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
Relocating to the Netherlands? Download the NL Relocation App!
Are you moving to the Netherlands? What if we told you there's an app to make your transition easier? Introducing the NL Relocation App—your personalized guide to a seamless move and smooth settling in.
Thu, 8th of October 2026 | Groningen
De Lifecycle van de Arbeidsrelatie met een International | IWCN Expert Session
Free
Information
Fri, 14th of August 2026 | Groningen
Expats Meetup | Groningen
Free
In Collaboration with External
Social Gatherings
Sun, 2nd of August 2026 | Groningen
Walking Club | Groningen
Clubs
Social Gatherings
Sports & Wellness
Sun, 13th of September 2026 | Groningen
Walking Club | Groningen
Clubs
Social Gatherings
Sports & Wellness
Wed, 16th of September 2026 | Groningen
Let’s Talk Dutch! – Beginners | Groningen
Integration
Language
Wed, 16th of September 2026 | Groningen
Let’s Talk Dutch! – Level B1+ | Groningen
Integration
Language
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
More than 20,000 visitors at Grote Markt for Red Bull District Ride
More than 20,000 spectators flooded Groningen’s Grote Markt on Saturday to witness the spectacular tricks of the world’s best mountain bikers during the Red Bull District Ride. Both the event organizers and the municipality hailed the event as a major success. “It has put Groningen on the map, both nationally and internationally.” Even during what […]
More than 20,000 spectators flooded Groningen’s Grote Markt on Saturday to witness the spectacular tricks of the world’s best mountain bikers during the Red Bull District Ride. Both the event organizers and the municipality hailed the event as a major success. “It has put Groningen on the map, both nationally and internationally.” Even during what […]
Massive course for Red Bull District Ride takes shape on Grote Markt
Unique and spectacular. That’s how course designer Desmond Tessemaker describes the Red Bull District Ride course currently being built on Groningen’s Grote Markt. For days, around 120 people have been working on the track, which features three towering start ramps and eleven obstacles. “Groningen had been at the top of our wish list for years.” […]
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
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