Immigration & Formalities
Request an appointment for Formalities Services (IND and municipality)
Learn more
Due to national holidays, we will be closed on the following days: Tuesday May 5th, Thursday May 14th and Monday May 25th.
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
Relocating to the Netherlands? Download the NL Relocation App!
Are you moving to the Netherlands? What if we told you there's an app to make your transition easier? Introducing the NL Relocation App—your personalized guide to a seamless move and smooth settling in.
Tue, 12th of May 2026 | Online
Buying your First Home in the Netherlands | IWCN Webinar
Free
Information
Tue, 12th of May 2026 | Groningen
Dutch History & Culture: The Netherlands on the Global Stage | Groningen
Free
Information
Integration
Sun, 17th of May 2026 | Groningen
Intercultural Afternoon | Groningen
Cultural Sharing
In Collaboration with External
Networking
Social Gatherings
Thu, 28th of May 2026 | Groningen
International Spouses Networking | Groningen
Free
In Collaboration with External
Integration
Fri, 12th of June 2026 | Groningen
Expats Meetup | Groningen
Free
In Collaboration with External
Social Gatherings
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
This is how Red Bull will turn the city center of Groningen into a mountain biking course
Groningen’s central square, the Grote Markt, will be transformed into a spectacular mountain biking course during the weekend of July 24 and 25. As part of the Red Bull District Ride, the company will transform the city center. New visual previews reveal what the course will look like, featuring an eye-catching highlight: a drop from […]
6 misconceptions about studying in the Netherlands (and what’s actually true)
The Netherlands has been popular among international students for years. With English-taught programmes, strong universities, and a central location in Europe, it seems like an ideal place to study. However, expectations don’t always match reality. Many assumptions are only partly true. By understanding these misconceptions, you can prepare better and avoid surprises. 1. “Everyone speaks […]
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 […]
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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