Immigration & Formalities
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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
Sat, 7th of March 2026 | Groningen
FietsFriend – Biking Workshop | Groningen
Free
Information
Integration
Workshop
Fri, 13th of March 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
First headliner announced for Hullabaloo Festival: Lewis Capaldi
The first headliner for Hullabaloo Festival has been announced. Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi will perform at Stadspark on Saturday, September 5. Capaldi rose to prominence in 2018 with his hit Someone You Loved. In recent years, songs such as Before You Go, Forget Me and Wish You The Best have frequently appeared in the charts. […]
RUG establishes central AI network
The University of Groningen (RUG) is setting up a central AI network, including a dedicated AI committee. With this initiative, the university aims to promote the responsible use of AI among its staff. This was reported by UKrant. Researchers and scientists at RUG have been working on the development of AI technologies since the 1990s. […]
After a traffic accident in the Netherlands: what often happens next
With thousands of cyclists on the streets and busy traffic weaving through city centres, accidents are an unfortunate reality in the Netherlands. In big cities in the Netherlands, where bikes, buses and cars constantly share space, even a brief moment of distraction can lead to injury. In the immediate aftermath, most people focus on 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+
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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