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 9:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 17:00 (Tuesdays and Thursdays appointments only)
Our Services
Our latest blog post
Save the Date: Praat Nederlands Day on 26 November!
Learning Dutch but not feeling confident speaking in everyday situations? Learn more about our upcoming Praat Nederlands Day: A day dedicated to fun activities in easy Dutch. No matter your language level, everyone is welcome to join! Full programme follows soon.
Wed, 28th of October 2026 | Groningen
Dutch History & Culture – The Dutch Canon | Groningen
Free
Integration
Social Gatherings
Tue, 3rd of November 2026 | Online
Navigating the Dutch Education System | IWCN Webinar
Free
Information
Sat, 7th of November 2026 | Friesland
Finding Your Feet in Friesland | Heerenveen
Cultural Sharing
Free
Integration
Wed, 18th of November 2026 | Groningen
Dutch History & Culture – The Royal Family | Groningen
Free
Integration
Social Gatherings
Wed, 2nd of December 2026 | Friesland
Finding Your Feet in Friesland | Leeuwarden
Cultural Sharing
Free
Integration
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
University of Groningen wants to reduce dependence on US tech giants
The University of Groningen (UG) wants to be less dependent on major US tech companies such as Google, Microsoft and Amazon by 2030. The university wants greater control over its own data and digital infrastructure. The university currently relies heavily on US systems for its services. Google, for example, is the standard platform for services […]
TOTO coming to Summerstage in Groningen next July
American rock band TOTO will perform at Groningen’s Stadspark on Saturday 3 July. The band celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2027 with the 50th Anniversary Tour, bringing together five decades of TOTO’s music. Tickets go on sale via Ticketmaster on Friday 16 October at 10:00. With albums such as Toto IV, Isolation and The Seventh […]
Smart glasses banned by Groningen cultural sector: 35 organisations introduce ban
Groningen’s cultural sector is taking a stand against smart AI glasses. A total of 35 organisations, including ESNS, the Groninger Museum, De Oosterpoort and the Stadsschouwburg, are adding a ban on smart glasses to their house rules. They have signed a joint agreement to that effect. The glasses in question look like ordinary glasses or […]
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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