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
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.
Thu, 25th of June 2026 | Online
Dreaming of buying a house in the Netherlands? | ING Webinar
Integration
Language
Wed, 1st of July 2026 | Groningen
Historical City Tour – Slavery Past, Keti Koti edition | Groningen
Free
In Collaboration with External
Trips & Discoveries
Fri, 10th of July 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
Study: Almost half of teenagers in Groningen and Drenthe encounter fake news every day
Almost half of young people in the Dutch provinces of Groningen and Drenthe come across fake news on a daily basis. This is one of the key findings from a study conducted by Trendbureau Drenthe and Sociaal Planbureau Groningen among members of the Drenthe and Groningen Youth Panel. Despite this frequent exposure, many young people […]
New memory test may help detect dementia earlier
A spin-off from the University of Groningen, Precision Cognition Labs, has developed a memory test that measures how quickly people forget information. “The first seconds and minutes contain the most valuable information about the state of a person’s memory.” The test could help improve the early detection of dementia. The number of people living with […]
This Weekend: Pride in Groningen
This weekend marks the fifth edition of Pride in Groningen. A variety of events will take place across the city to celebrate and highlight the rainbow community. As in previous years, there will be a colorful and festive parade: the Pride Walk. On Friday, June 19, the election for the new Drag Artist of 2026 […]
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
We are here to help
Still have questions?
Don't worry, our team is happy to help!