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
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.
Fri, 10th of July 2026 | Groningen
Expats Meetup | Groningen
Free
In Collaboration with External
Social Gatherings
Sat, 1st of August 2026 | Groningen
Historical City Tour – Groningen’s Slavery Past | Groningen
Free
In Collaboration with External
Trips & Discoveries
Thu, 8th of October 2026 | Groningen
De Lifecycle van de Arbeidsrelatie met een International | IWCN Expert Session
Free
Information
Sun, 30th of August 2026 | Groningen
Walking Club | Groningen
Clubs
Social Gatherings
Sports & Wellness
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
Missing Siberian diamond found after nearly 20 years
A Siberian diamond that disappeared from the University Museum Groningen nearly 20 years ago has been found. The rare gemstone turned up among a collection of fossils at the Hunebed Centre in Borger-Odoorn. On Friday, July 10, it will be officially returned to the University Museum Groningen. The gemstone is an uncut diamond from Siberia, […]
De Nieuwe Markt in Groningen city centre: “a marketplace for local creatives”
Four months ago, a new shop opened its doors on Oude Kijk in ‘t Jatstraat: De Nieuwe Markt. Co-owner Marte Lier describes it as “a marketplace for all kinds of things, from second-hand clothing to artwork by local makers.” “With this shop, we want to bring even more creativity to the city.” The store is […]
From sing-alongs to dance: new summer festival comes to Groningen City Centre
Dutch sing-alongs, dance, disco, golden oldies and today’s biggest hits. This summer, the heart of Groningen’s nightlife district will transform into a giant open-air party on several occasions during the Groningen Summer Festival. On 23 July, 30 July, 20 August and 28 August, multiple stages and outdoor bars will pop up throughout Poelestraat, Peperstraat and […]
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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