Get started with your life in the North
Welcome to the Northern Netherlands! Discover everything you need to know to make this beautiful region your new home.
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
Biotech company chooses Northern Netherlands for first commercial fermentation factory
Biotech company ChainCraft wants to build its first commercial fermentation factory in the North of the Netherlands. In a statement, ChainCraft CEO Niels van Stralen said the original plan was to build the factory near Amsterdam. That idea turned out not to be feasible due to the lack of space and power supply. The company, […]
‘Closing hours for democracy?’ – University Council and activists critical of Groningen’s university rules for protests
”Can we even protest in the first place?” asks Lisa Thomas in a sarcastic tone, commenting on the new demonstration rules. She is a University of Groningen (RUG) student and activist who has experienced demonstrating against the university. The new rules proposed by the University Board (or College van Bestuur, CvB) include a ban on […]
From pasta to palettes: Art takes center stage at former Vapiano restaurant in Groningen
The Nieuwe Markt in Groningen has undergone a transformation. The once-bustling Vapiano restaurant has been temporarily converted into a pop-up art gallery by local arts organization Kunstpunt Groningen. Visitors can now explore a selection of curated exhibitions alongside works by talented artists from the Groningen region. The pop-up gallery serves as a portal into the […]
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!”