Spouses of Icelandic citizens and other EEA/EFTA citizens are allowed to work in Iceland while their application for a residence permit is being processed.
Given that the processing of applications for residence permits can take several months and that individuals do not receive an ID number until the residence permit is issued, these rights have not been as useful as they could be, as an ID number is necessary for an individual to establish a bank account for their salary and a prerequisite so the employer can pay withholding tax on wages.
To solve this problem, it has been decided that the spouses of Icelandic citizens and other EEA/EFTA citizens can obtain a system ID number issued while a residence permit application is being processed.
The conditions are that the person in question has:
- submitted and paid for an application for a residence permit on the basis of marriage at the Directorate of Immigration and
- has a paid job.
How do you apply for a system ID?
Spouses of Icelandic citizens and other EEA/EFTA citizens can apply for a system ID to the Iceland Revenue and Customs by:
- Filling in an Application for a system ID number (RSK 3.30)
- The application must be signed by both the applicant and the employer.
- The applicant must bring the application together with a passport / travel document at the Iceland Revenue and Customs.
We hope that this new arrangement will be beneficial for spouses who are waiting for a residence permit to be processed but have the right to work here.
If an individual thinks it is in his or her interest to obtain a system ID number for another reason, the person in question is advised to contact Registers Iceland.