Residence & Work Permits

In Iceland, non-EEA/EFTA nationals who intend to reside and work for more than 90 days must apply for a residence and work permit. EU/EEA/EFTA nationals are exempt from this requirement. The processing time for a residence and work permit application is typically around 90 days. Applicants need to submit various documents, including a valid passport, proof of health insurance, a job offer or a contract, and evidence of sufficient funds to support themselves. The process involves submitting an application to the Directorate of Immigration and providing biometric information such as fingerprints and photographs. After the processing is complete, the applicant will receive a notification of whether their application has been approved or rejected. If approved, they will be issued a residence and work permit, which will be valid for a specific period of time.

For EU/EEA/EFTA nationals, who are exempt from the requirement to apply for a residence and work permit in Iceland, the process is much simpler. They are allowed to enter and reside in Iceland for up to 90 days without a permit. If they plan to stay longer than 90 days, they will need to register their right to stay with the Registers Iceland and apply for a registration certificate. To obtain the registration certificate, they will need to provide proof of their identity, such as a valid passport or national ID card, and proof of sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay. The process for obtaining the registration certificate is relatively straightforward and can usually be completed within a few weeks. Once obtained, the registration certificate will allow them to stay and work in Iceland for a period longer than 90 days.

Whether you are a non-EEA/EFTA national or an EU/EEA/EFTA national, it is important to ensure that you meet all the requirements and have all the necessary documentation before beginning the application process. This will help to ensure that your application is processed as smoothly and quickly as possible, allowing you to start living and working in Iceland without any unnecessary delays. Here are some useful links that provide more detailed information about obtaining a residence and work permit or a registration certificate in Iceland:

·       Directorate of Immigration: https://utl.is/index.php/en/

This website provides information about residence permits, work permits, and other types of permits available in Iceland.

·       Directorate of Labour: https://www.vinnumalastofnun.is/en

The Directorate of Labour is responsible for issuing work permits in Iceland. Their website provides information about the different types of work permits available, the application process, and the requirements for each.

·       Registers Iceland: https://www.skra.is/english/

This website provides information about registering your right to stay in Iceland if you are an EU/EEA/EFTA national. It includes information about the registration certificate application process and what documentation is required.

·       Work in Iceland: https://work.iceland.is/

This website is operated by the Icelandic government and provides information for those seeking information about working in Iceland.