Welcome to the North
We are here to support international newcomers in smoothly transitioning to living, working, and settling in the beautiful region of the Northern Netherlands.
Opening hours
Monday to Thursday, 09:30 – 12:00 & 13:00 – 16:30
The IWCN is closed on the following days in 2025:
18 & 21 April; 5, 29 & 30 May; 9 June; 22 through 31 December.
(And 1 & 2 January 2026).
Our latest blog post
How to Avoid Rental Scams in Groningen
New events every week
Leeuwarden Let’s Talk Dutch – Beginner (A1)
Leeuwarden Let’s Talk Dutch – Advanced (B1+)
Groningen Walking Club: Hornsemeer, Meerwold, Paterswolde and Hoorn Diep
Join our events!
News from the North
“We aim to create an event on contemporary EU legal issues” – Nexus chair
Student association Nexus is setting its sights on hosting its most ambitious event yet: a European Law Summit that will bring together law students from across Europe to engage in high-level networking and career-building at the heart of EU law. “We aim to create an event centred on contemporary EU legal issues, featuring a panel […]
Tragic end to search for missing Groningen children
The search for missing siblings Jeffrey (10) and Emma (8) from the province of Groningen concluded in heartbreak after police confirmed on Wednesday that their bodies, along with that of their father, were recovered from a submerged car in Winschoten. The children had been missing since Saturday afternoon, after being kidnapped by their father, Klaas […]
Minerva students to hold graduation show
Students from Groningen’s Academie Minerva will be exhibiting their works in a graduation show that’s open to the public. The Minerva art school announced that the Graduation Show will be spread across eight locations between June 14 and 16. Around 160 graduated artists, designers, performers, and art teachers will showcase their work to the public. […]
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+
3
45,000+
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!”
“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!”
