The preperation and issuing of residence permit
There are several types of residence permits, and the specific rules that are in effect on the processing of applications and the requirements for accompanying documentation depend on the type of permit requested.
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The preperation and issuing of residence permit
To ensure that applications are processed without delay, make sure that:
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The application has been carefully filled out and is the original copy
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Every required accompanying document is attached.
Accompanying documents must be originals or certified copies of the originals.
Normally the following documents are required:
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Photocopy of passport
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Passport-size photograph. Photos must be taken at a District Commissioner office or at the Directorate of Immigration.
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Confirmation of ID number
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Confirmation of income (wage slip) This regards citizens of EEA Countries.
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Confirmation of income from employer or a employment contract. This regards citizens of Countries outside the EEA.
Documents that may need to be on hand:
Custody documentation, birth certificate, divorce papers, medical certificate, marriage certificate, certification of same-sex cohabitation, certification of cohabitation, death certificate, criminal record certificate, authorisation to act for another person.
Translations of document
It is necessary to have the documents translated by a certified translator. Documents in English, Danish, Norwegian or Swedish do not need translating into Icelandic.
Submitting applications and processing fee
Applications are to be submitted at the Directorate of Immigration reception or offices of District Commissioners around the country. Processing fee has to be paid when applications are submitted.
Receipt of payment
Applications by citizens of countries outside the EEA should be sent by mail. Payment is made by transferring funds to the Directorate of Immigration account. A bank receipt must be sent with the application for it to be processed.
The receipt of payment must show the applicant’s name and ID number, if an ID number has been issued. The information must correspond with the applicant's passport entries.
Example for a person with an ID number (the last two words are the person's name as it appears in the passport):
010185-4679, Jón Jónsson
Example for a person who does not yet have an ID number (again the last two words are the person's name as it appears in the passport):
010185-JÓNSSON (Jón Jónsson)
Applications will be returned if they are not accompanied by a receipt of payment.
Transferring payment to the Directorate of Immigration bank account, if the payer is located in Iceland:
ID number: 670269-6399
Bank: 1175 - Sparisjóður vélstjóra, Borgartún 18, 105 Reykjavík
Account type: 26
Account number: 19530
Transferring payment to the Directorate of Immigration bank account from another country:
IBAN: IS50 1175 2601 9530 6702 6963 99
SWIFT Code: LSICISRE
ID number: 670269-6399
Bank: 1175 – Sparisjóður vélstjóra, Borgartún 18, 105 Reykjavík
Account type: 26
Account number: 19530
Prices for processing residence permit applications
Citizens within the European Economic Area:
Under 18 years of age:
First permit ISK 2,000
Extension of a permit ISK 1,000
Permanent residence permit ISK 4,000
18 years and over:
First permit ISK 4,000
Extension of a permit ISK 2,000
Permanent residence permit ISK 8,000
Citizens of countries outside the European Economic Area:
Under 18 years:
First permit ISK 4,000
Extension of a permit ISK 2,000
Permanent residence permit ISK 4,000
18 years and over:
First permit ISK 8,000
Extension of a permit ISK 4,000
Permanent residence permit ISK 8,000
Application fees are not refundable.
Application processing
After an application and all of the documents requested to accompany it have arrived at the Directorate, the estimated time for processing is as follows:
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60 days for citizens of countries within the European Economic Area
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90 days for citizens of countries outside the European Economic Area.
When application processing is complete, the applicant will receive written notification.
Upon the receipt of such notification, the applicant takes it and her/his passport to the police station for her/his domicile and receives an appropriate stamp or sticker in the passport to confirm having the residence permit.
If the application for a residence permit is rejected, the applicant may appeal the decision by the Directorate of Immigration to the Ministry of Justice and Ecclesiastical Affairs.
Extension of a residence permit
Applications for extensions of residence permits must reach the Directorate of Immigration at least one month prior to the expiry date of the current permit. Each individual bears responsibility for making certain that her/his application for extension is submitted early enough.
Residence permits are necessary in Iceland for a person to have a domicile in this country. Having a domicile provides certain rights, such as to education and municipal services. A domicile also provides the person with the privileges of receiving health insurance, voting in municipal elections, and applying for Icelandic citizenship.
