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
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We had an excellent experience with Kroes Advocaten. Their team provided clear, practical, and highly valuable legal advice that helped us navigate a complex situation with confidence. They were professional, responsive, and truly went above...
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Dale
9 September 2025
I couldn’t be more grateful for Anouk’s help in getting my SIS alert lifted. From the very beginning, she was professional, responsive, and clear in explaining each step of the process. She kept me updated throughout, patiently answered...
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Claire
9 September 2025
Dilara helped me with my application for permanent residence. The whole process was clearly explained and all my questions were answered promptly and in detail. Very knowledgeable and very good advice.
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Reuben
7 September 2025
Super top ervaring en harstikke bedankt aan Dilara voor het hulp!
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Tiago Gomes
2 September 2025
Florent helped us receive the DAFT visa (and partner visa) when we arrived in the Netherlands and we were so happy with his work the first time that we used him for our visa renewal as well. Florent is always quick, responsive, professional and...
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Matt
2 September 2025
I contacted Kroes Advocaten for a few questions and was directed to Pam. I really liked her knowledge and the solutions she gave me, so I ended up hiring her for some services. In the end, I had a favorable outcome with her help. I am glad that...
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Aarushi
2 September 2025
I can’t thank Sander enough for helping me during my residence permit process. He was very detailed with his responses to my every question and the responses were always fast. I managed to avoid some little but important mistakes, thanks to...
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Artan
2 September 2025
Victoria Leong’s services have been incredibly helpful, she also communicates very efficiently and responds really fast. The legal procedures have been easy, fast, and efficient with her.
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Deni
28 August 2025
Anique van den Broek heeft ons op een zeer fijne manier bijgestaan en geadviseerd, de communicatie verliep prettig en snel.
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Kevin
15 August 2025
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