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 9:30 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 16:30.
The IWCN is closed for the holidays from 22 December 2025 through 2 January 2026.
Our Services
Our latest blog post
How to Avoid Rental Scams in Groningen
Share your Culture Series: Boba Meetup – Groningen
Intercultural Afternoon Groningen, in collaboration with Groningen Professionals
Expats in Groningen Meetup
Share your Culture Series: Boba Meetup – Groningen
Join our events!
News from the North
Work at station for new bicycle tunnel
In the coming months, the walls of the new bicycle tunnel will be installed at the main station. To make this possible, parts of the platform will be cordoned off in different sections, and some shops will be less accessible. The walls are being placed into the ground using a special machine — a tall […]
Groningen gets a brand-new karaoke bar: Duke of Tokyo
After Amsterdam, Utrecht and Rotterdam, Groningen will now also get its own Duke of Tokyo. The karaoke and cocktail bar will open on December 12th on Poelestraat, in the former Blokes building. The concept follows the Japanese karaoke model, where visitors sing in a private room, either alone or with a group. There is also […]
‘Illegal’ artwork on Vechtstraat must go, neighbourhood starts petition
Residents have launched a petition to preserve the artwork on the corner of Vechtstraat and Hereweg. Despite more than 1,600 hours of work and a municipal subsidy, the mural must be removed because the wall is said to be part of a protected monument. The artwork on the corner of Vechtstraat and Hereweg has been […]
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!”
