A residence permit based on family reunification is granted on grounds of Articles 69-72 of the Foreign Nationals Act No. 80/2016.
It is granted to the closest relative of a person residing in Iceland and who has the right to family reunification.
For a residence permit based on family reunification 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 kind of residence permit applied for.
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.
A residence permit based on family reunification is for the closest relative of
- an Icelandic citizen,
- a Nordic citizen,
- a foreign citizen who has a permanent residence permit,
- a foreign citizen who has 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 citizens of EEA/EFTA member states may reside in Iceland if their residence is based on the rights of a citizen of an EEA/EFTA member state residing in Iceland. They must apply for a residence card at the Directorate of Immigration but not a residence permit based on family reunification.
Further information on residence permits based on family reunification
Residence permit for a spouse or cohabiting partner
Residence permit for a parent aged 67 or older
Residence permit for a parent of a child under the age of 18