Obtaining an Iceland residence permit is a gateway to experiencing the breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and high quality of life that Iceland has to offer.
How to get residence permit in Iceland?
To obtain a residence permit in Iceland, there are several avenues available. One of the main pathways is through work migration. If you have a job offer in Iceland, you can apply for a work visa and a work permit. Your employer must also confirm your employment.
Another option is through education. Enrolling in an educational institution in Iceland and obtaining a student visa can serve as a basis for obtaining a residence permit.
Family reunification is also possible. If you have a spouse or relative with a residence permit in Iceland, you can apply for family reunification.
For entrepreneurs and investors, there is a program that allows obtaining a residence permit based on a business plan and investments in the country.
Additionally, in case of persecution in your home country, seeking political asylum in Iceland is an option.
Another option is through education. Enrolling in an educational institution in Iceland and obtaining a student visa can serve as a basis for obtaining a residence permit.
Family reunification is also possible. If you have a spouse or relative with a residence permit in Iceland, you can apply for family reunification.
For entrepreneurs and investors, there is a program that allows obtaining a residence permit based on a business plan and investments in the country.
Additionally, in case of persecution in your home country, seeking political asylum in Iceland is an option.
Residence permit in Iceland: requirements
Requirements for obtaining an Iceland Residence Permit include providing a payment receipt with your name for the permit fee, completing the appropriate application form, and attaching a signed passport photo (35 mm x 45 mm). Additionally, submit a photocopy of your passport with a minimum validity of three months beyond your intended stay, a recent criminal record certificate with apostille confirmation or double authentication, and a health insurance certificate valid for six months from your registration in Registers Iceland. Demonstrating financial means is crucial, with individual applicants requiring ISK 189,875 per month, couples needing ISK 284,813 per month, and additional support of ISK 94,938 per month for family members aged 18 or older.
Where to submit residence permit in Iceland?
Submission of the residence permit application and its accompanying documents must be made to the Directorate of Immigration within the specified deadline.
Students residence permit in Iceland: nuances
Residence permits for students in Iceland are available for various categories, including:
However, residence permits for students are not granted to those intending to study at Icelandic secondary schools (except for approved exchange programs), attend courses in the Icelandic language, or study at foreign universities and stay in Iceland.
The application process involves submitting paper applications either by regular mail to the Directorate of Immigration or by delivering them to the drop box in the Directorate’s reception. The processing fee, which is 16,000 ISK, must be paid by bank transfer before submitting the application, and the payment receipt should be included for confirmation. Applications can also be handed in and paid for at the Directorate’s reception or at the offices of District Commissioners outside the capital area.
- Individuals intending to engage in full-time studies at a university in Iceland.
- Postgraduate (doctorate) students from foreign universities collaborating with an Icelandic university.
- Exchange students from recognized exchange-student organizations.
- Interns.
- Students in technical studies and recognized workplace studies at the higher-education level.
- Graduates looking for employment.
However, residence permits for students are not granted to those intending to study at Icelandic secondary schools (except for approved exchange programs), attend courses in the Icelandic language, or study at foreign universities and stay in Iceland.
The application process involves submitting paper applications either by regular mail to the Directorate of Immigration or by delivering them to the drop box in the Directorate’s reception. The processing fee, which is 16,000 ISK, must be paid by bank transfer before submitting the application, and the payment receipt should be included for confirmation. Applications can also be handed in and paid for at the Directorate’s reception or at the offices of District Commissioners outside the capital area.
Iceland's residence permit by investment
Investors seeking a residence permit in Iceland can do so with a minimum investment of €200,000, and there is no upper limit on the investment amount. Iceland's business laws are accommodating, particularly in sectors such as data centers (IT), chemicals, life sciences, green energy, fishing, real estate, tourism, and manufacturing, making it an attractive destination for a variety of investment opportunities.
The investor has flexibility in choosing from different visa types, including the C business visa, D long-term business visa, or a temporary residence permit, based on their unique situation and investment plans. The processing time for obtaining the investor residence permit is efficient, taking approximately 1 month from the submission of the application.
After maintaining legal residence for 4 years, investors become eligible for permanent residency in Iceland, offering a more stable and extended stay in the country. For those aspiring to attain Icelandic citizenship, the pathway involves legally living in Iceland for 5 years, with citizenship opportunities opening up after the initial period of obtaining permanent residency.
The investor has flexibility in choosing from different visa types, including the C business visa, D long-term business visa, or a temporary residence permit, based on their unique situation and investment plans. The processing time for obtaining the investor residence permit is efficient, taking approximately 1 month from the submission of the application.
After maintaining legal residence for 4 years, investors become eligible for permanent residency in Iceland, offering a more stable and extended stay in the country. For those aspiring to attain Icelandic citizenship, the pathway involves legally living in Iceland for 5 years, with citizenship opportunities opening up after the initial period of obtaining permanent residency.
Residence permit in Iceland: cost
Residence permit application fee is 15,000 ISK.
