Immigration & Formalities
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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
Thu, 26th of February 2026 | Groningen
Dutch History & Culture – Dutch national holidays | Groningen
Free
Information
Integration
Thu, 26th of February 2026 | Online
Filing your Income Tax in the Netherlands | IWCN Webinar
Free
Information
Thu, 26th of February 2026 | Friesland
Entrepreneurs Friesland – meet, share, build & grow | Leeuwarden
Business
Networking
Social Gatherings
Start-up
Fri, 13th of March 2026 | Groningen
NEW! | Wings & Roots – Women Connecting in The North | Groningen
Cultural Sharing
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
New fine dining restaurant Luwte to open on Groningen’s Zwanestraat
A new fine dining restaurant is set to open this June on Groningen’s Zwanestraat. The former Bakkerscafé at number 26 will be transformed into restaurant Luwte, led by chef Falk van Essen and sommelier Caroline de Vries. Both Van Essen and De Vries currently work at the Michelin-starred Herberg Onder de Linden in Aduard, bringing […]
Green light for Healthy Ageing Campus vision, but future of DOT not yet included
The municipal council has approved the area vision for the Healthy Ageing Campus. The area is intended to combine housing, work, research, education and healthcare. One part of the campus area, DOT, has been left out of the plan for now, as further research is needed into whether the building can be preserved. Late last […]
Thousands of new homes in Groningen: new housing plan adopted by Groningen city council
16,000 new homes, reducing vacancy rates, and more social housing in the southern part of the city: these are some of the measures included in a new public housing plan. On Wednesday, the city council approved the new plan. To tackle the housing shortage, the motto is: “build, build, and renovate.” The plan states that […]
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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