Work and residence permits.

There are three categories of residence permits based on employment:

Residence permits based on temporary shortage of labourers.

• A foreigner may be granted a residence permit based on temporary shortage of labourers if employees are not available within the local work force or within the European Economic Community area, the EFTA countries or the Faroe Islands.
• Those permits are temporary and can only be renewed once.
• Family reunification permits will not be granted to families of holders of a residence permit based on a temporary shortage of labourers.
• A residence permit based on a temporary shortage of labourers does not count towards a permanent residence permit.

Residence permits for qualified professionals.

• A foreigner may be granted a residence permit in Iceland based on the need for qualified profesionals in specialized area.
• Those permits are not intended for temporary assignments.
• According to the Foreign Nationals' Right to Work Act, the applicant’s expertise shall be essential to the respective firm and shall entail university education, trade qualification, artistic skills or technology education which is recognized in Iceland.
• Family reunifications are permitted for families of qualified professionals.
• Qualified professional´s permits counts towards permanent residence permits.

Residence permits for athletes.

• Temporary residence permits may be granted to athletes and coaches on contract with sports clubs within The National Olympic and Sports Association of Iceland.
• The National Olympic and Sports Association of Iceland’s website, www.isi.is lists the sports clubs affiliated with the association.
• Family reunification are permitted for families of athletes.
• Permits for athletes do not count towards permanent residence permits.

Foreigners who have been granted work and residence permits (B- and C-permits) according to the original Act on Foreigners No. 96/2002 will keep their rights and continue to count towards a permanent residence permit. They are eligible for family reunification.

 

Select the appropriate category:

• Are you applying on the grounds of temporary shortage of labourers?
• Are you applying as a qualified professional?
• Are you an athlete or a sports coach?

If the above does not apply:

• You are the holder of a work and residence permit (B-and C-permit) and want to renew your permit?