Every year we are in the top 3 of the best law firms in the Netherlands in the field of client satisfaction.

Every year we are in the top 3 of the best law firms in the Netherlands in the field of client satisfaction.

Students and graduates from outside of the EU

Students who have graduated in the Netherlands have several possibilities for extending their stay.

Since 2016, all holders of the search year permit are allowed to work without a work permit during the search year, also the holder of the permit that have graduated abroad. The validity of student visas expires shortly following graduation. In order to extend ones residence and avoid a gap in the residence period the process needs to be embarked upon in a timely fashion.

Search year

Students, following their studies in the Netherlands qualify for an extension on their stay, under the basis of a ‘search’ year (zoekjaar). This is an excellent opportunity for students to remain in the Netherlands and acquaint themselves further with the country.

During this ‘search’ year it is possible for students to work, without an employer having to be in possession of a work permit. Such a residence permit is granted for a maximum of one year. The income threshold for this category to qualify for a highly skilled migrant residence permit is € 2,989 gross per month (exclusive 8% holiday allowance), which is gross per annum € 35,868 (excluding 8% holiday allowance) gross per year, regardless of age. The permit can be requested immediately after graduation, of within three years after graduation.

Also foreigners that have worked as a scientific researcher in The Netherlands are eligbible for the search year permit.

There are also other possibilities for extending a students’ residence, either through employment, as an entrepreneur, or due to family reunification.

Search year for graduates of higher education outside the Netherlands

Foreign students can also apply for a residence permit if they are graduates of higher education. This option is principally available to students who have completed a Masters level programme, finished a post-doc of Phd. In this case they have to have graduated from one of the Universities ranked in the top 200 list of the most recent rankings of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, the QS World University Rankings or the Shanghai Jiao Tong Ranking. The university needs to be in the top 200 list in the year of graduation. And the university must be listed on two of the three top 200 lists.

On this website of NL Netherlands 'the orientation year permit' you can check whether your education meets the conditions for a residence permit as a highly educated person (orientation search year residence permit).

During the validity period of the permit, holders of this permit can look for employment as a highly skilled migrant, or set up a business independently. In order to qualify for the highly skilled migrant residence permit, the gross monthly salary threshold is € 2,801 (exclusive 8% holiday allowance), which is gross annually € 33,612 (excluding 8% holiday allowance).

Such residence permits are granted for a maximum of one year and are not extendable. All holders of the search year permit are allowed to work without a work permit during the search year.

Foreigners can apply for such a residence permit up to three years after the date stated on their degree.

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Testimonials
Be in Good Company. Our clients appreciate our excellent and client-oriented service.
9.9
Victoria supported me throughout my HSM visa application process with exceptional professionalism and expertise. From our initial discussions to the completion of all documentation, she guided me with clarity and kept me consistently updated on...
10
J.Kaur
8 July 2025
I would like to sincerely thank Kroes Advocaten, Pam! for her excellent support during my MVV procedure with the IND to bring my wife to the Netherlands. From the very beginning, they guided us with clear communication, professionalism, and...
9
Gija
2 July 2025
I’m so grateful to Pieter Krop and the team at Kroes Advocaten for their expert guidance throughout my residency process. They were responsive, clear, and incredibly thorough—making a complicated process feel manageable and stress-free....
10
Megan
1 July 2025
My immigration experience went very smooth because of the advice I always got by Mr. Sander ahead of every step. During the whole process each step was carefully estimated in terms of duration. It was a great experience to know how well planned...
10
PRATHYUSHA MEKALA
1 July 2025
My case was very complicated so complicated I must say. I was referred to Kroes by a friend and when I got in touch the lawyer I initially wanted had alot to handle and so she asked if I was okay with her colleague handling my case and that's...
10
Anita
30 June 2025
We had the pleasure to work with Sander in order to obtain a Immigration Visa. Sander handled the case very well and gave clear instrucition along the way and when we missed something always remained patient and detailed in the follow up. The...
10
Jeroen
30 June 2025
Sander is an excellent communicator, always responsive and thorough in his explanations. Would recommend to anyone dealing with immigration related matters in the Netherlands.
10
Donmez
27 June 2025
Justine supported me with my 30% ruling application, which went smoothly thanks to her thorough understanding of the process and her prompt, effective communication throughout
9
MJ Sansalone
23 June 2025
I applied for verification against EU law to join my long-distance partner of almost 2 years in the Netherlands. It was my first time moving to a new country and packing up my whole life in South Africa was already quite stressful. Then came...
10
Gerrit
23 June 2025
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