
Get started with your life in the North
Welcome to the Northern Netherlands! Discover everything you need to know to make this beautiful region your new home.
Opening hours
Monday till Thursday from 9:30 – 12:00 & 13:00 – 16:30
Interview With Karen Prowse
IWCN Celebrates Its 9th Anniversary
On November 3rd 2023, the IWCN is celebrating its 9th anniversary! For the past nine years, the IWCN has been a staple in the North and its home city of Groningen. For thousands of internationals, we’ve been a lifeline for settling in the North.
Reflecting on IWCN’s past nine years, we sat down Operations Manager Karen Prowse.

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News from the North

Asylum seekers can now work more than 24 weeks per year
The Dutch Employee Insurance Agency (UWV) can no longer impose a restriction allowing asylum seekers to work only for a maximum of 24 weeks per year when granting work permits. The imposition of this 24-week requirement impedes effective access for asylum seekers to the Dutch labor market. The Council of State‘s Administrative Jurisdiction Division has […]

Nuclear energy: A tale of two provinces
The topic of nuclear energy in the Netherlands is a source of intense debate. With the government’s goal to phase out coal-fired power plants by 2030 and amplify the use of renewable energy sources, the consideration of nuclear power as a potential option to cut greenhouse gas emissions and ensure energy security remains contentious. But […]

Rethinking battery technology in the North of the Netherlands
With targets to reduce carbon emissions requiring countries to promote sustainable energy sources, batteries have a leading role to play in this energy transition. While lithium-ion batteries are found in all kinds of modern devices, producing them creates a high demand for the minerals that are required to make them along with human rights concerns […]
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.

20+
3
35,000+
We helped 35,000+ 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!”