Netherlands Mobility & Study Hub

A: Yes, but with strict conditions for non-EU/EEA students. You may work a maximum of 16 hours per week during the academic year OR full-time during June, July, and August (summer months), but not both. Your employer must apply for a TWV work permit (Tewerkstellingsvergunning) on your behalf from the UWV. If you start working, Dutch law requires you to take out Dutch public basic healthcare insurance (basiszorgverzekering).

A: The Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) enforces a statutory financial maintenance norm. For international students, this requires proving at least €1,045 per month (€12,540 for a full 12-month academic year), in addition to payment of the annual tuition fee. This amount is typically deposited directly to the university's account before arrival or proven through verified bank statements.

A: The Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) allows graduates from Dutch universities (Bachelor, Master, or PhD) or top 200 global universities to live and work in the Netherlands for 1 year with completely unrestricted labor market access (no work permit required). When transitioning to a permanent Highly Skilled Migrant visa, Zoekjaar graduates benefit from a lower statutory gross salary threshold (€2,801/month in 2024/2025) which remains valid for subsequent renewals.

A: Yes. After 5 consecutive years of legal residence in the Netherlands, you can apply for an EU Long-Term Resident Permit or Dutch Permanent Residence. Crucially, years spent on a student permit count toward the 5-year requirement, provided that your status at the time of applying for permanent residency is for a non-temporary purpose (such as a Highly Skilled Migrant or European Blue Card permit) and you have passed the Dutch Civic Integration Examination (Inburgering).