Iceland is an island European country with a well-developed infrastructure, progressive society and amazing nature. Every year thousands of tourists come here on vacation, but many dream of staying here a little longer and this is quite possible, because the state offers a visa for remote workers. Find out what conditions for obtaining a visa for remote workers are relevant in 2024

Order an insurance policy for safe travel, stay or work abroad

BUY

The Iceland Remote Work Visa was introduced in October 2020. It allows digital nomads to live and work in the country for 180 or 90 days. The visa is a great opportunity to get to know the main attractions of Iceland, a country widely known for its amazing nature. Currently, the Iceland Digital Nomad Visa is in great demand among foreigners, especially citizens of Pakistan, Nigeria and Nepal. That is why we will tell you about the main conditions of the permit and the procedure for its application below.

Who can get an Icelandic Digital Nomad Visa?

To be eligible for an Icelandic Digital Nomad Visa, the applicant must meet the following requirements: must meet the following conditions:

- Be a citizen of a country outside the EEA/EFTA.

- You have not received a long-term visa from the Icelandic authorities in the last 12 months.

- Your purpose of staying in Iceland is to work remotely, as an employee of a foreign company or as a self-employed person.

- You do not intend to settle in Iceland.

- Have an appropriate income level – at least 1,000,000 ISK (7,200 USD) per month (or 1,300,000 ISK (9,400 USD) if you are applying with your spouse.

How to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Iceland?

The procedure for applying for a Digital Nomad Visa in Iceland is as follows:

Stage 1 – Fill out the application form.

You can find the visa application form on the website of the Icelandic Immigration Authority. Fill out the form electronically with the correct information, download it and print it.

Stage 2 – Prepare the required documents.

After printing the application form, prepare the remaining documents:

- Copy of your passport.

- Passport photo.

- Receipt of payment of the fee.

- International health insurance.

- Documents confirming the purpose of your stay in Iceland: confirmation from your employer that you are allowed to work remotely in Iceland or confirmation that you are self-employed in the country where you are a permanent resident or work normally.

- Proof of income - You must confirm that you have 1,000,000 ISK per month or 1,300,000 ISK per month if you are applying with family members. To do this, provide one of the following documents: an employment contract with information about the monthly salary, a contract for the project(s) on which you are going to work remotely and the agreed payment.

- Certificate of no criminal record.

- Additional documents for spouse (if applicable): marriage certificate, proof that you have lived together for a year, etc.

- Additional documents for your children (if applicable): birth certificate, guardianship documents (if applicable), documents showing your child’s education in Iceland.

You can submit copies of certificates, but the Immigration Office may require originals and/or legal confirmation.

Step 3 – Pay the fee.

The application fee for a digital nomad visa to Iceland is 12,200 Icelandic krónur (approximately $88). You must pay the fee before submitting your application; you must do this via bank transfer and make sure that your date of birth and name are on the receipt.

Step 4 – Apply for the visa.

To apply for a visa, you can choose one of the following submission options, depending on where you are applying:

- If you are applying outside Iceland – send your application together with all the required documents to the Directorate of Immigration.

- If you are applying within Iceland, you can deliver the application package yourself to the Directorate’s reception or to the district commissioner’s offices outside the capital.

Step 5 – Wait for approval.

The processing time for an application for a digital nomad visa to Iceland is three to four weeks. You will receive a decision on your application from the Directorate of Immigration by email.

Step 6 – Receive your visa.

Once you have received a positive response, you can travel to Iceland. Once you arrive there, you must contact the Directorate of Immigration by email ([email protected]) and they will issue you with a digital nomad visa. The visa will be valid from the date of issue.

In order to safely move, travel or work in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can issue an extended policy on our website using the link.

How long can you stay in Iceland on a nomad visa?

The length of stay allowed on an Icelandic digital nomad visa depends on where you apply, i.e.:

- If you apply from your country of residence and do not arrive in Iceland before your visa application is approved, you will be issued a visa valid for up to 180 days.

- If you apply after entering the Schengen area, you will be issued a visa for up to 90 days.

Do digital nomads pay taxes in Iceland?

You do not have to pay taxes as a digital nomad in Iceland. However, you will still have to pay taxes in the country where you are registered as an employee or business owner.

Can a digital nomad visa in Iceland be extended?

No, you cannot renew your Icelandic digital nomad visa. But you can only reapply after you leave Iceland, but only after 12 months of leaving.

Can I travel within the Schengen area with an Icelandic Digital Nomad Visa?

Yes, you can travel within the Schengen area with an Icelandic Digital Nomad Visa for up to 90 days out of a 180-day period. You will be issued a multiple-entry visa and you must have your passport and proof of a long-term visa, such as a visa sticker in your passport, with you when you travel.

In which cities in Iceland do most remote workers live?

Digital nomads in Iceland settle in one of the following cities:

- Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland, which has a lot to offer digital nomads, including working in local co-working spaces, as well as enjoying free time and going sightseeing, visiting museums or shopping. The best time to live here is from June to September, with an average Wi-Fi speed of 85 Mbps.

- Hafnarfjörður is a charming town with a beautiful harbor and a rich history. The average Wi-Fi speed is 85 Mbps.

- In Akureyri, you will find many coworking spaces, but you can also enjoy skiing at Hlídarfjall, see the Northern Lights, visit the Arctic Botanical Garden, etc.

- Selfoss is a city popular for its proximity to many natural attractions, such as the Golden Circle and the south coast.

Iceland is a good country for expats to move to, as it has a growing digital community, no tax requirements, the permit procedure is quite simple, and the country is attractive with beautiful landscapes with many glaciers, volcanoes, and hot springs. Therefore, moving here will be a good experience for digital nomads.

Reminder! Iceland is known for its breathtaking scenery, but few people know that it also has a thriving market economy. With competitive wages and job opportunities, the country offers good career prospects. We’ve already covered what it takes to get a job in Iceland in 2024.

Ihor Usyk - head of Visit World's legal department

To organize a safe move to Sweden, I advise you to contact a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations when traveling abroad.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline.