A residence permit on humanitarian grounds is only considered during the substantive procedure of an application for international protection.
If an applicant’s situation does not fall under the refugee concept or subsidiary protection, consideration is made as to whether he/she has the right to a residence permit on humanitarian grounds. An applicant who has such a right is granted a residence permit for one year.
A humanitarian permit may be renewed for up to two years if the conditions for granting it have not changed. The residence permit can also be the basis for a permanent residence permit.
Please note that it is not possible to apply directly for a residence permit on humanitarian grounds.
Work permit
The holder of a humanitarian permit must apply for a work permit in a separate application, if he/she wishes to work. The application must be submitted to the Directorate of Immigration, but it is processed by the Directorate of Labor.
Applications can only be submitted in paper form, either by regular mail to the Directorate of Immigration or delivered to the drop box in the Directorate’s lobby in Dalvegur 18, 201 Kópavogur. Applications can also be submitted at the offices of District Commissioners outside the capital area.
Documents to be submitted
- Application for a work permit
- The relevant labour union has provided their opinion in section IV of the application.
- Signed by both the applicant and the employer.
- Employment contract
- Signed by both the applicant and the employer.
Further information on the application process and conditions can be found on the Directorate of Labour's website.
Family reunification
Residence permits on humanitarian grounds entitle the holder to family reunification for spouses, children and parents over the age of 67.
Passport for foreigners
A foreigner who has a residence permit in Iceland on the basis of an application for international protection, but without being granted international protection, can apply for a passport for foreigners for traveling abroad.
The applicant must be legally resident in Iceland and be able to demonstrate that he/she cannot obtain a travel document from his/her home country, or that he/she is stateless.
Renewal of residence permit on humanitarian grounds
A residence permit on humanitarian grounds may be renewed for up to two years, if its conditions are still met.
Applications can only be submitted in paper form, either by regular mail to the Directorate of Immigration or delivered to the drop box in the Directorate’s lobby in Dalvegur 18, 201 Kópavogur. Applications can also be submitted at the offices of District Commissioners outside the capital area.
Documents to be submitted
- Application for a residence permit renewal. (Please download and save to computer before filling in).
- In original and signed by the applicant.
- Receipt for payment of processing fee, if the fee has been paid by bank transfer.
- The receipt must clearly state the name and birthdate of the applicant.
- The receipt must clearly state the name and birthdate of the applicant.
Documents that may be submitted
- Power of attorney, original, witnessed by two adult witnesses.
- A power of attorney needs not be submitted unless the applicant wants someone other than him-/herself to receive information about the processing of the application by the Directorate.
- Application for a work permit
- The relevant labour union has provided their opinion in section IV of the application.
- Signed by both the applicant and the employer.
- Employment contract
- Signed by both the applicant and the employer.
The Directorate of Immigration may request additional documents in some cases.
Revocation
A residence permit granted on humanitarian grounds may be revoked, if an applicant has in considerable terms provided incorrect information or concealed information that would have been significant regarding his/her application. Revocation is also permissible when the conditions for the permit are no longer fulfilled or when this derives from the general administrative rules.