Relocate Quest

Orientation Year Residence Permit (Researchers)

For researchers applying for an orientation year after research.

📋 24 steps total✅ 6 free pre-arrival steps🔒 18 post-arrival steps

The full Dutch Orientation Year Residence Permit (Researchers) process

  1. Obtain or Renew Passport

    Make sure your national passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended entry into the Netherlands.

  2. Collect MVV entry visa

    Pick up MVV sticker at Dutch embassy/consulate after approval.

    🔗 Official link

  3. Travel to the Netherlands

    Travel to NL with MVV/permit documents and enter within visa validity.

  4. Search for Housing

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

    🔗 Official link

  5. Secure housing (residential address)

    Find and secure a place to live in the Netherlands.

    🔗 Official link

  6. 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 18 post-arrival steps when you land.
    Start free →

  7. Apply for Orientation Year permit

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

    ⏱ ~90 days💶 €254🔗 Official link

  8. Submit biometrics at IND

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

    🔗 Official link

  9. Collect residence permit card

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

    🔗 Official link

  10. Set Up Energy & Water Contracts

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

  11. Set Up Internet Contract

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

  12. Open a bank account

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

    🔗 Official link

  13. Apply for DigiD

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

    🔗 Official link

  14. Activate MijnOverheid account

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

    🔗 Official link

  15. Obtain health insurance

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

    🔗 Official link

  16. Register with a GP (doctor)

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

    🔗 Official link

  17. Set up a Dutch SIM card

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

    🔗 Official link

  18. Arrange home & liability insurance

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

    🔗 Official link

  19. Apply for 30% tax ruling

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

    🔗 Official link

  20. Register business with KVK (if applicable)

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

    🔗 Official link

  21. Open a business bank account

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

  22. File Dutch taxes (M-form)

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

    🔗 Official link

  23. Exchange foreign driver’s license

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

    🔗 Official link

  24. Undergo TB test (if required)

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

    🔗 Official link

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