Get started with your life in the North

Welcome to the Northern Netherlands! Discover everything you need to know to make this beautiful region your new home.

Opening hours
Monday till Thursday from 9:30 – 12:00 & 13:00 – 16:30

Discover our beautiful region

Groningen

Find out why nothing tops Groningen: a province of culture, history and higher education.
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Friesland

With their rich history and their own unique language, Friesland or Fryslân is a special place in the North.
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Drenthe

Explore the natural beauty and innovative business sectors in the province of Drenthe.
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International Student

Checklist: Moving to the Netherlands

Moving to the North soon? Fantastic! It’s a truly special region with plenty of room to grow.

To make sure you’re properly prepared, check out our list of everything that international students need to know before moving to the Northern Netherlands.

New events every week

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

Fremantle Highway to be towed to Rotterdam

The Fremantle Highway, a car carrier that was severely damaged by fire in July, will be towed to the port of Rotterdam on Thursday afternoon. The vessel has been docked at the Eemshaven since early August, where it was partially dismantled. Scheduled for a 3:00pm departure, the plan is to have the ship clear the […]

More explosions rock Groningen province

During the early hours of Wednesday morning, residents of Oude Pekela were shaken to the core. An explosion was set off on a building at the Feiko Clockstraat damaging a nail salon.  A few hours later, a house on Wezelstraat in Winschoten was also the target of an explosion. Winschoten resident Fenna Suur who lives […]

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.

20+

Years of experience

3

Great provinces

35,000+

Internationals helped

We helped 35,000+ 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!