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  1. Home
  2. Permits based on work
  3. Expedited processing

Expedited processing

The Directorate of Immigration may expedite processing of applications for residence permits based on work when a service fee is paid. 

Please note that the expedited processing only covers the processing of a work permit application at the Directorate of Labor and a residence permit application at the Directorate of Immigration. It does not include a photo appointment, nor the issuing of a residence permit card or an ID number.

This applies to residence permits:

  • for work requiring expert knowledge,

  • because of shortage of workers,

  • for athletes, and

  • for qualified professionals on grounds of collaboration and service contracts.

Permission to stay during processing of an application

Same rules apply to all applicants for permission to stay while an application is being processed by the Directorate, also those applying for expedited processing. The applicant shall check whether or not he/she is permitted to stay in Iceland when the application is lodged and being processed.  Applicants need to be aware that processing may be stopped or the application refused if he/she is not permitted to stay.

Supporting documents are the responsibility of the applicant

All supporting documents required by the Directorate must be submitted with the application.  It is the applicant‘s responsibility to provide the necessary supporting documents.  If documentation submitted is not satisfactory, processing will slow down or the application may be refused.  The Directorate may request further documentation in some cases, when necessary.

Directorate of Labour

The Directorate of Labour issues work permits and the Directorate of Immigration forwards applications for work permits to the Directorate of Labour for processing.  A residence permit based on work cannot be issued unless the Directorate of Labour grants a work permit.

Checklist

The applicant should use the checklist and submit it with his/her application and supporting documents.

Service fee

The service fee is ISK 45,000 in addition to the fee for a residence permit of ISK 15,000

If an application for expedited processing of a residence permit based on work is submitted by mail, a copy of the payment slip shall be sent to the Directorate‘s e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Please note when transferring payment, that the applicant‘s personal information must be included, i.e. name and date of birth.

Processing of applications

  • The applicant or his/her agent will be contacted within 7-10 business days from receipt of the application.
  • The application will be processed within 30 days if all required and satisfactory documents are submitted.
  • If the applicant needs a visa to travel to Iceland, the Directorate will send a request for a D visa to the applicable embassy as soon as the permit is granted.  The applicant must contact the embassy for an appointment and processing time may vary. The Directorate has no influence on processing time at the embassies.
  • Residence permits
  • Application process
    • Places issuing D-visas
  • Processing time and applications being processed
  • Long-term visa
  • Long-term visa for remote workers and their family members
  • Permanent residence permit
  • Family reunification
  • - Spouse or cohabiting partner
  • - Children
  • - Parent 67 years of age and older
  • - Parent of a child under the age of 18
  • Permits for students
    • Renewal and student enrollment
  • Permits based on work
    • Expedited processing
  • EEA/EFTA citizens and their relatives
    • EEA/EFTA member countries
  • Information for British citizens
  • Au pair
  • Legitimate and special purpose
  • Missionaries
  • Special ties to Iceland
  • Volunteers
  • Rights
  • Working holiday
  • Documentation requirements
    • FBI criminal record check
  • Permission to stay while application is being processed by the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration and during renewal of residence permit
  • Basic requirements
  • Refusal of residence permit
  • Expulsion and re-entry ban
  • Revocation of a residence permit and cancellation of the right to stay

Links

  • Ministry of Justice
  • Immigration and Asylum Appeals Board
  • New in Iceland
  • Multicultural and Information Center
  • The UN Refugee Agency
  • Icelandic Human Rights Center
  • The Directorate of Labour
  • Registers Iceland
  • The Data Protection Authority

Information

  • Directorate of Immigration
  • Residence permits
  • Visas
  • Icelandic Citizenship
  • Asylum

OPENING HOURS

Monday to Friday 9 - 14

Phone hours: 
Monday to Thursday 9 - 14
Fridays 9 - 12

+354 444 0900

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Location

Directorate of Immigration | Dalvegur 18 | 201 Kópavogur | +354 444 0900 | utl@utl.is

ID number 670269-6399 | Account number 0515-26-410424 | IBAN: IS05 0515 26 410424 670269 6399

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