Residence permit for family

Application for a child for a residence permit

A parent/guardian may apply for a residence permit for her/his child younger than 18 years of age after the child has arrived in Iceland. Applications for residence permits for children are subject to similar regulations to those in effect for adults.

• The following documentation must be submitted with the application:

• A completed application form for a residence permit, signed by the parent/guardian.
• One passport-size photo, 35mm x 45mm. Photos must be taken at the the Directorate or regional District Commissioners office.
• A photocopy of the child’s passport. The passport must be valid at least three months beyond the time to be covered by the residence permit.
• Medical insurance: If the parent/guardian has resided in and has had a legal domicile in Iceland for over 6 months and is thereby covered under the National Health Insurance plan, the child will not need any separate medical insurance. If however the child (under the age of 16) comes to Iceland at the same time as the parent/guardian, separate medical insurance is required for the child.
• Housing certificate: The parent/guardian must prove that s/he has obtained secure housing during the period through which the child’s residence permit will extend.
• Birth certificate: A certified original of the child’s birth certificate.
• Custody documentation/divorce papers/death certificate. Certified originals of the applicable official documents must accompany the application for a residence permit, to prove official custody of the child.
• If the parents share joint custody, a notarised statement from the parent not residing in Iceland must also be submitted, stating that said parent agrees to the child’s residing in Iceland.

Residence permit for a spouse or other family member

Upon fulfilling certain conditions, the following people may apply for a residence permit for a spouse or closest family member:

• One of the closest family members of an Icelandic citizen
• A citizen of another Nordic country residing in Iceland
• A foreigner who is staying legally in Iceland under a residence permit that is limited to a time period but not subject to other limitations, or who has a permanent residence permit

Closest family members are the following:

• A spouse, partner in cohabitation or registered partner older than 24 years of age
• Descendants who are younger than 18 years of age and supported by the person involved
• A spouse or parents, as well as their parents who are older than 66 years of age and are supported by them.