Iceland: Residence Permit in Europe's #3 Quality of Life Country
In 2023, Iceland's capital, Reykjavik, was named the world's best city for migrating with children by William Russell company. Furthermore, Iceland ranks third among European countries in terms of quality of life. The average salary in the capital is €4,000.
This article will discuss the benefits of a residence permit in Iceland and the available programs to relocate to the country in 2024.
Benefits of a Residence Permit in Iceland
Iceland is a rational destination for many immigrants, as the country's residence permit offers foreign citizens the following benefits:
Immigrants are provided with national health insurance six months after registering their residence address (immediately for residents of the EU, EEA, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands);
The opportunity to replace a driver's license with a local one after six months of residence in the country without retaking the exam (for residents of the EU, EEA, UK, Switzerland, and Japan). Residents of other countries have the right to request a replacement license after six months, but with the requirement to pass the theoretical and practical exams;
Free education for children aged 6 to 16, with government support programs for migrant students who do not speak Icelandic;
The possibility of obtaining a residence permit for relatives of a citizen of the country – spouses, children, parents over 67, and the mother and/or father of a minor resident of Iceland;
The possibility of obtaining citizenship of a Schengen Area country in the future.
Exploring Iceland through the Au Pair Program
One of the most popular employment programs in Iceland is the Au Pair program – working with a host family, which includes helping with household chores and childcare.
This temporary residence in Iceland allows for deep immersion in the language, familiarization with all the country's unique features, and a decision on whether to commit your future to this country. This program typically attracts young people seeking the most suitable relocation option. Please note that the age limit for participation in the program is 18-27 years.
According to Icelandic law, program participants can work up to 30 hours per week (if they are EU residents, they are allowed to work with someone other than their host family), with one week of vacation required for every 26 weeks of work.
The host family is obligated to pay the participant a minimum of €100 per week. Travel assistance is also discussed before signing the contract. For contracts of 6-9 months, the host family can cover half of the travel costs, while for contracts of 10-12 months, the host family will fully cover the international flight costs of up to ISK 50,000.
During the program, participants are entitled to attend language courses and various cultural events to gain a better understanding of the country's culture and become part of Icelandic society.
To participate in the program, non-residents must obtain a special Au Pair visa. The requirements for applicants are standard: a passport, a contract with a host family and proof of the family's ability to cover the participant's needs, a clean criminal record, health insurance, and a family housing agreement for hosting a foreign citizen.
It is important to note that Au Pairs will only be eligible for employment in Iceland two years after completing the program.
Immigration to Iceland
If you've already completed the Au Pair program or are confident in your decision without first exploring the country, you can consider moving to Iceland permanently.
Non-residents without family ties to Icelandic citizens are eligible to immigrate on the following grounds:
Employment
– a profession requiring specialized knowledge required by a specific company and confirmed by higher education, artistic, or other training;
– work in the ares, that are not taken due to lack of workers within the country and throughout Europe;
– work in the sports sector (in one of the organizations of the National Olympic and Sports Association of Iceland);
– employment under a cooperation agreement or service provision in the educational, scientific, or academic fields.
Education
Students who have been accepted to a local university can obtain a residence permit. The main requirement is reaching the age of 18. A student's residence permit is issued for one year and is then extended if there are no problems completing the program.
Volunteering
Foreign citizens have the right to come to Iceland to participate in non-governmental organizations on a non-profit basis. These may include humanitarian aid organizations or charitable organizations.
Religious Purposes
Non-residents also have the right to come to Iceland for missionary work on behalf of a local church or other religious organization. It should be noted that in the case of both volunteering and religious purposes, foreign citizens cannot be employed in Iceland.
Summary
Iceland is a Scandinavian country with one of the best quality of life in Europe and the world. Despite this, the country and its characteristics are not as widely known to foreign citizens as, for example, France, Germany, and Italy.
If you are planning to obtain a residence permit, invest in a country's economy, or purchase real estate abroad, we invite you to a consultation with our company. During a personal online meeting, we will thoroughly discuss your questions and create a step-by-step action plan for you.