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
How to Avoid Rental Scams in Groningen
Sat, 14th of February 2026 | Friesland
NEW! Speedfriending on St. Valentine’s Day | Leeuwarden
Food & Drinks
Social Gatherings
Wed, 18th of February 2026 | Friesland
Color Me Stress Free – Adult Coloring | Leeuwarden
Relaxing
Social Gatherings
Workshop
Fri, 20th of February 2026 | Groningen
NEW! | Wings & Roots – Women Connecting in The North | Groningen
Cultural Sharing
Social Gatherings
Tue, 24th of February 2026 | Friesland
Women’s Circle | Leeuwarden
Clubs
Networking
Social Gatherings
Sat, 4th of April 2026 | Groningen
Historical City Tour – Groningen’s Slavery Past | Groningen
Free
In Collaboration with External
Trips & Discoveries
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
Oude Ebbingestraat to undergo major redesign
The Oude Ebbingestraat and its surrounding area are set for a major redesign. The municipality will soon begin drawing up plans for a new layout. What is already clear is that there will be more space for pedestrians and cyclists, additional greenery, and more room to live, work and spend leisure time. Residents and business […]
Blues Tour returns to Groningen cafés: “Blues is not just for old men”
Classic blues, country, bluegrass, and even boogie: the Blues Tour will take place in the city again on February 28. Visitors can wander from café to café (free of charge) to enjoy a wide variety of live blues music. This will be the sixteenth edition of the Blues Tour. Blues enthusiasts Wim Angerman and Wim […]
Twelve Groningen city restaurants listed in Gault & Millau; three climb the rankings
Twelve restaurants in the city of Groningen are included this year in the renowned Gault & Millau restaurant guide. Three establishments improved their scores compared to last year: Bisque, De Oude Tijden and Cicci’s. Bisque, located on Verlengde Hereweg, gained half a point, rising from 13.5 last year to 14 this year. De Oude Tijden […]
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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