The Directorate of Immigration may expedite processing of residence permits based on work when a service fee is paid.
This applies to residence permits:
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for work requiring expert knowledge,
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because of shortage of workers,
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for athletes, and
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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 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.
General request for expedited processing
Expedited processing for a service fee only applies to applications for a residence permit based on work. It does not apply to other permits, e.g. a residence permit for family reunification.
General requests for expedited processing may be submitted, but are only granted in exceptional circumstances and in case of force majeure, e.g. serious illness of the applicant or a close relative or natural disasters in the applicant‘s homeland.
Submitting an application too late or planned trips abroad are not grounds for expedited processing.