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 9:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 17:00 (Tuesdays and Thursdays appointments only)
Our Services
Our latest blog post
5 Things You Need to Do After Arriving in the Netherlands
Moving to a new country is exciting, but it comes with many things that need to be taken care of, both before and right after you arrive. To make it easier, we've put together a list of five things that you need to do upon arrival to ensure a smooth start to your new life here in the Northern Netherlands.
Thu, 8th of October 2026 | Groningen
De Lifecycle van de Arbeidsrelatie met een International | IWCN Expert Session
Free
Information
Fri, 14th of August 2026 | Groningen
Expats Meetup | Groningen
Free
In Collaboration with External
Social Gatherings
Fri, 21st of August 2026 | Groningen
Wings & Roots – Women Connecting in The North | Groningen
Cultural Sharing
Social Gatherings
Wed, 26th of August 2026 |
Historical City Tour – Groningen’s Slavery Past | Groningen
Free
In Collaboration with External
Trips & Discoveries
Wed, 16th of September 2026 | Groningen
Let’s Talk Dutch! – Beginners | Groningen
Integration
Language
Wed, 16th of September 2026 | Groningen
Let’s Talk Dutch! – Level B1+ | Groningen
Integration
Language
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
Groningen braces for rare solar eclipse
Groningen is getting ready for a spectacular evening on Wednesday, August 12, when the province will witness the largest solar eclipse visible from the Netherlands since 1999. The eclipse will begin at 7:17 p.m., reaching its peak at 8:11 p.m. A similar event will not occur again until 2088. The rare phenomenon is already attracting […]
More than 20,000 visitors at Grote Markt for Red Bull District Ride
More than 20,000 spectators flooded Groningen’s Grote Markt on Saturday to witness the spectacular tricks of the world’s best mountain bikers during the Red Bull District Ride. Both the event organizers and the municipality hailed the event as a major success. “It has put Groningen on the map, both nationally and internationally.” Even during what […]
More than 20,000 spectators flooded Groningen’s Grote Markt on Saturday to witness the spectacular tricks of the world’s best mountain bikers during the Red Bull District Ride. Both the event organizers and the municipality hailed the event as a major success. “It has put Groningen on the map, both nationally and internationally.” Even during what […]
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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