Relocate Quest

Orientation Year Residence Permit (Graduates)

For recent graduates applying for an orientation year after study.

📋 19 steps total✅ 3 free pre-arrival steps🔒 16 post-arrival steps

The full Dutch Orientation Year Residence Permit (Graduates) process

  1. Search for Housing

    Start looking for rental properties online or via agents; gather required documents such as proof of income.

    🔗 Official link

  2. Secure housing (residential address)

    Find and secure a place to live in the Netherlands.

    🔗 Official link

  3. Register at municipality (BRP & BSN)

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    🔗 Official link
    Post-arrival steps are part of the full flow. Start free to track your pre-arrival progress, then unlock the 16 post-arrival steps when you land.
    Start free →

  4. Apply for Orientation Year permit

    Graduate/researcher applies for orientation year (zoekjaar) within 3 years of graduation.

    ⏱ ~90 days💶 €254🔗 Official link

  5. Collect residence permit card

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    🔗 Official link

  6. Set Up Energy & Water Contracts

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

  7. Set Up Internet Contract

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

  8. Open a bank account

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    🔗 Official link

  9. Apply for DigiD

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    🔗 Official link

  10. Activate MijnOverheid account

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    🔗 Official link

  11. Obtain health insurance

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    🔗 Official link

  12. Register with a GP (doctor)

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    🔗 Official link

  13. Arrange home & liability insurance

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    🔗 Official link

  14. Register business with KVK (if applicable)

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    🔗 Official link

  15. Apply for tax allowances (toeslagen)

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    🔗 Official link

  16. Apply for 30% tax ruling

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    🔗 Official link

  17. Open a business bank account

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

  18. File Dutch taxes (M-form)

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    🔗 Official link

  19. Exchange foreign driver’s license

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    🔗 Official link

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