Moving to Iceland
Step-by-step Immigration Guide

Iceland, with its captivating landscapes and burgeoning economy, has undoubtedly piqued your interest. If you've been contemplating how to make a move to this enchanting country, you're in the right place. This article will provide you with valuable insights into the steps, application procedures, and answers to common questions related to moving to Iceland.

The Iceland immigration process is a series of chronological procedures that must be followed to establish residency in Iceland. These steps are crucial for those planning to move to Iceland:

1. Identify the appropriate immigration category that aligns with your purpose for moving to Iceland.
2. Locate the residence application form corresponding to your specific reason for relocating to Iceland.
3. Assemble all required documents for your residence permit application.
4. Submit all necessary documents, with a potential interview requirement.
5. Fulfill the Iceland immigration fee.

It's important to note that moving to Iceland does not automatically grant citizenship. Residency must be obtained first, followed by eligibility to apply for Icelandic citizenship.

Selecting the right residence permit form is essential when moving to Iceland based on your circumstances. The following are the various Iceland residence permit forms, each suited to a specific situation:

• D-100: Application for a temporary residence permit.
• D-101: Application for a residence permit based on marriage or cohabitation with an Icelandic citizen.
• D-102: Application for a residence permit based on marriage or cohabitation with a foreign citizen.
• D-106: Application for a residence permit for parents aged 67 years and older.
• D-107: Application for a residence permit based on employment participation.
• D-108: Application for a student residence permit.
• D-109: Application for a residence permit for an appointment.
• Application for a residence permit (various purposes): Used for children under 18, parents of children under 18, volunteers, missionaries, special purposes, and applicants with a special relationship to the country.
• Forms for Iceland temporary work permits: These forms cater to various work-related scenarios such as expertise, athletes, family reunions, staff shortage, special reasons, study, and specialized employees based on service contracts.
• Forms for Icelandic citizenship applications: These forms are designed for citizenship applications, notifications, restoration, and requests.

Embrace the Icelandic Experience: Moving to Iceland offers a gateway to stunning landscapes, economic opportunities, and a unique way of life. Begin your journey by following these essential steps and familiarizing yourself with the Iceland immigration process. Welcome to the land of fire and ice!

If you're planning to obtain an Iceland residence permit or citizenship, it's essential to understand the expected processing times to streamline your relocation. Here's a breakdown of the timeframes involved:

• Iceland Residence Permit Processing Time: The Icelandic Directorate of Immigration typically takes up to 180 days to process a residence application from the date of submission.
• Renewal of Iceland Residence Permit: For those renewing their Iceland residence permit, the processing time is approximately 90 days.
• Icelandic Citizenship Application Processing Time: When applying for Icelandic citizenship, anticipate a processing period of around 12 months through the Directorate of Immigration.

To ensure a smooth renewal process, it's advisable to apply for the renewal of your Iceland residence permit at least four weeks before its expiration date. If your permit expires before you apply for renewal, you will need to initiate the application as if it were your first time. In this scenario, you must leave the country until you receive your new residence permit.

When applying for an Iceland residence permit for the first time, it is mandatory to submit your criminal record and all other required supporting documents. This step cannot be deferred to your arrival in Iceland.

If your primary purpose for moving to Iceland is employment and you hold a residence permit for that reason, you are authorized to work. Additionally, the following individuals can work in Iceland under specific circumstances:

• Spouses of Icelandic citizens do not require a work permit.
• Cohabiting partners of Icelandic citizens need a work permit.
• Family members under 18 can work without a work permit.
• Family members over 18 require a work permit.

A Kennitala is a 10-digit number that includes the applicant's birthdate. This unique identifier is essential in various aspects of life in Iceland, such as work applications, medical care access, opening bank accounts, and even borrowing books from the library. The cost for obtaining a Kennitala is approximately 8,000 ISK.
Navigating these timelines and requirements effectively will help ensure a smooth transition to life in Iceland.