Orientation year permits
In 2025, there were 16,120 graduates with an orientation year permit. China was the most common county of origin for the holders of this permit, followed by India, Iran, Türkiye and Indonesia.
An orientation year permit allows non-EEA nationals to look for work in the Netherlands after their graduation, doctorate or research. Holders of this residence permit are graduates who, within the past three years, have completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree, a post master’s programme, or scientific research in the Netherlands. The permit is also available to graduates who have completed a master’s, PhD, or post master’s programme at an educational institution ranked in the global top 200 within the last three years.
Summary
- In 2025, 16,120 graduates from outside of the EEA held an orientation year permit in the Netherlands. This represents an 11% increase from 14,530 in 2024, following a 12% increase from 12,940 in 2023.
- In 2025, China (3,320) remained the most common country of origin among graduates with an orientation year permit. India ranked 2nd, followed by Iran and Türkiye in 3rd and 4th place. Compared with 2024, Indonesia overtook the United States and moved into 5th place.
For further information, please send an e-mail to analytics@nuffic.nl.