Immigration & Formalities
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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
How to Avoid Rental Scams in Groningen
Thu, 5th of February 2026 | Friesland
Language Cafe – Leeuwarden
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Thu, 5th of March 2026 | Friesland
Language Cafe – Leeuwarden
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Thu, 2nd of April 2026 | Friesland
Language Cafe – Leeuwarden
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Thu, 16th of April 2026 | Friesland
Language Cafe – Leeuwarden
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Thu, 19th of March 2026 | Friesland
Language Cafe – Leeuwarden
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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
Red Bull slopestyle brings extreme mountain biking to Groningen’s Grote Markt
This summer, the Grote Markt will be transformed into an impressive course for the international Red Bull mountain bike slopestyle competition. The buildings surrounding the square will become part of the event: mountain bikers will jump from rooftops onto high ramps on the square and perform spectacular tricks. It is the first time this competition […]
Protest announced against visit by organisation of controversial faith healer Tom de Wal
The upcoming visit of Frontrunners, the organisation of controversial faith healer Tom de Wal, has already sparked significant debate. The organisation is known for preaching that prayer can cure cancer and that homosexuality can be ‘healed’. Several groups have announced a counter-protest this saturday. “They come with a ‘cure’. We come with the truth,” COC […]
Winter fun returns: thick blanket of snow expected overnight Tuesday into Wednesday
The KNMI is forecasting renewed winter conditions in the north of the Netherlands. Heavy snowfall is expected during the night from Tuesday into Wednesday, with up to 10 centimetres predicted locally. The KNMI warns that the snow may cause hazardous road conditions. As temperatures are expected to remain low, icy conditions could persist for an […]
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
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