Immigration & Formalities
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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.
Our Services
Our latest blog post
How to Avoid Rental Scams in Groningen
Sun, 25th of January 2026 | Groningen
Share your Culture Series: Boba Meetup – Groningen
Cultural Sharing
Free
In Collaboration with External
Social Gatherings
Thu, 5th of February 2026 | Friesland
Language Cafe – Leeuwarden
External Event
Free
Information
Language
Thu, 5th of March 2026 | Friesland
Language Cafe – Leeuwarden
External Event
Free
Information
Language
Thu, 2nd of April 2026 | Friesland
Language Cafe – Leeuwarden
External Event
Free
Information
Language
Thu, 16th of April 2026 | Friesland
Language Cafe – Leeuwarden
External Event
Free
Information
Language
Thu, 19th of March 2026 | Friesland
Language Cafe – Leeuwarden
External Event
Free
Information
Language
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
Kingsland festival line-up announced: Roxy Dekker, Boef, Ronnie Flex and more
Frenna, Roxy Dekker, Boef, Bankzitters, Brennan Heart, Lil Kleine and La Fuente are just some of the artists taking to the stage at Kingsland on Monday, 27 April, in Groningen’s Stadspark. Prince Floris of Oranje will also be coming to Groningen as a DJ. This year’s mainstage lineup includes Frenna, Roxy Dekker, SFB, Bankzitters, Brennan […]
Frost on the way: ice skating may be possible this weekend
Good news for ice skating enthusiasts: according to Weeronline, there is a possibility of ice skating in the northeast of the country toward the end of this week and the beginning of next week. From Thursday onward, temperatures will continue to drop, with light to moderate frost at night. Because water temperatures are still low […]
Spectacular Northern Lights over the city
A spectacular display lit up the sky above the city last night. The Northern Lights were visible in many parts of the city and could even be seen with the naked eye. The Northern Lights, caused by a cloud of electrically charged particles, are usually visible only in far northern countries. Last night, however, the […]
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+
Years of experience
3
Great provinces
45,000+
Internationals helped
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!”
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
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