To obtain a residence permit in Iceland, you generally need to follow these steps:

  1. Determine the Purpose of Your Stay: Identify the reason for your intended stay in Iceland, such as work, study, family reunification, or other purposes. Each category may have specific requirements and application procedures.
  2. Research and Gather Required Documents: Visit the official website of the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration (www.utl.is) to understand the specific requirements for your particular situation. Prepare all the necessary documents, which may include a valid passport, completed application form, proof of accommodation, financial means, health insurance, and any other documents relevant to your purpose of stay.
  3. Submit the Application: Complete the application form and submit it, along with the required documents, to the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration. Applications can typically be submitted online or in person at their office. Pay any applicable fees at this stage.
  4. Biometric Data Collection: Depending on your nationality and the purpose of your stay, you may be required to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints and a photograph. This is usually done at the time of submitting your application or at a later appointment.
  5. Wait for Processing: The processing time for residence permits can vary. It is advisable to check the processing times on the Directorate of Immigration’s website. During this period, your application will be reviewed, and you may be contacted for additional information or an interview if necessary.
  6. Receive Decision: Once a decision has been made on your application, you will be notified by the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration. If approved, you will receive a residence permit card or a letter granting you permission to reside in Iceland. If your application is rejected, you will receive a written explanation of the decision and any available avenues for appeal.

It’s important to note that the specific requirements and procedures may vary depending on your circumstances and the purpose of your stay. Therefore, it is recommended to consult the official website of the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration or seek advice from an immigration lawyer for accurate and up-to-date information tailored to your situation.

Residence permit for work purposes in Iceland

If you want to work in Iceland, you will need to obtain a residence permit for work purposes. The following are the general steps to apply for a residence permit for work purposes in Iceland:

  1. Find a job offer: Before you can apply for a residence permit for work purposes, you need to have a job offer from an employer in Iceland.
  2. Check eligibility: Check the eligibility criteria for a work permit on the website of the Directorate of Immigration of Iceland (UTL).
  3. Collect the necessary documents: You will need to provide a range of documents with your application, including a completed application form, a passport, and a contract of employment. The Directorate of Immigration has a checklist of required documents on its website.
  4. Submit your application: You can submit your application either in person at the office of the Directorate of Immigration in Reykjavik, or at an Icelandic embassy or consulate in your home country.
  5. Pay the fee: You will need to pay a fee for your residence permit application. The fee is currently 23,000 ISK (approximately €150).
  6. Wait for a decision: It can take up to 90 days for the Directorate of Immigration to process your application.
  7. Collect your permit: If your application is successful, you will be issued with a residence permit card that you can use to live and work in Iceland.

Note that the application process may vary depending on the individual circumstances, and it’s always best to consult with the Directorate of Immigration or an Icelandic embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date and accurate information.


Residence permit for study purposes in Iceland

Non-EEA/EFTA citizens who wish to study in Iceland for more than three months are required to obtain a student residence permit. The application should be submitted to the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration.

To obtain a student residence permit, the applicant must have already been accepted into a full-time study program in Iceland, hold a valid passport, and have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay. They must also have health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay in Iceland.

The application for a student residence permit can be submitted online or in person at the Directorate of Immigration’s office in Reykjavik. The processing time for the application can vary, but it typically takes around four to six weeks. Once the permit is granted, the applicant can stay in Iceland for the duration of their study program.


Residence permit for family reunification purposes in Iceland

Foreign nationals who have a family member who is a citizen or a legal resident in Iceland may be eligible to apply for a family reunification residence permit. The following family members are eligible for family reunification in Iceland:

  1. Spouses
  2. Cohabiting partners
  3. Children under the age of 18
  4. Dependent children over the age of 18
  5. Parents of a minor child who is an Icelandic citizen or legal resident
  6. Other family members in exceptional cases

To be eligible for family reunification, the applicant must provide evidence of a family relationship and meet certain requirements, such as proof of housing and financial support. The sponsor in Iceland must also meet certain requirements, such as proof of financial stability and a clean criminal record. The application for family reunification must be submitted to the Directorate of Immigration in Iceland.


Residence permit for investment reunification purposes in Iceland

Yes, it is possible to obtain a residence permit for investment purposes in Iceland. This type of residence permit is intended for individuals who wish to invest in Icelandic businesses or start their own company in Iceland.

To obtain a residence permit for investment purposes, you must meet certain requirements and follow a specific application process. The requirements and application process may vary depending on the nature and size of your investment.

In general, to qualify for a residence permit for investment purposes in Iceland, you must:

  • Have a business plan that outlines your investment activities and demonstrates that your investment will benefit the Icelandic economy.
  • Provide proof of sufficient financial resources to cover your living expenses and the investment.
  • Be able to demonstrate that you have experience in managing or operating a business.
  • Meet the health and character requirements.

Once you have met the requirements, you can apply for a residence permit for investment purposes at an Icelandic embassy or consulate in your home country or country of residence. The application must be submitted in Icelandic or English and must include all required documents.

It is recommended that you seek professional advice from an Icelandic attorney or accountant familiar with the investment requirements and application process before applying for a residence permit for investment purposes in Iceland.

How to get a residence permit in iceland