The Directorate of Immigration always asks for originals of custody documentation - not declarations from parents/custodians.

The Directorate of Immigration always asks for originals of custody documentation issued by official authorities and translated by a certified translator, not declarations from parents/custodians. It must be emphasized that even if both parents/custodians are living in Iceland, or are both applying for a residence permit along with their child/children, a certificate of custody must be submitted when applying for a residence permit for the first time. If the parents share joint custody and only one of the parents/custodians comes to Iceland bringing a child to live in Iceland and the other parent will continue to reside in another country, a declaration from the parent not intending to reside in Iceland must be submitted in addition to a custody declaration. This declaration shall state that the child is allowed to travel to and reside in Iceland. All documentation must be originals and translated by a certified translator as applicable.