Recent graduates from Dutch universities can apply for a residence permit in the ‘job search’ category. This residence permit allows recent graduates to search for a job for up to a year. There are different types of sub-categories depending on the type of degree the student has obtained. To be able to apply for this particular residence permit the candidate must have graduated less than a year before, and not have requested a residence permit in the job search category before.
When a job offer has been secured, an application for a residence permit in the highly skilled migrant category can be filed. The minimum salary requirements for applicants in their ‘job search’ year are lower than for regular applicants. As of January 1st, 2018 the minimum gross monthly salary required is € 2.314.
The residence permit will be granted for one year, after which the graduate must qualify for a highly skilled migrant residence permit.