Ways to live in Iceland
These are the residence routes in Bordr's guide that we have checked against official sources. Each one links to the government page.
Programme details are shown in English.
Work permit Work permits →
Residence permit for work requiring expert knowledge
For specialists hired by an Icelandic employer whose skills are essential to the company.
- What you need
- University-level or recognised technical, industrial or artistic training; a work permit for a specific job; age 18+; means of at least ISK 259,951 a month; health insurance with ISK 2,000,000 cover.
- Income
- from about $2,080 a month
- Renewable
- Yes
- Cost
- ISK 80,000
- Processing time
- up to 180 days
- How to apply
- Paper application to the Directorate of Immigration
- Family
- Family members can come with you
- Path to permanent residence
- Counts towards permanent residence after 4 years.
Student visa Student visas →
Residence permit for students
For full-time students at an Icelandic school or university.
- What you need
- Full-time enrolment; means of at least ISK 259,951 a month for the whole permit period (a grant or student loan counts); health insurance with ISK 2,000,000 cover.
- Income
- from about $2,080 a month
- Renewable
- Yes
- Cost
- ISK 70,000
- How to apply
- Directorate of Immigration
- Family
- Family members can come with you
- Path to permanent residence
- Study years count only partly towards permanent residence.
Cost of living
Monthly amounts in US dollars.
| Room in a shared flat | $900 |
|---|---|
| One-bedroom flat | $1,900 |
| Two-bedroom flat | $2,700 |
| Bills | $120 |
| Typical local salary | $4,900 |
Some of these figures are estimates; treat them as a rough guide.
Cities to consider
Climate by month, neighbourhoods and costs for each city are in the Bordr guide.
What life is like
Programme details are shown in English.
Why people move
Geothermal pools, waterfalls and lava fields make nature the centre of life. Almost everyone settles in Reykjavík, a small, creative capital, while Akureyri in the north offers a quieter town with easy access to mountains.
Day to day
There are no trains, so a car is essential outside Reykjavík, and domestic flights reach remote towns. Healthcare is public and of good quality. Cards are used for almost everything, internet is excellent, and nearly everyone speaks English.
Trade-offs
Prices for food, housing and eating out are very high. Winter days are short and the weather is harsh and changeable. The small population can feel isolating.
Before you move: visa-free entry
Most people arrive as visitors first, then apply from inside the country or come back with the right visa. How long you can stay as a visitor depends on your passport:
United States90 days
United Kingdom90 days
Australia90 days
Canada90 days
New Zealand90 days
SwitzerlandVisa-free
NorwayVisa-free
Singapore90 days
Japan90 days
South Korea90 days
Israel90 days
United Arab Emirates90 days
Hong Kong90 days
South AfricaVisa
Mexico90 days
Brazil90 days
Questions
Does Iceland have a digital nomad visa?
Not among the routes we have checked. Remote workers usually come as visitors within the visa-free limit or use one of the other routes on this page.
How can I move to Iceland?
The routes we have checked are: Work permit, Student visa.
Sources and last check
This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Requirements change; confirm with the official government page or a licensed adviser before you apply.
