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
IWCN Expert Session | How to Hire an International
Spouses Meetup: Understanding the Working Culture in NL. In collaboration with Make it in the North and Collective Perspective
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
What would happen if this ‘city killer’ asteroid hit Groningen?
What if an asteroid were to hit Groningen? Asteroid 2024 YR4, an object almost as wide as the Martini Tower is tall, made international headlines recently as there was a 3.1% chance of it hitting Earth. That probability is now closer to zero. The asteroid cleared the 1% probability threshold that it could hit Earth […]
Sign-ups open for Groningen’s Got Talent
Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Groningen and Usva are hosting their own Groningen’s Got Talent show once again. The second edition of the talent show will take place on the 30th of April. Any student performing artists are welcome to show their talent on stage for up to 10 minutes. The winning act will receive a […]
IWCN to host spouses meetup for internationals
The International Welcome Centre North (IWCN) is organising a meetup for international spouses to learn about the local job market. The event is being held on March 17th in collaboration with Make it in the North (MIITN) and Collective Perspective. The meetup is aimed at international spouses either looking to start or grow their career […]
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!”
