Immigration & Formalities
Request an appointment for Formalities Services (IND and municipality)
Learn more
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
Sat, 4th of April 2026 | Groningen
Historical City Tour – Groningen’s Slavery Past | Groningen
Free
In Collaboration with External
Trips & Discoveries
Tue, 7th of April 2026 | Groningen
Work related discrimination issues | Groningen
Free
In Collaboration with External
Integration
Networking
Thu, 9th of April 2026 | Groningen
Dutch Customs & Culture – Interactive session | Groningen
Free
Information
Integration
Fri, 10th of April 2026 | Groningen
Expats Meetup | Groningen
Free
In Collaboration with External
Social Gatherings
Sat, 11th of April 2026 | Groningen
FietsFriend Outing: Tulip Tour | Groningen
Free
Trips & Discoveries
Sun, 12th of April 2026 | Groningen
Walking Club | Groningen
Clubs
Social Gatherings
Sports & Wellness
Fri, 17th of April 2026 | Groningen
NEW! | Wings & Roots – Women Connecting in The North | Groningen
Cultural Sharing
Social Gatherings
Thu, 30th of April 2026 | Groningen
How to Hire an International | IWCN Expert Session
Free
Information
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
More depression and anxiety in Groningen linked to earthquakes
Residents of the earthquake-affected region in Groningen are significantly more likely to experience anxiety and depression symptoms, according to new research by the UMCG and the University of Groningen (RUG). The researchers estimate that the impact amounts to tens of thousands of additional cases. The findings are based on data from Lifelines, a large-scale, long-term […]
Koen Mulder takes over fine dining restaurant Voilà: “such a magical place”
Koen Mulder, owner of restaurants De Betere Tijden and De Oude Tijden, is taking over the fine dining restaurant Voilà en Feu. His successful formula will return, but with a twist. Chefs Hans Parmentier and Roeland Schaap will take charge of the kitchen. “We could have reopened the very same day,” Koen Mulder says about […]
Final municipal election results confirmed: parties explore new governing coalition
The results of the municipal council elections have been finalized, the city council announced on Thursday during a post-election briefing. Initial steps toward forming a new governing coalition are already underway. All parties were given the opportunity to respond to the outcome. The progressive green party GroenLinks-PvdA spoke first. Although the party lost two seats, […]
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!