Long-term visa

A long-term visa may be granted when:

• A foreigner who is legally staying in Iceland wishes to stay in Iceland beyond 90 days,
• the purpose of the stay is not for a reason conforming to residence permit categories
• and the foreigner does not intend to reside in Iceland.

A long-term visa may for example be granted in the following circumstances (according to Art 5 of the Regulation on Foreigners No. 540/2017 (only available in Icelandic)):

• To relatives, as defined in para. 1 of art. 69 of the Act on Foreigners, who wish to prolong their visit to Iceland. The minimum age requirement of parents may be waived.
• To witnesses or parties to a court case who need to stay in Iceland for court appearance.
• To foreigners who are in Iceland for a legitimate purpose, such as artists, scientists or athletes, if they do not require a residence and work permit.

Please make sure that you apply for a long term visa at least 14 days before your current visa expires or before your 90 visa free days are up.

Rights derived from a long-term visa

• Permit to stay for up to 90 days beyond the time an applicant may otherwise stay as a tourist, whether or not he/she requires a visa for that stay.
• A long-term visa can only be granted once in every 12 month period.
• The applicant will not be issued an Icelandic ID number and is not allowed to work.
  
  

Application for a long-term visa

Documentation to be submitted

The applicant shall lodge an application and all supporting documents required by the Directorate of Immigration which are deemed to be necessary for processing the application.

1. Payment receipt (if the application has been paid for at a bank). The name of the person for whom payment is being made must be clearly stated. List the name of the applicant, his/her date of birth as a reference.
2. Application form for a long-term visa.
3. Copies of passport. Validity of the passport shall be at least 3 months beyond the stay. Copies shall be of the personal information page, page showing the applicant’s signature, visas and stamps showing the applicant’s travel to/from the Schengen area for the past 12 months.
4. Passport size photo (35mmX45mm) not older than six months.
5. Documents confirming the purpose of the stay in Iceland, such as an invitation from a host, confirmation of a stay in an artist residency, court documents, or a written statement explaining the purpose of the stay.
   
6. Support. Documents confirming that the applicant is able to support himself financially during the stay in Iceland.
7. Confirmation of health insurance for the duration of the stay.
8. Return ticket or proof of the applicant’s ability to pay for his travel back to the home country. 
9. Criminal record check. If necessary, the Directorate of Immigration may ask for a criminal record check.

Documents which may be submitted

• Power of attorney, signed by two witnesses. The Power of Attorney does not have to be submitted unless the applicant wants someone other than him/her to receive information about the processing of the application by the Directorate of Immigration.

The applicant is responsible for submitting all required documents. If the documentation submitted to the Directorate is inadequate, this may lead to delay in the handling of the application, or a refusal. The Directorate may ask for additional supporting documents if deemed necessary.