International Welcome Center North (IWCN)

The International Welcome Center North (IWCN) is a one-stop shop for international people living in Groningen, Friesland and Drenthe. We offer government formalities (residence permits and municipal registration); information (practical information and referrals to reliable service providers); and social activities (a chance to start building a social and/or business network during activities and events). All of this happens at one location, and we are open Mon-Fri, 9:30-16:30. All Highly-skilled Migrants, Scientific Researchers, Orientation Year talents, EU Blue Card holders, Start-up entrepreneurs, Intra-corporate Transferees and their families from all three Northern provinces may use the International Welcome Center North to swiftly arrange government formalities, provided that they live in, or work for a company located in, one of the associated municipalities and that their employer is registered as a “recognized sponsor” with the IND. Qualifying non-EU/EEA employees and their families no longer need to register separately with the Municipality and the Immigration Service (IND), but can obtain their residence permits and citizen service numbers (BSN) in one meeting at the International Welcome Center North in Groningen. Citizens of the EU/EEA or Switzerland do not need a residence permit to stay in the Netherlands if their stay is based on the EC Treaty, but they are still required to register with their local Municipality, and this can be accomplished at the IWCN using an accelerated procedure. All international residents of the three Northern provinces, whether EU/EEA or non-EU/EEA, are welcome to use the information services and join in on the social activities and events of the International Welcome Center North. With streamlined formality procedures combined with an information and service location, the International Welcome Center North aims to better serve the working and living needs of the international community in the Northern Netherlands.