What if the international talent your company needs is already in the Netherlands?
Many Dutch companies look abroad when recruiting international professionals. However, the talent they need may already be living, studying and building a future in the Netherlands. In the 2025–2026 academic year, 129,764 international students were enrolled in Dutch higher education. They represented approximately 17% of the total student population. At research universities, this figure reached 27%, while 28% of international students came from outside the European Economic Area (EEA). For employers, this is an attractive and often overlooked talent pool. International students and graduates are already familiar with life in the Netherlands, often speak several languages and bring knowledge of international markets and cultures. The key is understanding how and when you can employ them. That is where BlueStone can help.
)
International talent before graduation
Employers do not necessarily have to wait until an international student graduates. Students can already gain valuable professional experience through internships, graduation assignments and part-time employment.
The applicable rules depend on the student’s nationality and residence status.
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland can generally work in the Netherlands without a work permit. For students from outside these countries who hold a Dutch student residence permit, additional conditions usually apply.
For regular employment, the employer generally needs to apply for a work permit, known as a tewerkstellingsvergunning or TWV. The student must then choose between:
Working a maximum of 16 hours per week throughout the year
Working full-time in June, July and August
Different conditions may apply to internships that form part of a Dutch study programme. An internship agreement between the student, educational institution and employer is normally required.
BlueStone can assess the student’s residence status and help employers determine which rules apply before the employment or internship begins.
The Orientation Year: an opportunity for employers
After graduation, eligible international graduates can apply for the Dutch Orientation Year permit, or zoekjaar hoogopgeleiden.
In 2025, 16,120 non-EEA graduates held an Orientation Year permit. This was 11% more than in 2024, following an increase of approximately 12% the year before. The figures show that more international graduates want to remain in the Netherlands and start their careers here.
During the Orientation Year, graduates may work freely in the Netherlands:
No separate work permit is required
There is no restriction on the number of working hours
The graduate may work for any employer
The employer does not need to be an IND-recognised sponsor during this period
For employers, this creates an accessible way to hire international graduates and assess whether there is a long-term match.
BlueStone can help candidates apply for the Orientation Year permit and check whether they meet the eligibility requirements.
What happens after the Orientation Year?
The Orientation Year permit is valid for one year and cannot be extended. If the employer and employee want to continue working together, another residence permit must be arranged before it expires.
The Highly Skilled Migrant permit is often the most suitable next step. Graduates who qualify for the reduced salary criterion can be employed under a lower salary threshold than other highly skilled migrants.
For this route, the employer must normally be recognised by the IND as a sponsor.
If your company is not yet a recognised sponsor, BlueStone can offer several possible solutions.
Become an IND-recognised sponsor
BlueStone supports companies throughout the recognised-sponsor application process. We help prepare the application, review the required documents and guide the employer through the IND procedure.
Becoming a recognised sponsor can be valuable for companies that regularly recruit international professionals and want to manage their own Highly Skilled Migrant applications.
Employ the candidate through BlueStone
If becoming a recognised sponsor is not the right option right now, the candidate may be employed through BlueStone’s Employer of Record service.
As an IND-recognised sponsor, BlueStone can act as the formal employer and arrange the immigration, employment and payroll requirements. The international professional works operationally for your company while BlueStone manages the compliant employment structure.
This can be particularly useful when:
You want to hire an international graduate quickly
Your company is not an IND-recognised sponsor
You only employ international professionals occasionally
You want support with immigration, contracts and Dutch payroll
You are still deciding whether to apply for recognised-sponsor status
Other routes, such as the EU Blue Card, may also be available. The best option depends on the candidate’s education, salary, position and current residence status.
Start connecting with international talent early
Companies that approach international candidates only after graduation may miss valuable opportunities. By connecting with students earlier, employers can build relationships and develop a stronger long-term talent pipeline.
Possible approaches include:
Offering internships and graduation assignments
Providing part-time employment where permitted
Collaborating with universities and student associations
Participating in international career events
Staying in contact with promising students approaching graduation
Reviewing immigration options before making a permanent offer
BlueStone can advise employers during each stage—from the first internship or part-time role to the Orientation Year and subsequent employment as a Highly Skilled Migrant.
Check whether your company is a recognised sponsor
Not sure whether your company, or a potential employer, is recognised by the IND?
The BlueStone app includes a Recognised Sponsor Checker containing thousands of organisations registered as recognised sponsors. Users can view company information and visit the vacancy or career website of individual sponsors directly.
If a company is not recognised, that does not necessarily mean it cannot employ international talent. Becoming a recognised sponsor, using BlueStone’s Employer of Record service or selecting another immigration route may still make employment possible.
How BlueStone supports international hiring
International recruitment involves more than finding the right candidate. The immigration route, employment agreement, salary requirements and payroll structure must also be correct.
BlueStone helps employers and international professionals with:
Dutch employment contracts
Payroll administration
Residence permit extensions and changes
Compliance with immigration and employment requirements
By bringing these services together, BlueStone makes it easier for employers to recruit, employ and retain international talent in the Netherlands.
The talent is already here
International students and graduates have already chosen the Netherlands for their education. Many would also like to build their careers here.
For employers, the opportunity is clear: connect with this talent early and ensure the right immigration route is in place.
Would you like to hire an international student or graduate but aren't sure about the applicable rules? BlueStone can assess the situation and help you select the most suitable route.
Contact BlueStone to discuss your international hiring options.
