Formalities for Non-EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens
Non-EU/EEA highly skilled employees who fulfill the requirements for this service and their families no longer need to register separately with the municipality and the Immigration Service (IND).
This includes Highly-skilled migrants, Scientific Researchers, Intra-Corporate Transferees, Orientation year, Start-up, EU Blue card, EU employees, and their family members only. They can obtain their residence permits and register for their citizen service numbers (BSN) in a single meeting at International Welcome Center North in Groningen.
For IND services at IWCN, the employer must be registered as a recognized sponsor with the IND. A list of recognized sponsors can be found here.
If Non-EU/EEA or Swiss citizens live in – or work for a company located in – one of the associated municipalities (currently Assen, Eemsdelta, Emmen, Groningen, Heerenveen, Het Hogeland, Leeuwarden, Midden-Groningen, Noordenveld, Smallingerland, Súdwest-Fryslân and Veendam), they can also use the accelerated registration procedure.
If they live or work in Groningen, they will obtain a BSN during their IWCN appointment. If they live or work in one of the associated municipalities other than Groningen, they will receive their BSN by post within three postal business days at their registration address.
These processes normally can take 2 to 4 weeks and require a visit at multiple locations. So this accelerated procedure saves significant time and effort! Please be aware that we charge a fee for this service.
Appointments must be made in advance and are held at the following times:
Tuesdays and Thursdays:
9:50-12:00: IND only
13:00 – 16:00: IND
13:30 – 16:30: Municipality