Living in Iceland
Information about moving to, living or retiring in Iceland – including visas, working, healthcare and driving.
Getting help with living in Iceland
Help from the Icelandic government
For any questions about moving to or living in Iceland, you may be able to get help from:
The UK government and the British Embassy in Reykjavik cannot give personalised advice on moving to, living or retiring in Iceland.
Professional help in Iceland
You can also get help from English-speaking professionals in Iceland, including:
- lawyers
- translators
- notaries
- funeral directors
Help from the UK government
Read the travel advice for Iceland to understand the risks you may face if you live in or visit Iceland. This includes the latest information on:
- visas and entry requirements
- laws and cultural differences
- safety and security
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad.
Get help from the UK government abroad, including in an emergency.
Visas, residency and citizenship
Make sure you meet the entry requirements for Iceland before you travel.
Visas and residence permits
Check which Icelandic visa or residence permit you need to live in Iceland.
You can get a visa or residence permit to:
- work
- study
- live with family in Iceland
- volunteer
- do research
For more information, read the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration’s guidance on immigration and visas.
Registering as a resident
Once you arrive, you need to register your residency in Iceland.
If you’re applying for residency in Iceland because you live with your partner, you must provide an affirmation of relationship status from the British Embassy Reykjavik. Use get help from the UK government abroad to contact the embassy.
If you have any problems or questions about registering your residency, contact:
Extending or replacing your visa or residence permit
Contact the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration for information on how to:
- extend your visa or renew your residence permit
- replace a lost, damaged or stolen visa or residence permit
You can also read the Directorate of Immigration’s guidance on reporting a lost or stolen residence permit card.
Permanent residency
You may be able to apply for permanent residency in Iceland if you have lived there legally for a continuous period of at least 5 years.
To find out if you’re eligible and how to apply, contact the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration.
Citizenship
Iceland recognises dual citizenship with the UK. This means that you do not have to give up (renounce) your British citizenship to become an Icelandic citizen.
To find out if you’re eligible for Icelandic citizenship:
- read the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration’s guidance on applying for Icelandic citizenship
- contact the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration
- contact the Embassy of Iceland in London
Help with visa, residency and citizenship applications
The British Embassy in Reykjavik cannot help with Icelandic visa, residency or citizenship applications.
For any questions or issues, contact:
- the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration
- the Embassy of Iceland in London
- an English-speaking lawyer in Iceland
Residency if you moved to Iceland before 1 January 2021
If you moved to Iceland before 1 January 2021, and have been legally living there since then, you and your family members have rights under the UK-EEA EFTA Separation Agreement.
Residence permits if you moved to Iceland before 1 January 2021
If you moved to Iceland before 1 January 2021, make sure you have a residence permit card for British nationals who had the right to reside in Iceland before 1 January 2021.This confirms your rights under the UK-EEA EFTA Separation Agreement.
Under the new digital Entry/Exit System (EES), you’ll need a residence permit card when entering or leaving Iceland. If you have one, you will not have to register with the EES when entering, leaving or travelling within the Schengen area. Without it, you may be wrongly identified as overstaying in the Schengen area and denied entry to Iceland or other Schengen countries.
If you do not have a residence permit
If you were living in Iceland before 1 January 2021, but do not have a residence permit card, you can apply for a residence permit card for British nationals who had the right to reside in Iceland before 1 January 2021.
The Icelandic Directorate of Immigration’s guidance on residence rights of UK nationals and their family members explains how to apply for your residence permit card. You’ll need to submit evidence to prove that you met the residency criteria at the time.
If your application is successful, you’ll get a biometric residence permit card that confirms your rights under the UK-EEA EFTA Separation Agreement.
If your application is unsuccessful, you may be able to appeal or apply for a different residence permit as a third-country national. Consider getting legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer in Iceland.
For more information on how to appeal, read the Icelandic government’s guidance on refusal of residence permits.
Renewing your residence permit if you moved to Iceland before 1 January 2021
You’ll need to renew your residence permit before it expires.
Contact the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration for more information.
Bringing family members to Iceland if you moved there before 1 January 2021
The Icelandic Directorate of Immigration’s guidance on residence rights of UK nationals and their family members explains:
- which family members can join you in Iceland
- how and when they should apply for their residence permit
- fees and processing times
Passports and travel
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- apply for a British passport from abroad
- travel urgently without your British passport
If you have an Icelandic residence permit or long stay visa, the time you spend in Iceland does not count towards the 90-day visa-free period you can spend in the Schengen area.
Always carry your passport and residence permit card when entering, leaving or travelling within the Schengen area. If you’re asked to show your passport at border control, make sure you also show your residence permit card or other evidence of residence status. Your passport may be stamped if you do not.
If you have dual citizenship with an EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) country, you should enter and leave Iceland using your EU or EFTA passport.
Dual citizens travelling to the UK
When travelling to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. Read guidance on dual citizenship.
Resident children travelling without a parent or legal guardian
Children aged 17 and under must carry a declaration of approval if they’re travelling out of Iceland without their parent or legal guardian.
Contact the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration for more information.
European Entry/Exit System (EES)
Under the new digital Entry/Exit System (EES) there are new rules for entering, leaving or travelling within the Schengen area. Non-EU nationals will need to have their photo and fingerprints taken or verified at the border. This data will be stored in a digital record and used to monitor how long visitors have spent in the Schengen area.
British nationals legally resident in Iceland, and who have a valid Icelandic residence permit card, do not need to register with the EES.
If you’re legally resident in Iceland but do not have a residence permit card, contact the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration for information on how to get one.
For more information about the EES:
Healthcare in Iceland
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- plan your healthcare
- take medicine abroad
To find out how to get medical treatment:
- read guidance on healthcare in Iceland and health in Iceland
- find English-speaking medical facilities and doctors for British nationals in Iceland
Working in Iceland
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers working abroad, including documents you may need from the UK government.
To work in Iceland, you may need a work permit or work visa. Our guidance on travelling to Iceland for work explains the different work permits and visas available to you.
You do not need a work permit or visa if you have been living in Iceland legally since before 1 January 2021, as you have rights under the UK-EEA EFTA Separation Agreement.
To apply for a job, you may need to provide a UK police certificate.
If you live in Iceland and were regularly commuting to work in another EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Iceland before 1 January 2021, read guidance for frontier workers.
Recognition of qualifications
If you want to work in Iceland, you may need to get your foreign qualifications recognised.
Driving in Iceland
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- drive abroad legally
- take your UK vehicle abroad
- get driving licence letters
The Icelandic government provides information on vehicles and driving in Iceland, including how to:
For more information read guidance on:
- driving in the EU
- road travel in Iceland, in safety and security in the travel advice for Iceland
Driving in Iceland using a foreign driving licence
You can drive in Iceland for up to 6 months using a driving licence issued in:
- the UK
- Gibraltar
- Jersey
- Guernsey
- the Isle of Man
You cannot replace or renew any of these licences if you live in Iceland.
Exchanging your UK driving licence
To continue driving after 6 months, you must exchange your driving licence if it was issued in the UK.
You should apply for the exchange before the 6 months is over. Applications may take time to process, and you’ll need your Icelandic licence to drive legally.
Applying for an Icelandic driving licence
If your driving licence was issued in Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man, you cannot exchange it. You must apply for an Icelandic driving licence as a non-EU national.
You’ll need to pass a theory and practical driving test.
The UK and Iceland are currently negotiating long-term arrangements for exchanging driving licences from Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man without the need for a test.
Disabled drivers
You may be able to apply for an:
- EU parking card for people with disabilities
- Icelandic parking card for people with reduced mobility (‘p-card’)
If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in Iceland, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.
Tax
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers tax, including paying UK tax and National Insurance.
You’ll receive a tax card and national identification number when you register with the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration.
The UK has a double taxation agreement with Iceland so that you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries.
Contact Iceland Revenue and Customs for any questions about double taxation relief.
You should get professional advice on paying tax in Iceland. Find an English-speaking lawyer in Iceland.
You can also read the Icelandic government’s guidance on finances and taxes in Iceland.
National Insurance
Check if you need to pay National Insurance if you’re going to work in the EU, Gibraltar, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland.
Pensions
Claiming your UK pension
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:
- how to claim your UK State Pension
- where the UK government pays an annual increase in the State Pension
Your UK state pension is calculated differently if you’ve previously lived in Australia, Canada or New Zealand and now live in the EU, EEA or Switzerland.
Claiming an Icelandic pension
Contact the Icelandic Social Insurance Administration to find out whether you can claim an old age pension, half old age pension or other Icelandic pension.
You can also read the Icelandic government’s guidance on wage earners, workplace rights and pensions.
Benefits
Claiming UK benefits
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to claim UK benefits abroad, including Child Benefit.
You can also read guidance on benefits and pensions for UK nationals in the EU, EEA or Switzerland.
Claiming Icelandic benefits
You may be entitled to some Icelandic benefits.
To find out if you’re eligible and how to claim:
- read the Icelandic government’s guidance on family and social welfare and people with disabilities
- contact the Icelandic Social Insurance Administration
Buying and renting property in Iceland
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers buying and renting property abroad.
You can also read the Icelandic government’s guidance on:
Contact an English-speaking lawyer in Iceland if you’re considering buying property or land.
Voting in Iceland
UK elections
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- vote in UK elections from abroad
- register as an overseas voter
Icelandic elections
You may be eligible to vote in Icelandic municipal elections. Read the Icelandic government’s guidance on who can vote in Iceland.
You cannot vote in Icelandic parliamentary elections, presidential elections or referendums unless you hold Icelandic citizenship.
Studying in Iceland
If you plan to study in Iceland, you must meet all visa and residence permit requirements.
You do not need a student visa or residence permit if you have been living in Iceland legally since before 1 January 2021, as you have rights under the UK-EEA EFTA Separation Agreement.
For more information, read guidance on:
- studying in Iceland
- education in Iceland
- travel grants for students studying abroad or on placements (England)
You can also contact:
- your higher education provider in the UK or Iceland
- the Icelandic Ministry of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education
- the Embassy of Iceland in London
Children
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers moving abroad with children, including:
- getting permission to take your child abroad
- claiming UK Child Benefit abroad
- child maintenance payments if a parent lives abroad
Schools and education
The European Commission provides information about the school system in Iceland.
All children aged 6 to 16 must attend school in Iceland.
For more information, read the Icelandic government’s guidance on:
Childcare
The Icelandic Ministry of Education and Children is responsible for early childhood education and care in Iceland.
For more information, read the Icelandic government’s guidance on:
- day care and schooling in Iceland
- having a baby – this covers daycare, preschool and child allowance
Births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships
Births
If your child is born in Iceland, register the birth with the Icelandic authorities.
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- register the birth with the UK authorities to get a UK birth certificate
- apply for your child’s first British passport
You can also read the Icelandic government’s guidance on having a baby.
Deaths
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:
- what to do after someone dies abroad
- how to register the death with the UK authorities
If someone dies in Iceland, read guidance on:
You can also read the Icelandic government’s guidance on losing a loved one.
Marriages and civil partnerships
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get married or form a civil partnership abroad.
The Icelandic government provides information on:
Divorce and separation
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get a divorce or end a civil partnership.
The Icelandic government offers guidance on legal separation and divorce in Iceland.
Consider taking legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer in Iceland.
Documents for British people in Iceland
Read our guidance on documents for British people abroad. This covers:
- legalising and certifying UK documents
- marriage and civil partnership documents
- affirmations and affidavits
- witnessing signatures
Lawyers, translators and notaries
To find an English-speaking lawyer, translator or notary in Iceland, read guidance on professional services if you’re abroad.
Pets
If you want to bring your pet with you to Iceland, read guidance on:
Returning to the UK
Read returning to the UK permanently. This includes information on bringing family members back to the UK, tax and access to services.
If the NHS funds your healthcare in Iceland through the S1 form, contact the NHS Overseas Healthcare Team to cancel it.
Disclaimer
We provide this information as a guide only. For definitive information, contact the Icelandic authorities.
Read our consular information disclaimer.
Updates to this page
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Added new information about dual citizens travelling to the UK ('Passports and travel' section).
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Rewrote guide to make it easier to read and understand.
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Updated guidance on the EU Entry/Exit System (EES).
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The section on the EU Entry/Exit Scheme has been updated,
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Addition of EES guidance for British nationals resident in Iceland.
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Added information on getting an affirmation of relationship status.
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Updated sections: Working in Iceland, and National insurance and social security contributions, including information on what to do if you're working in Iceland for an employer based in the UK.
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Guide reviewed and updated, including the sections on visas and residency, working and driving.
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Guidance reviewed and updated.
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Working in Iceland section updated: new guidance for frontier workers
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Healthcare section updated on the S1 form and applying for EHIC cards; working in Iceland section updated with new links on working or providing services and recognition of professional qualifications.
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Coronavirus section updated with a link to guidance on vaccines
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Minor change
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Updated as the transition period ends with new information on moving to Iceland.
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Entry requirements updated on re-entering Iceland.
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Healthcare section updated on how to apply for a new UK EHIC as a student or S1 holder. Working section updated with information on frontier workers.
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Passports and travel section updated to include information on passport validity and entry requirements when travelling to other European countries from January 2021
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Visas and residency section updated to include information about how to access the UK National Support Fund for those who may find it harder to complete their residency applications.
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Brexit update: includes further details on passport validity if the UK leaves the EU with a deal.
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EU Exit update: added new information to ´Passports and travel after the UK leaves the EU´ section
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Updated Living in Iceland guidance
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EU Exit update: new information on UK driving licences after EU Exit date
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We have updated the contact details you need to apply for an S1 form.
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Updated information on passports: you must use the checker tool to see if your passport is still valid for your trip
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EU Exit update: Added information on double taxation in the money and tax section.
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EU Exit update: Added a link to the EEA EFTA Citizens´ Rights Agreement in the EU Exit section
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EU Exit update: updated information on access to healthcare
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EU Exit update: updated information on pensions and driving
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EU Exit update: link added for EEA EFTA Separation Agreement
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EU exit update: New information in residency and visa section on draft withdrawal agreement in principle between the UK and EU. Plus information on travelling with pets in Europe in pet section.
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Updated July 2018 with new wording about driving licences in Iceland
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Complete revision of guidance to ensure it's up to date and accurate.
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First published.