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
Expats in Groningen Meetup
Share your Culture Series: Boba Meetup – Groningen
Join our events!
News from the North
Martini Hospital ready to admit victims of fire at Swiss ski resort
Martini Hospital in Groningen is prepared to admit victims of the fire at the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana. The disaster occurred on New Year’s Eve night and claimed the lives of around 40 visitors, while another 115 people were injured. The fire, which broke out at around 1:30 a.m., is believed to have been […]
3, 2, 1: New Year’s countdown on the Vismarkt
3, 2, 1! Happy New Year! This year, Groningen’s official New Year’s countdown event – Goud & Nieuw – will take place on the Vismarkt. From 10:00 pm until 1:00 am, there will be DJs and dance performances, and just before midnight everyone will count down together. Last year, the countdown was held on the […]
New Year’s dive at Hoornseplas returns, with free soup and hot chocolate
Not spending the whole day hungover in bed, but starting the year with a plunge into icy cold water. Every New Year, hundreds of people from Groningen do exactly that. On 1 January 2026, a large New Year’s dive will once again take place at the Hoornseplas, including free pea soup and hot chocolate. 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+
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!”
