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
Praat Nederlands Day 2026
We challenge you to speak Dutch for a one full day during Praat Nederlands Day! Join fun events and practice speaking in everyday situations in Drenthe, Friesland and Groningen. All events are held in simple Dutch and we encourage everyone to join, no matter if you're a beginner or already more advanced in Dutch.
Wed, 18th of November 2026 | Groningen
Dutch History & Culture – The Royal Family | Groningen
Free
Integration
Social Gatherings
Wed, 25th of November 2026 | Friesland
Fryslân Connected – Feel at Home!
Free
In Collaboration with External
Information
Integration
Networking
Praat Nederlands Day
Social Gatherings
Wed, 2nd of December 2026 | Friesland
Finding Your Feet in Friesland | Leeuwarden
Cultural Sharing
Free
Integration
Thu, 3rd of December 2026 | Groningen
Dutch Customs & Culture – Interactive session | Groningen
Free
Information
Integration
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
Keuzegids: UG ranked second-best comprehensive university in the Netherlands
The University of Groningen (UG) is the second-best comprehensive university in the Netherlands. In the Keuzegids Universiteiten 2027, the UG shares this position with Radboud University in Nijmegen. Utrecht University takes first place, as it did last year. The guide awards eight UG degree programmes the ‘Top Programme’ label: Global Responsibility and Leadership, Archaeology, English […]
Groningen jeans brand Spiekerboks nominated for European award
The Groningen jeans brand Spiekerboks has been nominated by the European Circular Fashion Awards in the category of best emerging circular solution. Spiekerboks is the only Dutch project to have been nominated. Spiekerboks is an initiative of Groningen Werkt Circulair, intended to make 100% recycled jeans within a local circular production system. Spiekerboks is not […]
Police warn of WhatsApp scam using voting request for young dancer
Police in Groningen are warning about criminals trying to gain access to WhatsApp accounts. They do so by sending a fake request asking people to vote for a young dancer. The message often appears to come from someone the recipient knows. The request is usually sent through the WhatsApp account of one of the recipient’s […]
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.
10+
Years of experience
3
Great provinces
55,000+
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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