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
Pub Evening Leeuwarden
IWCN Info Talk Groningen: Having a Baby in the Netherlands
Join our events!
News from the North
RUG professor awarded €3.3 million in EU funding for tech for democracy research
University of Groningen professor Prof. Davide Grossi has been awarded a Horizon Europe grant of €3.3 million for his research project to improve technology used in democratic processes, such as online participation platforms. The Northern Times asked him about his research and how this grant will improve it. “I think one of the issues that […]
Former Groningen mayor Schuiling to appeal fine
Former mayor Koen Schuiling is appealing the fine for masturbating on the A7, as reported by Dagblad van het Noorden. Schuiling had two weeks to consider his appeal. His lawyer told the DvhN that Schuiling considers this period to be short, and by appealing now he is buying time to consider his next steps. The […]
We asked ChatGPT to turn these Groningen spots into Studio Ghibli art
Over the last days, social media platforms have been inundated with AI-generated images transforming personal photos and various scenes into the distinctive style of Studio Ghibli, the renowned Japanese animation studio. This trend gained momentum following OpenAI’s release of an image-generation tool within ChatGPT, enabling users to apply specific artistic styles to their images. 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!”
