Immigration & Formalities
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Due to the Code Orange weather warning, we will open February 4th from 10:30 onwards.
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
Thu, 5th of February 2026 | Friesland
Language Cafe – Leeuwarden
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Thu, 5th of March 2026 | Friesland
Language Cafe – Leeuwarden
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Thu, 2nd of April 2026 | Friesland
Language Cafe – Leeuwarden
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Thu, 16th of April 2026 | Friesland
Language Cafe – Leeuwarden
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Thu, 19th of March 2026 | Friesland
Language Cafe – Leeuwarden
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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 10,000 signatures for preservation of DOT
The petition calling for the preservation of the DOT building at the City Beach passed the 10,000-signature mark this weekend. Local residents are using the petition to oppose plans to demolish the spherical building to make way for the Healthy Ageing Campus. DOT has stood at the site since 2014 and was always intended to […]
More conferences to Groningen: “Economic spin-off worth millions of euros”
The municipality of Groningen wants to make full use of funding from Nij Begun to attract more national and international conferences. “Fantastic news,” says Martiniplaza director Willem de Kok, who is also chairman of the Groningen Conference Alliance. “This represents an economic spin-off of millions of euros per year.” Groningen was once the fifth-largest conference […]
Vechtstraat mural to remain for now: municipality to conduct investigation
The municipality will investigate whether the mural on the corner of Vechtstraat and Hereweg can remain after all. The city council voted unanimously in favor of this on Wednesday evening. The mural, titled ‘The Theatre of the Dream’, was created by the artists’ collective Toyists and is considered “illegal.” One week before its unveiling, it […]
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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