Retaining Icelandic citizenship

An Icelandic citizen who was born abroad and has never been domiciled in Iceland may in certain instances lose his/her citizenship when reaching the age of 22. Retaining Icelandic citizenship is possible, however, must be applied for and certain requirements must be met.

The following requirements apply:

• The applicant was born abroad, and
• has never been domiciled in Iceland, and
• has resided or stayed in Iceland or has interacted with Iceland to such an extent as being considered sufficient to maintain Icelandic citizenship.

Note that special requirements apply to Icelandic citizens who are domiciled in Denmark, Norway, Finland or Sweden, cf. the Act’s Art. 14, item 3. The article states that domicile in a Nordic contracting state for at least seven (7) years equals domicile in Iceland.

Necessary accompanying documents with an application:

Information regarding apostille authentication and double authentication, translations and confirmed copies are to be found here. Please note that Icelandic certificates do not have to be authenticated. 

1. Application. (Please download and save on computer before filling out). In original format, carefully filled out and signed by the applicant.
2. Photocopy of passport. This must include photocopies of the passport’s personal information page and the page containing the applicant’s signature.
3. Photocopy of the passport of the Icelandic parent.
4. Birth certificate of the applicant. A confirmed copy of the original. The original shall be legally authenticated, either with apostille or double authentication.
5. Confirmed copy or original translation by an authorized translator of the birth certificate. Applies only if the foreign certificate is in other languages than English or the Nordic languages.
6. Birth certificate of the Icelandic parent. A confirmed copy of the original. The original shall be legally authenticated, either with apostille or double authentication.
7. Marriage certificate of the Icelandic parent, if applicable. A confirmed copy of the original. The original shall be legally authenticated, either with apostille or double authentication.
8. Confirmed copy or original translation by an authorized translator of the marriage certificate of the Icelandic parent, if applicable. Applies only if the foreign certificate is in other languages than English or the Nordic languages.
9. Statement by the Icelandic parent on whether foreign citizenship has been acquired. Information is requested on when and how the Icelandic parent acquired foreign citizenship. Confirmed copy of the citizenship certificate shall be handed in, if applicable.
10. Certificate of domicile by a Nordic state, if applicable.
11. Information by two individuals residing in Iceland on the applicant’s interaction with Iceland. In original format, dated and signed.
12. Other data confirming the applicant’s ties with Iceland. Confirmation of schooling or work in Iceland, for example, may apply in this instance.

Additional documents if a custodian parent applies for a child under the age of 18:

1. Consent by custodian. Only applies if both parents have custody of a child.
2. Custody documents. Only applies if one parent has custody of a child. The documents in original format shall be “apostille” certified or have double confirmation, and confirmed copies shall then be submitted. If the documents are in another language than English or a Nordic language, confirmed copies or original translations by an authorized translator shall accompany the documents.
3. Consent by a child aged 12-18.