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
5 Things You Need to Do After Arriving in the Netherlands
Moving to a new country is exciting, but it comes with many things that need to be taken care of, both before and right after you arrive. To make it easier, we've put together a list of five things that you need to do upon arrival to ensure a smooth start to your new life here in the Northern Netherlands.
Thu, 15th of October 2026 | Friesland
How to Hire an International | IWCN Expert Session
Free
In Collaboration with External
Information
Wed, 28th of October 2026 | Online
How to Stay Financially Fit in the Netherlands | ABN AMRO Webinar
External Event
Free
Integration
Wed, 28th of October 2026 | Groningen
Dutch History & Culture – The Dutch Canon | Groningen
Free
Integration
Social Gatherings
Tue, 3rd of November 2026 | Online
Navigating the Dutch Education System | IWCN Webinar
Free
Information
Wed, 18th of November 2026 | Groningen
Dutch History & Culture – The Royal Family | Groningen
Free
Integration
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
Hoe recruitment agencies Amsterdam van automotive-talent voorzien
De automotive sector verandert razendsnel. Elektrificatie, digitalisering en veranderende klantbehoeften stellen nieuwe eisen aan het personeel van autobedrijven, dealers en importeurs. Wie HR automotive niet serieus neemt, merkt dat snel aan de kwaliteit van zijn team. Tegelijkertijd is technisch en commercieel automotive personeel moeilijker te vinden dan ooit. Recruitment agencies Amsterdam die de sector kennen, […]
Growth at the University of Groningen, but fewer students choosing languages
The number of students at the University of Groningen (RUG) has increased slightly, while enrolment in language studies is declining. This is happening at a time when there is a growing need for language students, writes the university newspaper UKrant. The RUG has not yet released the exact increase in student numbers. These figures will […]
RUG researcher develops swarm of small robots for infrastructure inspection
At the University of Groningen, researcher Bahar Haghighat is developing small robots that can move in swarms along bridges, viaducts and roads to carry out inspections. There has been a lot of discussion recently about the state of the Netherlands’ infrastructure. Much of the country’s infrastructure was built after the Second World War, which means […]
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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