Iceland
Living or working in Iceland: long-stay, digital nomad and working holiday visas
Apply for a digital nomad visa if you earn ≥ USD 5,000/month and plan to stay up to 12 months; otherwise consider a working holiday visa (age 18‑30, up to 12 months) or a long‑stay residence permit if you have a job offer. Plan ahead if your stay exceeds 90 days, as a visa is required for non‑EU/EEA citizens.
More
GuideIceland
Key facts
- Digital nomad visa income requirementcheck
- ≈ USD 5,000 per month
- Digital nomad visa max stay
- 12 months
- Working holiday visa age range
- 18‑30
- Working holiday visa max stay
- 12 months
- Long‑stay work permit required
- Job offer + employer sponsorship
- Application fee (digital nomad)check
- ≈ IS 15,000
- Application fee (working holiday)check
- ≈ IS 6,000
- Processing timecheck
- 4‑6 weeks
Quick answer
Digital nomads earning at least USD 5k/month can apply for a 12‑month visa; 18‑30‑year‑old citizens of eligible countries can use the working holiday scheme; otherwise secure a job offer and apply for a long‑stay work permit. All require a visa before arrival if you’re not EU/EEA.
Visa options and eligibility
The digital nomad visa targets remote workers with a proven income of roughly USD 5,000 per month, valid for up to one year and renewable once. The working holiday visa is a reciprocal agreement with several countries, allowing stays of up to 12 months for young travellers (18‑30) who can fund themselves. For those with a local employer, a long‑stay work permit is issued after the employer obtains a work‑contract and a residence permit application is submitted.
- Digital nomad – income proof, health insurance, no local employment.
- Working holiday – reciprocal country list, proof of funds (≈ IS 1,000 per month).
- Long‑stay work permit – job offer, employer sponsorship, possible labour market test.
Costs and timelines
Application fees are set in Icelandic króna and vary by visa type. Processing typically takes 4‑6 weeks, but can be longer during peak seasons. Applicants should submit well before planned travel.
| Visa type | Fee (IS kr) | Max stay | Typical processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital nomad | 15,000 kr (≈ USD 100) | 12 months | 4‑6 weeks |
| Working holiday | 6,000 kr (≈ USD 40) | 12 months | 4‑6 weeks |
| Long‑stay work permit | Varies, approx 15,000‑20,000 kr | Depends on contract | 6‑8 weeks |
Fees are 2026 estimates; confirm on the Directorate of Immigration website.
How to apply
1. Gather required documents: passport, proof of income or job offer, health insurance, accommodation details, and completed application form.
2. Submit the application online through the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration portal or at an Icelandic embassy/consulate.
3. Pay the fee and schedule any required biometric appointment.
4. Wait for approval; you will receive a residence card on arrival.
Important notes
EU/EEA citizens can stay up to 90 days without a visa; longer stays require registration with local authorities.
All visa holders must have health insurance covering Iceland.
Working holiday participants cannot take up permanent employment; the visa is for short‑term work and travel.
FAQ
- What should I know about long‑stay and working visas in Iceland?
- How much does it cost?
- When should I plan for it?
Questions people ask
What should I know about long‑stay and working visas in Iceland?
Non‑EU/EEA travellers need a visa for stays over 90 days. Choose the digital nomad visa if you earn ≥ USD 5k/month, the working holiday if you’re 18‑30 from a partner country, or a work permit if you have a local job offer.
How much does it cost?
Digital nomad visa ≈ IS 15,000 (≈ USD 100); working holiday ≈ IS 6,000 (≈ USD 40); long‑stay work permit ≈ IS 15‑20 k, depending on the case.
When should I plan for it?
Start the application at least 6‑8 weeks before travel, especially if you need a work contract or employer sponsorship, as processing can take up to 8 weeks.
Can I work for an Icelandic employer on a digital nomad visa?
No. The digital nomad visa requires you to work for a non‑Icelandic employer and not take local employment.
Do I need health insurance?
Yes. All visa categories require proof of health insurance that covers Iceland for the entire stay.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
Ask about Iceland
Loading…
Was this useful?