IWCN Procedure for Non-EU Citizens

In order to make use of the streamlined formality procedures of the International Welcome Center North, the employer must be registered as a recognized sponsor with the IND (Immigration Service). Furthermore, the Highly-skilled Migrant, Scientific Researcher, Orientation Year, Intra-Corporate Transferee, EU-Blue Card holder, or Start-up entrepreneur (and their families) must live in – or work for a company located in – one of the municipalities participating in the IWCN (Assen, Eemsdelta, Emmen, Groningen, Heerenveen, Het Hogeland, Leeuwarden, Midden-Groningen, Noordenveld, Smallingerland, Súdwest-Fryslân or Veendam).

Prior to the appointment

• Please take into consideration that the IWCN charges fees for its services. We accept VPAY and Maestro debit cards for payment of the fees (if applicable). An invoice for the fees (if applicable) will be provided to the client during the appointment. Payment should be made during the appointment. For those clients without a VPAY or Maestro debit card, we can send an invoice by email to the client via PayPal.
  Alternatively, upon request by the company, we can send an invoice by email to the company representative.
• The employer or authorized organization should download the applicable IND form or use the online IND portal if authorized. Please note: there are separate forms for each employee type and immediate family members. For more information, please see this link on the IND site.
• The employer or authorized organization should complete the form and select the appropriate procedure. Make sure the direct debit form and the antecedents certificate have been signed and copies of all the necessary documents have been attached.
• Select “Groningen” under the location of the Expatcenter where the residence document will be collected on the application form.
• Send the completed application along with the requested appendices either online, or by post to the IND at the specified address on the form.

• The IND will send a confirmation letter to the employer or authorized organization once the completed application has been received. If the application is incomplete, the IND will indicate which items are missing and are required for re-submission.
• As soon as the IND makes a positive decision about the application, the IND will notify the IWCN and the IWCN will contact the employer or authorized organization to make an appointment for the employee and, if applicable, his or her family members. If the employer or authorized organization receives a positive decision but has not been contacted by the IWCN within 3 days, the employer should contact the IWCN. Please send an email to formalities@iwcn.nl and include your name, email address, company and short message and we will contact you.
• The employer or authorized organization will receive an email from the IWCN concerning the appointment, which should be forwarded to the employee. The email will contain a list of all of the required documents necessary for the procedures at the IWCN:  valid passports or country IDs; color scans of birth, marriage, and divorce certificates with the appropriate legalizations and translations, if required; completed municipal registration forms; and proof of address in the Netherlands.
• Digital copies of all the required documents in PDF format must be emailed to formalities@iwcn.nl well before the appointment. Original paper documents should be brought to the appointment.
• NOTE: ALL OF THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS NEED TO BE COMPLETE, CORRECT, and DELIVERED ON TIME IN ORDER TO USE THE ACCELERATED FORMALITIES SERVICES AT THE IWCN.

During the IWCN appointment

The visit will involve meeting an IND representative and a representative from the local Municipality. The employee (and applicable family members) must bring the originals of all the required documents with them to the appointment.

• If biometric data (fingerprints, signature and photograph) were taken at the Dutch consulate where the applicant collected his or her MVV entry visa (if required), then the applicant will receive his or her residence document at the IWCN.
• If no biometrics were taken previously, or if an MVV entry visa was not required, then biometric data will be taken during the appointment at the IWCN. It will take the IND about 1-2 weeks to prepare the residence card. Until that time, a residence sticker can be placed in the employee’s passport (upon request), allowing them to start work immediately. The employee will be notified when the card is ready to collect. The residence card must be collected in person by appointment on Tuesdays (10:00- 12:00, 13:00 to 16:00 hours) or Thursdays (10:00- 12:00, 13:00 to 16:00 hours).
• After finishing with the IND representative, the employee will meet with a representative of the local Municipality to register in the municipal database.
• The employee will immediately be issued a BSN during the appointment if they live in or will register at an address in Groningen. It can take up to three business days to receive a BSN by post if the employee registers in one of the other participating municipalities (Assen, Eemsdelta, Emmen, Heerenveen, Het Hogeland, Leeuwarden, Midden-Groningen, Noordenveld, Smallingerland, Súdwest-Fryslân or Veendam).
• Following the appointment, the employee (and applicable family members) will have the opportunity to ask the IWCN staff any other questions they may have about living in the Northern Netherlands. They can receive referrals for services and be able to obtain information on other practical matters. In addition, the employee will have the opportunity to start building a social network by participating in events and activities organized by the IWCN.