Welcome to the North
The International Welcome Center North helps you arrange practical matters (such as 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
Saturday Discoveries Groningen: Visiting second hand shops
International Meet-Up Leeuwarden #3 – Language, No Problem!
Expats in Groningen Meetup
Dutch History & Culture | Pub Quiz: Uncovering the Netherlands’ history of slavery – In Collaboration with Waard, Kenniscentrum voor Inclusie
Intercultural Afternoon Groningen, in collaboration with Groningen Professionals
Join our events!
News from the North
After a succesful first edition, Wintergoud expands: “This year even more beautiful, bigger and longer”
From 28 November, the city centre of Groningen will once again transform into a winter wonderland for five weeks. “Last year’s success spoke for itself,” says alderman Carine Bloemhoff. “That’s why Wintergoud and Winterstad will be even more beautiful, bigger and longer this year.” A successful first edition The first edition of Wintergoud last year […]
First-ever English guide to Groningen released
Good news for English-speaking residents and visitors: this Friday marks the release of the very first English-language guide to the city. The book launch of At Home in Groningen will take place at Café de Sleutel from 4 to 6 p.m. Author Anna Bezpala takes readers on a journey through Groningen: from traditional brown cafés […]
Growing shortage of student housing, including in Groningen
The Netherlands is facing a growing shortage of student housing. In Groningen too, the number of available student rooms is rapidly declining, according to new research by knowledge center Kences. The housing shortage is increasing fastest in major student cities. The main reason: more and more student properties are being sold. Student rooms can currently […]
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+
3
45,000+
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!”
“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.”
“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!”
“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!”
