Welcome to the North
We are here to support international newcomers in smoothly transitioning to living, working, and settling in the beautiful region of the Northern Netherlands.
Opening hours
Monday till Thursday from 9:30 – 12:00 & 13:00 – 16:30
Did You Know?
European Elections
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News from the North
Feeling unsafe at school: A quarter of young people in Groningen and Drenthe face bullying and discrimination
A new study conducted by the Social Planbureau Groningen and Trendbureau Drenthe has painted a concerning picture of the experiences of young people in schools across the provinces of Groningen and Drenthe. The study, involving over 850 participants aged 12-18, found that a significant number of young people feel unsafe and disrespected at school, and […]
Double whammy for mailboxes: PostNL hikes stamp prices after every-other-day delivery shocker
Just when we were recovering from the shock of PostNL’s plans to deliver mail every other day instead of the current daily schedule, the postal service hits us again with another blow: a price hike for stamps. Effective July 1, the price of a stamp will increase from €1.09 to €1.14. The company cites rising […]
Russian fishing vessels suspected of spying in Groningen – report
Russian fishing vessels that are docking regularly at Groningen’s Eemshaven port are being suspected of spying, according to a report by investigative journalism platform Pointer. On Saturday, Pointer wrote that Reefer ships from the Russian fishing company Norebo are mooring in Eemshaven every two weeks close to a military site. According to the Belgian broadcaster […]
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+
3
35,000+
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!”
“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!”