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.
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Friesland

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

Explore the natural beauty and innovative business sectors in the province of Drenthe.
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Interview With Karen Prowse

IWCN Celebrates Its 9th Anniversary

On November 3rd 2023, the IWCN is celebrating its 9th anniversary! For the past nine years, the IWCN has been a staple in the North and its home city of Groningen. For thousands of internationals, we’ve been a lifeline for settling in the North.

Reflecting on IWCN’s past nine years, we sat down Operations Manager Karen Prowse.

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News from the North

Free movie screening at Forum gets sold out

Tickets to an international film to be screened at Groningen’s Forum this week have sold out. Forum will be participating in European Cinema Night 2023, an EU programme supported by Creative Europe MEDIA and Europa Cinemas. This initiative aims to bring Europe closer to its citizens by celebrating the richness and diversity of European film […]

Groningen secures position as top student city for 2023

Groningen, the biggest city in the north of the Netherlands, has been named one of the top student cities in the world for 2023 by The Campus Advisor, a leading platform recognized for its thorough student reviews and rankings. This prestigious recognition highlights Groningen’s unique blend of academic excellence, cultural vibrancy, and a high quality […]

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

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