Immigration & Formalities
Request an appointment for Formalities Services (IND and municipality)
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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
Thu, 12th of March 2026 | Groningen
Sharing Book Club | Groningen
Clubs
Culture
In Collaboration with External
Fri, 13th of March 2026 | Groningen
NEW! | Wings & Roots – Women Connecting in The North | Groningen
Cultural Sharing
Social Gatherings
Fri, 13th of March 2026 | Groningen
Expats Meetup | Groningen
Free
In Collaboration with External
Social Gatherings
Tue, 17th of March 2026 | Groningen
Spouses series – Work related discrimination issues | Groningen
Free
In Collaboration with External
Integration
Networking
Thu, 26th of March 2026 | Groningen
Dutch History & Culture: Political parties and the Dutch political system | Groningen
Free
Information
Integration
Thu, 26th of March 2026 | Friesland
Women’s Circle Swap Day | Leeuwarden
Clubs
Networking
Social Gatherings
Sun, 29th of March 2026 | Groningen
Intercultural Afternoon | Groningen
Cultural Sharing
In Collaboration with External
Networking
Social Gatherings
Sat, 4th of April 2026 | Groningen
Historical City Tour – Groningen’s Slavery Past | Groningen
Free
In Collaboration with External
Trips & Discoveries
Thu, 9th of April 2026 | Groningen
Dutch Customs & Culture – Interactive session | Groningen
Free
Information
Integration
Fri, 10th of April 2026 | Groningen
Expats Meetup | Groningen
Free
In Collaboration with External
Social Gatherings
Sun, 12th of April 2026 | Groningen
Walking Club | Groningen
Clubs
Social Gatherings
Sports & Wellness
Fri, 17th of April 2026 | Groningen
NEW! | Wings & Roots – Women Connecting in The North | Groningen
Cultural Sharing
Social Gatherings
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
Noorderzon Festival launches development program for new art
The Noorderzon Festival is launching Buitenkans this year: a development program for new artistic work. Selected artists will have the opportunity to present their newly created projects in public space during the Noorderzon Festival, which takes place from 20 to 30 August. The program is aimed at artists who want to experiment and present their […]
Grote Markt still the Wild West for cyclists: municipality introduces new measures
Cyclists and pedestrians are still passing dangerously close to each other on the Grote Markt; risky situations continue to occur frequently. That’s why the municipality plans to add markings and tiles indicating directions for cyclists and pedestrians. Many cyclists find the current situation on the Grote Markt unclear and are unsure where they are allowed […]
Municipal Elections are coming: can you vote as an international?
The municipal elections are around the corner. On the 18th of march all citizens of the Netherlands are going to vote for the new municipal council. Can you vote as an international living in the Netherlands? People with an EU passport who live in Groningen, or people who have lived in the Netherlands for five […]
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
We are here to help
Still have questions?
Don't worry, our team is happy to help!