The IWCN is closed for the holidays from Monday, 22 December 2025 through Friday, 2 January 2026.
Welcome to the North
The International Welcome Center North helps you arrange practical matters (obtaining your residence permit, municipal registration, and BSN number), provides information on living, working or studying in the Netherlands, and offers events to help you integrate here —all in one place.
We’re open Monday to Thursday from 9:30 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 16:30.
The IWCN is closed for the holidays from 22 December 2025 through 2 January 2026.
Our Services
Our latest blog post
How to Avoid Rental Scams in Groningen
Intercultural Afternoon Groningen, in collaboration with Groningen Professionals
Expats in Groningen Meetup
Share your Culture Series: Boba Meetup – Groningen
Join our events!
News from the North
Groningen to host its first full marathon a year after first half-marathon
Enthusiastic runners will be able to take part in Groningen’s first full marathon next May. This year, the city held its first half-marathon, and the event will now be expanded to include a full 42-kilometer race. Registration opens on Thursday, December 18, with 2,500 race entries available. The marathon is scheduled for May 31. The […]
Where to watsch this weekend’s meteor shower in Groningen
This weekend, from Saturday night into Sunday, roughly three times as many shooting stars as usual will be visible. The Geminids meteor shower reaches its peak then. So where are the best viewing spots in Groningen? The Geminids are the second-largest meteor shower to pass Earth. At its peak, between 50 and 100 meteors per […]
2,000 new student homes on the way at Zernike Campus
The municipality of Groningen will receive 5 million euros from the Dutch government to build permanent student housing on the Zernike Campus. The first 555 units will be constructed on the southern side of the campus, close to the new sports centre. In total, between 1,500 and 2,000 student housing units will be built on […]
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!”
