Obtaining Icelandic citizenship can be a lengthy process that requires meeting certain requirements. Here are some steps to take to get Icelandic citizenship:
- Meet the residence requirements: To apply for Icelandic citizenship, you need to have lived in Iceland for a certain amount of time. The standard requirement is seven years of legal residency in Iceland, but this can be reduced to four years if you have a spouse who is an Icelandic citizen.
- Learn the Icelandic language: Knowledge of Icelandic language is mandatory for citizenship in Iceland. You need to have a good understanding of written and spoken Icelandic. There are various Icelandic language courses available in Iceland for foreigners.
- Pass a citizenship test: You need to pass a citizenship test that will test your knowledge of the Icelandic language, culture, and society.
- Apply for citizenship: Once you have met the residency and language requirements, you can apply for citizenship. You can apply at any local district office in Iceland.
- Provide necessary documentation: Along with the application, you will need to provide certain documents, such as a birth certificate, proof of residence, and passport.
- Wait for a decision: It may take several months for the Icelandic government to process your application. If your application is successful, you will receive a notification and be invited to a citizenship ceremony.
It is also worth noting that Iceland allows dual citizenship, so you can keep your original citizenship if you become an Icelandic citizen.
Types of visas through which Icelandic citizenship can be acquired
EU citizens applying for Icelandic passports
EU citizens who have lived in Iceland for at least four years may apply for Icelandic citizenship. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, be of good character, and be able to provide evidence of their ability to support themselves financially.
To apply for Icelandic citizenship, EU citizens must complete an application form, which is available from the National Registry. The application form must be accompanied by a valid passport, proof of residency in Iceland, and proof of financial support. Applicants must also provide a certificate of good conduct from their home country.
Applicants may be required to take an Icelandic language test and attend an interview as part of the application process. The processing time for citizenship applications is typically several months, and applicants should expect to pay a fee for the application.
It is worth noting that Iceland does not generally allow dual citizenship, so EU citizens who become Icelandic citizens may be required to renounce their existing citizenship. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, so it is advisable to check with the Icelandic authorities for the latest information on citizenship requirements.
How to get citizenship in Iceland as a non-EU citizen
Becoming a citizen of Iceland as a non-EU citizen can be a lengthy and challenging process. Here are some general requirements and steps to follow:
- Meet the residency requirements: To be eligible for Icelandic citizenship, you must have legally lived in Iceland for at least seven years continuously.
- Pass the Icelandic language proficiency test: You must pass a test demonstrating that you have a good command of the Icelandic language. The test includes both written and oral components.
- Pass a citizenship test: You must also pass a citizenship test that covers topics such as Icelandic history, culture, politics, and society.
- Prove good character: You must provide evidence of good character, such as a criminal background check.
- Meet financial requirements: You must demonstrate that you can financially support yourself and any dependents while living in Iceland.
- Submit your application: Once you have met the eligibility requirements, you can submit your citizenship application to the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration.
- Wait for a decision: The application process can take several months, and the Directorate of Immigration will notify you of its decision in writing.
It’s important to note that obtaining Icelandic citizenship is a complex process, and the requirements and procedures can change. It’s advisable to seek guidance from an immigration lawyer or the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration for the most up-to-date information.
Obtaining citizenship in Iceland through a residence permit
Obtaining citizenship in Iceland through a residence permit is possible, but it can be a lengthy and challenging process.
To qualify for Icelandic citizenship, a person must first have legal residence in Iceland for a certain period, which varies depending on the circumstances. For example, people who have been married to an Icelandic citizen for at least three years may be eligible for citizenship after only two years of legal residence in Iceland.
In general, non-EU citizens must have lived in Iceland for at least seven years before they can apply for citizenship. During this time, they must have a valid residence permit and have not spent more than ten months outside of Iceland in each of the seven years.
Additionally, applicants must meet certain requirements, such as demonstrating good conduct, passing a language test, and demonstrating an understanding of Icelandic culture and history.
Once an application for Icelandic citizenship is submitted, the processing time can take up to two years, during which the applicant’s case will be reviewed by the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration and the Ministry of Justice. If the application is approved, the applicant must then take an oath of loyalty to Iceland and renounce their former citizenship, unless their country of origin allows dual citizenship.
How long does it take to obtain Icelandic citizenship by naturalization
The process of obtaining Icelandic citizenship by naturalization can take several years. Generally, a person must have legal residence in Iceland for at least seven years before they are eligible to apply for citizenship. However, if a person is married to an Icelandic citizen, the required residence period is reduced to three years.
After the required residency period, the applicant must also meet certain other requirements, such as being of good character and financially self-sufficient. The application process itself can take several months, as the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration reviews the application and conducts background checks.
If the application is approved, the applicant must then attend a citizenship ceremony where they take an oath of allegiance to Iceland and receive their citizenship certificate. Overall, the process can take several years from the time a person first arrives in Iceland to the time they are granted citizenship.
How long does it take to obtain an Icelandic passport by marriage
If a foreigner marries an Icelandic citizen, they may be eligible to apply for Icelandic citizenship after being married for three years, provided that they have been living in Iceland for at least the last two years. Once they have obtained Icelandic citizenship, they can then apply for an Icelandic passport. The processing time for an Icelandic passport is generally around four to six weeks.
How long does it take to obtain citizenship by investment in Iceland
Iceland does not have a citizenship by investment program. Obtaining Icelandic citizenship generally requires meeting specific eligibility criteria and going through a naturalization process, which includes living in Iceland for a certain period, among other requirements.
Special laws regarding citizenship in Iceland
There are several special laws regarding citizenship in Iceland. Here are some of the most important ones:
- Icelandic Citizenship Act: This is the main law that governs Icelandic citizenship. It outlines the requirements for obtaining citizenship, such as residency and language proficiency, and also sets out the conditions under which citizenship can be revoked or renounced.
- Act on Icelandic Nationality: This law sets out the rules for how Icelandic nationality is acquired and lost. It also establishes the National Registry, which maintains records of all Icelandic citizens.
- Act on the Rights of Foreigners: This law governs the legal rights of foreigners living in Iceland, including their right to work, study, and access healthcare.
- Act on Foreign Nationals: This law outlines the procedures for issuing residence permits to foreign nationals. It also sets out the grounds for deportation and other enforcement measures.
- Act on Stateless Persons: This law provides a legal framework for the protection of stateless persons in Iceland, including their right to apply for citizenship.
It is important to note that these laws are subject to change and that individuals seeking Icelandic citizenship should consult with the relevant authorities to ensure they have the most up-to-date information.
How to become an Icelandic national
To become an Icelandic national, you would need to obtain Icelandic citizenship. There are several ways to obtain Icelandic citizenship, including:
- By birth: You are automatically an Icelandic citizen if you are born to an Icelandic parent, regardless of where you are born.
- By descent: If one or both of your parents are Icelandic citizens, you may be eligible for Icelandic citizenship.
- By naturalization: If you have legally resided in Iceland for a certain period of time, have basic knowledge of the Icelandic language, and can support yourself financially, you may be eligible for Icelandic citizenship by naturalization.
- By marriage: If you are married to an Icelandic citizen and have been living together in Iceland for a certain period of time, you may be eligible for Icelandic citizenship.
- By investment: If you make a significant investment in Iceland, you may be eligible for Icelandic citizenship.
To apply for Icelandic citizenship, you must submit an application to the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration. The application process can take several months or longer, depending on the specific circumstances of your case.
The process of applying for Icelandic nationality
The process of applying for Icelandic nationality is known as naturalization. In order to apply for Icelandic nationality, you must meet certain requirements, including:
- Residency: You must have lived in Iceland continuously for at least seven years, or five years if you are married to an Icelandic citizen.
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
- Language: You must have knowledge of the Icelandic language.
- Character: You must have no criminal record and be of good character.
- Finances: You must be able to support yourself and any dependents.
If you meet these requirements, you can apply for Icelandic nationality by submitting an application to the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration. The application must include:
- A completed application form.
- Documentation proving your identity, such as a passport or national ID card.
- Proof of your residency in Iceland, such as lease agreements or utility bills.
- Proof of your knowledge of the Icelandic language, such as a certificate of completion of an Icelandic language course.
- A criminal record certificate from your home country, or a statement from your home country’s authorities that you have no criminal record.
- A statement of your financial situation, including information about your income, assets, and liabilities.
The processing time for an application for Icelandic nationality can vary, but it typically takes several months. Once your application has been processed and approved, you will need to take an oath of allegiance to Iceland and renounce any other nationalities you hold. After that, you will be issued an Icelandic ID number and can apply for an Icelandic passport.
The main benefits of Icelandic citizenship
There are several benefits of Icelandic citizenship, some of which include:
- Right to live and work in Iceland: Icelandic citizens have the right to live and work in Iceland without any restrictions.
- Access to healthcare: Icelandic citizens have access to the country’s healthcare system, which is known for its high-quality medical services.
- Access to education: Icelandic citizens have access to free education, including primary, secondary, and tertiary education.
- Social benefits: Icelandic citizens are entitled to a range of social benefits, including unemployment benefits, child benefits, and pensions.
- Visa-free travel: Icelandic citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries, including the EU, the US, and Canada.
- Right to vote and stand for public office: Icelandic citizens have the right to vote in elections and to stand for public office.
- Dual citizenship: Iceland allows dual citizenship, which means that you can hold Icelandic citizenship along with the citizenship of another country.
Overall, Icelandic citizenship offers a range of benefits, including access to social services, the ability to travel visa-free to many countries, and the right to participate fully in the democratic process.