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
Please note
We will be closed for the holidays from
20th of December 2024 – 5th of January 2025
Our latest blog post
Celebrating Our Volunteers
New events every week
Housing Workshop with Expat Mortgages
Let’s Go Play Some Pool!
Dutch History & Culture | The Royal Family
Join our events!
News from the North
Groninger Museum wins Museumkids Award
The Groninger Museum won this year’s edition of the Museumkids Award for the exhibition Children’s Biennale – A Better Place. The Museumkids Award is an initiative of the Museum Association and rewards innovative public programs that make art and culture accessible to children. The exhibition in the Groninger Museum was chosen by the professional jury […]
Tightened Dutch border controls under scrutiny amid low results
Plans to enforce stricter border checks at the Zwartemeer crossing on the A37, which connects Drenthe and Germany, were unexpectedly canceled last Friday, just 20 minutes before their scheduled start. The Koninklijke Marechaussee confirmed the decision was made due to legal and practical uncertainties, according to RTV Drenthe. Future checks at Zwartemeer remain on hold. […]
Small-town gas station in Drenthe claims title of nation’s cheapest
A small, family-owned gas station in the rural town of Havelte has been making headlines after being named the country’s cheapest fuel provider. According to a recent study by MultiTankcard, Kreuze Gas Station consistently offered the lowest prices for E10 gasoline throughout 2024. Gerald Meijer, the commercial director of Kreuze, expressed surprise at the unexpected […]
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!”
