Iceland work visa (long-term work visa) for Jamaicans: complete guide for 2025

To work in Iceland as a non-EU/EEA national, including Jamaicans, you must obtain a work visa, a work permit, and a residence permit. Iceland offers a range of employment opportunities, but strict immigration rules require that applicants meet specific conditions and provide the necessary documentation.

Types of Iceland work visas for Jamaican citizens

Depending on the nature of employment, Iceland offers several types of work visas for Jamaicans, including:

1. Qualified professionals work visa

• Designed for individuals with specialized skills, higher education qualifications, or professional expertise.
• Suitable for sectors such as healthcare, engineering, IT, and finance.

2. General work visa

• For workers in various industries such as construction, fishing, manufacturing, and agriculture.
• Issued when no qualified EU/EEA candidates are available for the position.

3. Seasonal work visa

• Suitable for temporary work during peak seasons, especially in agriculture and tourism sectors.
• Typically valid for up to 6 months with the possibility of renewal.

Iceland work visa requirements for Jamaicans

To qualify for an Iceland work visa, applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a confirmed job offer from an Icelandic employer.
• Possess relevant professional qualifications or exceptional experience.
• Provide evidence that the employer could not find a local (EU/EEA) candidate for the position.
• Demonstrate sufficient financial means to support their stay.

Required documents for an Iceland work visa

Applicants must submit a comprehensive set of documents to support their work visa application, including:

• Completed application form (available from the Directorate of Immigration).
• Valid passport (with at least 3 months of validity beyond intended stay).
• Two recent passport-sized photos.
• Employment contract, detailing job title, salary, pension contributions, and work responsibilities.
• Proof of professional qualifications (diplomas, certificates, work experience letters).
• Medical travel insurance (covering the entire duration of stay).
• Proof of accommodation arrangements in Iceland.
• Financial proof, demonstrating a minimum of USD 33.97 per day and USD 169.81 entrance fee.
• Criminal record certificate, issued within the last 6 months.
• Flight itinerary (round-trip ticket or travel plan).
• Receipt of visa fee payment.
• Marriage and birth certificates, if applying with family members.

Where to apply for an Iceland work visa?

Work visa applications for Iceland should be submitted to the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration, or through the nearest Icelandic embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country.

Processing time: the application review process takes approximately 90 days, but may take longer if additional documentation is required.

Step-by-step process to obtain an Iceland work visa

1. Secure a Job Offer

Before applying for an Icelandic work visa, securing an official job offer from an employer is mandatory. The employer must confirm that the position could not be filled by an EU/EEA national.

2. Apply for a Residence Permit

Once a job offer is secured, the applicant must apply for a residence permit through the Directorate of Immigration or the nearest Icelandic diplomatic mission.

Required documents for residence permit application:

• Valid passport and completed residence permit application form.
• Employment contract.
• Proof of qualifications.
• Health insurance valid in Iceland.
• Housing confirmation.
• Criminal record certificate.

3. Submit the application

Applications can be submitted either by the applicant or their employer via the Directorate of Immigration website or in person at an Icelandic embassy.

4. Pay the visa application fee

The visa processing fee ranges from ISK 15,000 to ISK 30,000, depending on the visa type and applicant's nationality.

5. Processing time

The typical processing period is up to 90 days, but delays may occur if additional documents are required.

6. Obtain work and residence permit

Once approved, applicants receive their work and residence permits, allowing them to legally work and reside in Iceland.

7. Arrival in Iceland & Registration

Upon arrival, it is mandatory to:

• Register with the Registers Iceland for obtaining an Icelandic ID number (Kennitala), required for taxation and social services.
• Inform local authorities of your residence address and employment status.

Work visa duration and extensions

• Iceland work visas are typically issued for up to 12 months, with the option for renewal based on continued employment.
• After a certain period, applicants may become eligible for permanent residency, provided they meet residency requirements.

Bringing family members to Iceland

Family members of work visa holders can apply for a family reunification residence permit, which allows them to join the worker in Iceland.

Required documents for family applications include:

• Proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificates).
• Proof of sufficient financial means to support family members.
• Valid health insurance for dependents.

Key points to remember about Iceland work visas for Jamaicans

1. A work permit is always required alongside a work visa.

2. It is illegal to work in Iceland without a valid work visa and permit.

3. The Icelandic labor market has a high demand for skilled workers, particularly in construction, tourism, and fishing industries.

4. Iceland has a strong labor union presence, which ensures fair wages and working conditions for foreign workers.

5. The cost of living in Iceland is high, so it is essential to plan financially before moving.

Work permit requirements for Jamaicans in Iceland

If you're a Jamaican citizen planning to work in Iceland, obtaining a work permit is essential. Non-EEA/EFTA nationals must have a valid work permit before starting any job. The process typically requires your prospective employer to apply for the permit on your behalf, while you also secure a residence permit to live legally in Iceland.

Types of Iceland work permits for Jamaican nationals

Iceland offers different types of work permits depending on the nature of employment and the applicant's qualifications. The most common categories include:

1. Qualified professionals work permit

• For individuals with specialized skills or higher education in sectors facing labor shortages, such as healthcare, IT, and engineering.
• Requires relevant educational qualifications and work experience.

2. General work permit

• For workers in industries such as construction, fishing, agriculture, and hospitality, where labor shortages exist.
• Issued only if no qualified EU/EEA national is available for the position.

3. Temporary/seasonal work permit

• Granted for jobs with seasonal demand, such as in tourism and agriculture sectors.
• Typically issued for a maximum of 6 months, with a possibility for renewal.

 Iceland work permit application process for Jamaican citizens: step-by-step guide

The process includes the following key steps:

Step 1: Securing a job offer

• The employer provides a formal job offer detailing the role, salary, and terms of employment.
• They must also prove that no suitable candidate was found within the EEA/EFTA region before hiring a non-EEA worker.

Step 2: Submitting the application

The employer submits the application and necessary documents to the Directorate of Immigration, which checks if the applicant meets residency requirements.

Step 3: Approval by the Directorate of Labor

After the residence permit is approved, the case is forwarded to the Directorate of Labor for further processing and final approval.

Step 4: Notification and relocation

Upon approval, the applicant is informed and can travel to Iceland.

After arrival, they must register with Registers Iceland and obtain an Icelandic ID number (Kennitala).

Documents required for an Iceland work permit application

• A completed work permit application form, available from the Directorate of Immigration.
• A valid passport, which must remain valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay.
• Two recent passport-sized photos, meeting Icelandic visa guidelines.
• A detailed employment contract, outlining your job title, salary, and employment terms.
• Documents proving your professional qualifications, such as diplomas or certificates.
• A criminal record certificate, issued no more than 6 months prior.
• Medical travel insurance, covering the entire stay in Iceland.
• Proof of accommodation, like a rental agreement or employer-provided housing confirmation.
• Financial proof, showing you have sufficient funds to support yourself.
• A receipt of the visa fee payment, which ranges between ISK 15,000 and 30,000, depending on the permit type.

Iceland work permit duration and renewal process

In Iceland, work permits are typically granted for up to 12 months, with the option to renew if employment continues. Applicants seeking a renewal must submit their application at least 4 weeks before the permit’s expiration date.

After working in Iceland for an extended period, individuals may qualify for a long-term residence permit, allowing them to stay in the country for a longer duration.

How long does it take to process an Iceland work permit?

The processing time for an Iceland work permit usually takes up to 90 days, depending on factors such as the complexity of the application and whether all required documents have been submitted correctly. If additional documentation is needed, processing may take longer than expected.

Where to apply for an Iceland work permit?

The Iceland work permit application is processed through the following authorities:

1. Directorate of Immigration

Address: Dalvegi 18, 201 Kópvogur

Phone: (+354) 444-0900

Website: www.utl.is

2. Directorate of Labor

Address: Kringlunni 1, 150 Reykjavík

Phone: (+354) 515-4800

Website: www.vinnumalastofnun.is

3. Registers Iceland (for residence registration)

Address: Borgartúni 21, 105 Reykjavík

Phone: (+354) 515 5300

Website: www.skra.is

Key things to know for Iceland work permit holders

• If you hold a work permit in Iceland, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
• Separate residence permit: a work permit alone does not grant residency rights; you must also apply for a residence permit to legally stay in Iceland.
• Employment restrictions: work permits are usually issued for a specific job and employer. If you want to change employers, you'll need to submit a new application.
• Labor law compliance: foreign workers are protected under Icelandic labor laws, which cover wages, working hours, and employment conditions.

Icelandic labor law is important for regulating labor relations in the country. Here are the main aspects of Icelandic labor law:

1. Labor rights: All employees are entitled to fair working conditions, safety and hygiene in the workplace, and protection from discrimination. There is also a right to rest, vacation and paid holidays.
2. Working hours: The law sets a maximum working time, which is usually 40 hours per week. There are also restrictions on employees' working hours at night.
3. Vacations: Employees are entitled to paid annual vacations. The number of vacation days usually depends on the length of the employee's employment.
4. Employee protection: The legislation provides for measures to protect employees from any form of discrimination, violence, harm or abuse in the workplace

Entrepreneurship in Iceland for Jamaicans / Business visa

Types of business entities available for company registration in Iceland 

Before starting the process of company registration in Iceland, it is important to understand the different types of business structures available.

The business structure you choose will impact operations, taxes, and the extent of your personal liability. Selecting the right structure ensures a balance between legal protection and business benefits.

Sole proprietorship or private company

A self-employed business is run by an individual. The requirements are relatively simple, and the independence of the owner is a significant advantage. However, the owner's liability is direct and unlimited, making this type of business less suitable for large-scale ventures.

Private limited company (Einkahlutafélög (ehf.))

A private limited company is one of the most common legal forms for foreign investors, including Jamaicans, looking to establish a business in Iceland.

Key features:

• Limited liability protection for directors and shareholders.
• Requires at least one shareholder and one director (must be domiciled in Iceland, the EEA, or an OECD country).
• A registered office and agent are mandatory.

Minimum share capital: ISK 500,000.

When registering a private limited company, essential documents include:

• Articles of Association
• VAT certificate
• Board resolution and company establishment notice

Public limited company (Hlutafélög)

Public limited companies are typically used by larger businesses seeking capital from multiple investors. They are governed by stricter regulations compared to private limited companies.

Minimum share capital: ISK 4,000,000.

Requirements: a board of directors with at least three members, one of whom must be an Icelandic, EEA, or OECD resident.

Partnership companies (Sameignarfélög)

To establish a partnership company, at least two partners are required. Liability is direct and unlimited, meaning partners are personally responsible for the company's debts.

Advantages:

• Low start-up costs.
• Simplicity in liquidation and withdrawal of funds.
• Favorable tax conditions for profit distribution.

Limited Partnership

A hybrid between a partnership and a private limited company, requiring at least one partner with unlimited liability. Other partners may have limited liability.

Branch Office

A branch office allows foreign companies to operate in Iceland under the same conditions as local businesses. A local representative and office registration are required.

How to register a company in Iceland for Jamaican citizens

To legally establish a business in Iceland, follow these steps:

1. Choosing the optimal business structure

2. Fulfilling registration requirements

- One director/shareholder must be a local resident.

- Registered office address in Iceland.

3. Reserving a company name in the Icelandic Business Register.

4. Preparing corporate documents, such as articles of association and business plans.

5. Submitting documents to the Icelandic Companies Registry.

6. Opening a corporate bank account for depositing share capital.

7. Applying for a business license (if required for specific industries).

8. Registering for tax and VAT purposes.

Annual reporting and tax requirements for Jamaicans

Corporate Income Tax: 20% on annual profits.

VAT: 24% (not applicable to export goods).

Social Security Contributions: 7.6% of employee wages.

Personal Income Tax: Ranges from 37% to 46%.

Iceland business visa for Jamaicans

An Icelandic business visa for Jamaicans is a short-term Schengen visa, allowing individuals to enter Iceland and engage in business-related activities for up to 90 days within a six-month period.

Documents required for an Iceland business visa

• Completed visa application form.
• Two passport-size photos.
• Valid passport (at least two blank pages, valid for three months after departure).
• Copy of passport pages.
• Full travel itinerary (flight tickets, accommodation details).
• Medical insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
• Proof of employment status (employment contract, bank statements).
• Proof of financial means (€29 per day for expenses).
• Invitation letter from an Icelandic company detailing the purpose of the visit.

How much does an Iceland business visa cost?

The standard fee for a business visa to Iceland is €90.

How long can Jamaicans stay in Iceland with a business visa?

The maximum period of stay is 90 days within a six-month period, in compliance with Schengen visa regulations.

How to apply for a multiple-entry business visa for Iceland

If you frequently travel for business, you can apply for a multiple-entry visa, allowing you to enter Iceland multiple times without reapplying.

To qualify, you must provide proof of:

- Previous business trips to Iceland or Schengen countries.

- Invitations to future events and business meetings.

- Hotel and flight reservations for planned visits.