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, 18th of April 2026 | Groningen
Rescheduled! | FietsFriend Outing: Tulip Tour | Groningen
Free
Trips & Discoveries
Fri, 17th of April 2026 | Groningen
NEW! | Wings & Roots – Women Connecting in The North | Groningen
Cultural Sharing
Social Gatherings
Thu, 30th of April 2026 | Groningen
How to Hire an International | IWCN Expert Session
Free
Information
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
New section of Herestraat already taking shape: former Hotel Frigge building restored to its former glory
Construction work on the C&A building in Herestraat has been ongoing for months, and anyone who regularly walks through this well-known shopping street can follow the developments in real time. The latest update: the former Hotel Frigge building has been renovated and restored to its original state. The C&A building on Herestraat is undergoing a […]
Restoration of Martinikerk exterior set to begin soon
The restoration of the exterior of the Martinikerk is about to begin. Due to prolonged exposure to the elements, several parts of the church are in need of maintenance. The work will start on Wednesday morning and is expected to last between 10 and 12 weeks. The church will remain open to visitors and activities […]
Ten years in prison and mandatory psychiatric treatment for Mark S. in major sextortion case
The 32-year-old Mark S. from Borculo was sentenced on friday afternoon to ten years in prison and mandatory psychiatric treatment, Dutch broadcaster NOS reports. The court in Groningen convicted him of rape, the sexual extortion of at least 21 women and girls, and producing child pornography. The prison sentence is lower than the 12 years […]
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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