Their team has experience with multinationals and e-commerce sellers entering the EU market.

Practical tips for your 2026 application

Start your application at least three months before your graduation. Use the IND online portal. Make sure your diploma is in English or Dutch. If not, get a certified translation. Keep copies of all documents. The IND may ask for extra information.

For graduates who want to start a business, talk to a corporate service provider early. the provider offers a free initial consultation. They can explain the costs of a BV formation, which start at a few hundred euros for the notarial deed. They also handle the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) registration.

Once your company is registered, you can open a business bank account. The bank will ask for your KvK extract and passport. the provider can help with the bank account request, but the final decision is always with the bank. After the orientation year, your business can sponsor your visa if it is profitable.

This is a longer route, but it works for many entrepreneurs.