Icelandic Immigration Laws

Some say Iceland's immigration laws are the strictest among Western Democratic societies. If you are not from another Nordic country, permanent residence may prove to be a challenge in Iceland.

Language Test

Foreigners wishing to obtain Icelandic citizenship must pass a language test unless they are too old (65 years old, but they must have already lived in Iceland for seven years), too young (not yet junior school age) or able to medically certify their inability to take the test.

EEA, Nordic and Nonmember Countries

Citizens of the Nordic countries, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland, have the most privileged status in Iceland and do not need to apply for residence permits. Citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) countries can stay in Iceland for up to six months without a permit if they are looking for work and three months if they are not. Citizens from nonmember countries can only obtain one-year residence permits at a time and must apply before their arrival. Their residence permits are contingent upon their purpose in the country.

Information for Immigrants

The ministry of social affairs has chosen to translate information for immigrants into the following languages: Spanish, English, Vietnamese, Chinese, Russian, German Polish, Lithuanian, Serbian and Thai.

Residence Permits, 1990-2006

The number of residence permits issued by Iceland grew tenfold from 1990 to 2006, the first sign of significant change happening in 1998.

Popular for Poles

In 2006, residence permits given to Polish citizens outnumbered those from the next highest country by almost 7-to-1. Poles received 5,210 residence permits, while Chinese citizens received 761. The high number of Polish workers reflects the implementation of new EU regulations.

References

• Ministry of Social Affairs and Social Security
• Laws and Regulations
• The Reykjavik Grapevine, Pure Body, Pure Nation, Sveinn Birkir Björnsson, April 2007