Foreign nationals, other than EEA/EFTA nationals, who plan to stay in Iceland for more than three months, must apply for a residence permit at the Directorate of Immigration.
Citizens of EEA/EFTA states do not need a residence permit. They must register their right to stay in Iceland with Registers Iceland.
Family members of EEA/EFTA citizens must apply for a residence card at the Directorate of Immigration.
Residence permit requirements
There are two types of residence permit requirements:
- Basic requirements that apply to all applicants
- Specific requirements that apply to each kind of permit
Please be aware of the special requirements for obtaining a permanent residence permit.
The residence permit applied for must be in accordance with the purpose of the applicant’s stay in Iceland.
Applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the conditions for being granted the residence permit applied for, what documents need to be submitted and in what form. It will speed up the application processing, if applications are submitted with all the necessary supporting documentation.
Types of residence permits
Family reunification
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Spouse /cohabiting partner
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Child under 18 years old
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Parent 67 years of age or older
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Parent of a child under 18 years
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Family members of EEA/EFTA citizens
Work
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Work requiring expert knowledge
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Shortage of workers
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Athletes
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Qualified professionals on grounds of collaboration and service contracts