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
Our latest blog post
Celebrating Our Volunteers
New events every week
Dutch History & Culture | The Dutch Canon
Christmas Market Leeuwarden
Make it in the North | Job Hunt Advice
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News from the North
Win free prizes with the Visit Groningen Advent calendar
The Visit Groningen advent calendar is back this year with prizes to be won daily until the 24th of December. Participants can open one door per day for free at the digital advent calendar on the Visit Gronigen websitehttps://visitgroningen.nl/adventskalender. Behind every door there will be a prize draw you can participate in. The details of […]
Arriva delays new Groningen-Zwolle train service amid regulatory dispute
Arriva will not begin its new train connection between Groningen and Zwolle on January 2 as originally planned, following a decision by the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM). The delay stems from the regulator’s order for ProRail to better justify why the company is only allowed four trains per day on the route. […]
Van Gogh exhibition revisits Groningen’s pioneering art scene
The Groninger Museum is revisiting a pivotal moment in art history with its new exhibition, How Van Gogh Came to Groningen, which opened on November 30, 2024. The show highlights the efforts of 19th-century Groningen residents and University of Groningen students who brought modern art, including Vincent van Gogh’s work, to the northern Netherlands. In […]
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!”
