Get started with your life in the North

Welcome to the Northern Netherlands! Discover everything you need to know to make this beautiful region your new home.

Opening hours
Monday till Thursday from 9:30 – 12:00 & 13:00 – 16:30

Discover our beautiful region

Groningen

Find out why nothing tops Groningen: a province of culture, history and higher education.
Read more

Friesland

With their rich history and their own unique language, Friesland or Fryslân is a special place in the North.
Read more

Drenthe

Explore the natural beauty and innovative business sectors in the province of Drenthe.
Read more

International Student

Checklist: Moving to the Netherlands

Moving to the North soon? Fantastic! It’s a truly special region with plenty of room to grow.

To make sure you’re properly prepared, check out our list of everything that international students need to know before moving to the Northern Netherlands.

New events every week

Join our events!

Whether you're interested in cycling, cultural activities, social clubs, family-friendly outings, or informative events, we've got you covered.

News from the north

Three people killed in Rotterdam shootings

Updated: 21:22 Three people were killed after being shot by a gunman in Rotterdam on Thursday, according to Dutch police. In a press conference on Thursday evening, authorities revealed that the two people of the people killed in the attacks were a 39-year-old woman and a 43-year-old man. The man was a teacher at Rotterdam’s […]

Forum Groningen faces deficit of over a million euros

Forum Groningen, the iconic cultural center located right next to the Grote Markt, is projected to face a financial shortfall of more than one million euros in 2023. The institution’s director, Dirk Nijdam, attributes this deficit to rising labor costs, increased rent, and an unexpected surge in energy expenses. “Our energy costs this year are […]

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.

20+

Years of experience

3

Great provinces

35,000+

Internationals helped

We helped 35,000+ 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!”

Muhamed Amin
Saudi Arabia

“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.”

Kervin Zamora
Honduras

“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!”

Siddharta Omar
India

“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!”

Valerio Cugia
Italy

Founders and Supporters of IWCN

We are here to help

Still have questions? Don't worry, our team is happy to help!