Immigration & Formalities
Request an appointment for Formalities Services (IND and municipality)
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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.
Our Services
Our latest blog post
Relocating to the Netherlands? Download the NL Relocation App!
Are you moving to the Netherlands? What if we told you there's an app to make your transition easier? Introducing the NL Relocation App—your personalized guide to a seamless move and smooth settling in.
Tue, 16th of June 2026 | Friesland
Finding Your Feet in Friesland | Drachten
Cultural Sharing
Free
Integration
Sun, 21st of June 2026 | Groningen
Walking Club | Groningen
Clubs
Social Gatherings
Sports & Wellness
Fri, 10th of July 2026 | Groningen
Expats Meetup | Groningen
Free
In Collaboration with External
Social Gatherings
Join our events!
Whether you're interested in cycling, cultural activities, social clubs, family-friendly outings, or informative events, we've got you covered.
News from the North
University of Groningen study: asthma drug brings back memories in mice
Researchers at the University of Groningen have shown that an asthma medication can help mice retrieve memories after a poor night’s sleep. In the future, the findings could potentially contribute to treatments for memory loss caused by Alzheimer’s disease. Poor sleep can affect memory, making it more difficult to recall who you met the previous […]
Packed house at DOT for the World Cup: ‘We had to bring in extra beer kegs’”
“It was absolutely crazy, fantastic, unbelievable,” said Theun Heeg of DOT on Sunday evening, his voice still hoarse from the evening before. Around 1,500 Dutch football fans gathered at DOT, which had been transformed for the occasion into Europe’s largest football, to watch the Dutch national team’s opening match. In just a few hours, approximately 4,000 […]
University of Groningen plans deep cuts: Honours College disappears, forced layoffs not ruled out
The University of Groningen must cut approximately €45 million from its budget by 2030. The university’s Executive Board has presented a broad package of austerity measures to the University Council, with both students and staff expected to feel the impact. It had already been announced that the university would reduce its workforce, including through a […]
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+
Years of experience
3
Great provinces
45,000+
Internationals helped
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!”
Muhamed Amin
Saudi Arabia
“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.”
Kervin Zamora
Honduras
“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!”
Siddharta Omar
India
“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!”
Valerio Cugia
Italy
Founders and Supporters of IWCN
We are here to help
Still have questions?
Don't worry, our team is happy to help!