A residence permit based on family reunification can be granted to the closest relative of a person who resides in Iceland and has the right to family reunification.
For a family reunification permit to be granted the basic requirements for a residence permit must be met. The requirements and the rights of residence permits on grounds of family reunification can differ, depending on the type of permit applied for.
Who has the right to family reunification?
- Icelandic citizens,
- Nordic citizens,
- foreign citizens who have a permanent residence permit,
- foreign citizens who have a temporary residence permit:
- as a qualified specialist,
- as an athlete,
- as a spouse or cohabiting partner,
- as a graduate or post-graduate student (only for spouse/patner and children),
- on grounds of international protection,
- on grounds of humanitarian views or
- on grounds of special ties to Iceland.
Family members of EEA/EFTA citizens may reside in Iceland if their residence is based on the rights of an EEA/EFTA citizen residing in Iceland. They must apply for a residence card at the Directorate of Immigration but not a residence permit based on family reunification.
The closest relative according to the Act on Foreigners is
- a spouse,
- a cohabiting partner,
- a child under the age of 18 in the custody and provided for by the relevant permit holder,
- a parent aged 67 or older and
- a parent of a child under the age of 18.
Others than those defined as closest relatives according to the Act on Foreigners cannot obtain a residence permit on grounds of family reunification.