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Long-stay visas (Type D)

Icelandic Residence Permit Based on Work

Employer-sponsored residence permit for non-EEA nationals with a confirmed job in Iceland, granted across categories such as expert knowledge, shortage of labour and athletes.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
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Under review — check current rules

Processing fee (80,000 ISK) and permit-duration details should be reverified against the current island.is work-permit pages, as fees change periodically.

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Iceland government website before you apply.
On this page
Issued by
Directorate of Immigration (residence permit) + Directorate of Labour (work permit)
Main categories
Expert knowledge, shortage of labour, athletes, service/collaboration contract
Typical duration
Usually granted for one year, extendable (expert-knowledge permits up to four years at a time)
Who applies
The employer applies on the worker's behalf
The permit must be in effect before the worker travels to Iceland
Processing fee
80,000 ISK
Non-refundable; verify the current amount before applying

Who it's for

  • Non-EEA/EFTA nationals who have a concrete job offer from an Icelandic employer
  • Skilled professionals whose expertise is essential to an Icelandic company (expert knowledge)
  • Workers filling roles where no suitable labour is available in Iceland or the EEA (shortage of labour)
  • Professional athletes and specialised staff working under service or collaboration contracts

Requirements

  • A specific, signed employment contract with an employer in Iceland
  • For expert knowledge: university-level education or industrial/artistic/technical training recognised in Iceland, essential to the employer
  • The Directorate of Labour has been asked to confirm no suitable worker is available in Iceland or the EEA
  • Valid passport and, where required, a criminal-record certificate
  • Health insurance and secure housing in Iceland
  • The permit must be granted before entering Iceland

What you can do

  • Live in Iceland and work for the sponsoring employer in the approved role
  • Renew/extend the permit while the employment continues
  • Build up continuous legal residence that can count toward a permanent residence permit
  • Apply to bring family members under family-reunification rules

How to apply

The employer submits the combined residence-permit and work-permit application to the Directorate of Immigration on paper (by post or drop box) together with the required documents and proof of fee payment.

The Directorate of Immigration assesses the residence permit and forwards the work-permit application to the Directorate of Labour, which issues the work permit if the labour-market conditions are satisfied.

Once approved, the applicant collects the visa/permit and travels to Iceland, then registers and, after arrival, has a residence-permit card issued.

Documents

  • Completed application form (submitted by the employer)
  • Signed employment contract
  • Copy of valid passport
  • Proof of qualifications/education (for expert knowledge)
  • Criminal-record certificate where required
  • Confirmation of health insurance
  • Proof of housing in Iceland
  • Receipt for the processing fee

Frequently asked questions

  • No. The application is employer-driven: your Icelandic employer submits the combined residence- and work-permit application on your behalf, and must show the role is necessary and that you are the right person for it.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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