Welcome to the North
We are here to support international newcomers in smoothly transitioning to living, working, and settling in the beautiful region of the Northern Netherlands.
Opening hours
Monday to Thursday, 09:30 – 12:00 & 13:00 – 16:30
The IWCN is closed on the following days in 2025:
18 & 21 April; 5, 29 & 30 May; 9 June; 22 through 31 December.
(And 1 & 2 January 2026).
Our latest blog post
More than Words: Celebrating International Mother Language Day
New events every week
Coffee Morning | Leeuwarden
Make it in the North Networking Mixer: International Assen
Learning Dutch: from zero to fluent + mini Dutch workshop
Pub Evening Leeuwarden
IWCN Info Talk Groningen: Having a Baby in the Netherlands
Join our events!
News from the North
It will soon be possible to go from Groningen to Bremen by train
If everything goes according to plan, part of the new, fast train from Groningen to Bremen, called the Wunderline, will be put into service this year. GIC reported that the first construction phase will be completed this year, shortening the travel time between both cities from 2 hours and 43 minutes to 2 hours and […]
“The silence makes me question everything” – finding a job in HR in the Netherlands
“There are highs when I feel hopeful and confident, and lows when the rejections or the silence make me question everything.” Those are the words of Chelsea Nathania who’s from Indonesia. Nathania spoke to The Northern Times about her current mission: Finding a job in human resources (HR) in the Netherlands. Easier said than done. […]
Groningen tech company Klippa acquired by German Group
Groningen software and AI company Klippa announced it was acquired by the German SER Group. Klippa was founded in Groningen in 2015 and has since opened offices in Amsterdam, Hamburg, San Fransisco, and Brasov. Their goal is to digitalise and automate administrative tasks using AI and OCR. In a statement, Klippa said the acquisition will […]
About us
About Us
Feel at home in the North in just a few steps
We understand there are many things to take care of when getting settled in a new country.
That’s why it’s our mission to provide a welcoming space where you can take care of everything at one convenient location.
25+
3
45,000+
We helped 45,000+ international people
“I have lived in several countries (USA, Germany, Russia, Egypt) but I have to say that I have had the best experience at the Welcome Center in Groningen. Thank you again!”
“How happy it makes me to learn that the flowers got there and that they brightened up everyone’s day! This was my goal.
You guys work hard, and I wanted to make sure you guys know that your work is meaningful and very well appreciated in the city.”
“I would recommend the IWCN for new Internationals, who would like help finding their feet, but also for those who have been in the Northern Netherlands, as the information on offer is very extensive!”
“The idea to have such an office to welcome foreigners is a formidable one and this is a good tangible result. I wish there had been such an office, and people like you, 13 years ago when we arrived. It would probably have made our lives so much better, especially the first years!”
