🇮🇸 How to Apply for the Iceland Digital Nomad Visa
Iceland was actually one of the first Schengen countries to introduce a digital nomad visa back in October 2020, making it a pretty awesome destination for remote workers.
This visa allows digital nomads to bring their families to work and live in the country for up to 6 months. With this visa, you can also enjoy hassle-free travel amongst the 26 other Schengen countries.
This article will highlight the five most important steps when applying for Iceland’s Digital Nomad visa.
Before you depart, make sure you're covered...
Lau
What is a Digital Nomad Visa
A digital nomad visa is a type of visa designed for digital nomads, a group of people who leverage digital technology to work remotely and travel.
This type of visa allows digital nomads to move from country to country while continuing their lifestyles with less disruption than other types of visas.
As technology offers more remote job prospects, the digital nomad visa is gaining traction and allowing people to discover new places while maintaining a steady income.
Requirements for the Iceland Digital Nomad Visa
đź“„ Valid Travel Document
Your passport must be valid for at least three months after the visa date.
🌎 You are not a European Union or European Economic Area citizen
Only third-country nationals may apply.
❌ No Visa to enter the Schengen area
You must be able to enter Iceland without an entry visa.
🇮🇸 No long-term visa by Icelandic authorities
In the past twelve months, you haven’t been granted a long-term visa by Icelandic authorities.
đź’¶ Proof of Remote Income
You must be able to prove sufficient income from either:
- Valid working contract with a foreign company
- Owning a business with clients outside the country
- Becoming an independent freelancer and earning an income through providing services to international customers.
đź’° Proof of Financial Means
You can prove a foreign monthly income of ISK 1,000,000 ($7028 / €6526) or ISK 1,300,000 ($9136 / €8484) if you apply for a spouse or cohabiting partner.
🏡 Temporary stay
Your aim is not to permanently reside in Iceland.
If you’re a digital nomad or the spouse/partner of one, your children can be eligible to receive long-term visas if they are under 18 and exempted from visa requirements.
5 Most Important Steps when Applying for the Iceland Digital Nomad Visa
đź’Ą Step 1: Gather all the required documents
To make the application process as effortless and seamless as possible, it is best to compile your required documents ahead of time.
As there are many documents to prepare, we suggest creating a checklist to ensure you get all relevant documents.
❗️Required Documents
- A completed application for a long-term visa.
- Payment receipt of the visa fee bank transfer.
- Copy of a valid Passport that doesn’t expire at least 90 days beyond the duration of the visa. The photocopy must be of the personal information page, the signature page, and the visas and stamps confirming the arrival and leaving of the Schengen area within the last twelve months. (if applicable).
- One Passport-Sized Photograph (not older than six months).
- Proof of Income with Certified Bank Statements
Present proof that your foreign income is guaranteed at least ISK 1,000,000 per month ($7028 / €6526). - Remote Work Verification
Valid records that specify the intent of your stay in Iceland. To work remotely in Iceland, you must acquire confirmation from your employer that certifies your eligibility to do so. Otherwise, prove that you are verifiably self-employed in the country where you usually have permanent residence or work. - Document of Health Insurance Protection
If you don’t have Icelandic health insurance, then documentation regarding your home country’s medical insurance policy must be included. An insurance policy must include details about the coverage area and duration of the plan.
👨‍👩‍👧 Additional documents for spouse/partner (if applicable)
- Payment receipt
- One Passport-Sized Photograph that is not older than six months.
- Copy of passport with same criteria as above.
- Health insurance. (as above)
- A marriage certificate or documents that show evidence that your cohabitation has endured for at least one year.
👦🏼 Supporting documents for a child (if applicable)
- Payment receipt
- One Passport-Sized Photograph that is not older than six months.
- Copy of passport (see criteria above)
- Health insurance. (see criteria above)
- Birth certificate.
- Custody documents. Only custodial parents may apply for a residence permit for their child. The following documents are essential to demonstrate who holds custody of a child:
- Legally binding custody documents – issued by a qualified governing body.
- Divorce papers – stating who has custody of the child.
- Death certificate – Should the unfortunate circumstance of a parent’s passing arise, and the remaining legal guardian holds sole custody over their child, an officially certified copy of the death certificate can confirm so.
👶🏽 Records concerning a child’s education. The application of a child aged 6 to 16 must be accompanied by a written confirmation stating:
- The student can benefit from distance learning provided by their home country’s school.
- That a school in Iceland has agreed to enrol the child or
- That the child receives instruction in home-based education.
đź’° Step 2: Â Pay the Application Fee
Prior to submitting your application, an obligatory and nonrefundable fee of 12,200 ISK ($93.93 / €87,23 ) per applicant must be paid in advance. Visa application for 6 to 12-year-olds – 6 100 ISK ($42.57 / €39,53).
You must use a bank transfer as your visa payment method to submit the application fee.
To discover the banking details for Iceland, you can easily access the information from the official Icelandic governmental website. You must preserve the proof of payment receipt to attach it to your application and documents.
✔️ Step 3: Submit the Application
Submissions for applications must be completed on a physical form. You can send your documents to the Directorate of Immigration or deliver them to the drop box in the Directorate’s reception.
When applying for a visa while in Iceland, remember that the number of days you’ve been here will be subtracted from the 180 days given.
⏳ Step 4: Wait for Approval
Should you meet the Icelandic remote work visa criteria, your application will be acknowledged and accepted by the Directorate of Immigration.
🇮🇸 Step 5: Secure your Visa
Upon arrival in Iceland, it is necessary to obtain your visa. Once you have arrived, contact utl@utl.is immediately so they can issue your visa from the day you entered.
Duration of Validity
If you apply from your home country and remain there until a decision is made, you may be approved for a long-term remote work visa, which can last up to 180 days in Iceland.
Suppose you apply for a visa from your home country and enter the Schengen area before processing your request. In that case, you may be granted a long-term remote work visa valid for up to 180 days – minus any days already spent in the region before authorization.
If you submit your application after entering the Schengen area, you may be granted a long-term visa to work remotely for up to 90 days.
Iceland Digital Nomad Visa at a Glance
For those of you who like summary tables, we've put the most important information of Iceland's Digital Nomad Visa below.
Income Requirement $7,028 (€6,526) per month Duration of Visa Six months Cost of Visa $94 (€87) per person / Children 6-12 $43 (€40) Processing Time 30 days Family Allowed on Visa Yes Ease of Applying 7/10 Tax Obligations None Global Peace Index Ranking 1/163
❄️ Why Iceland is a great place for Remote Workers
Iceland is a dream destination for digital nomads looking for a fantastic place to live. Its diverse and stunning landscapes offer digital nomads plenty of opportunities to explore and relax while living here.
Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital city, is the perfect base for digital nomads due to its fast and reliable internet connection and range of coworking spaces and cafes. It is a modern city with excellent infrastructure and buses running all over it.
With its breathtaking views, big cities and nature reserves, digital nomads can live a unique lifestyle that allows them to experience life by combining work and travel in beautiful Iceland.
Time to start packing!
Lau
F.A.Q
Is it hard to get a visa to Iceland?
If you meet the requirements, gaining a visa is a fairly straightforward process. However, to be eligible, you need to earn $7000 a month, which for many digital nomads will be difficult. To apply for an Icelandic residence permit, you must fill out the application form and submit the relevant documents. The Directorate of Immigration will review your application and let you know if you have been granted a visa.
What are the types of visas in Iceland?
There are two types of visas in Iceland: a Schengen visa and a long-term remote work visa. The Schengen visa allows travellers to stay in the country for up to 90 days. The long-term remote work visa will enable people to live and work in Iceland for up to 180 days – minus any days already spent in the region.
Does Iceland have a digital nomad visa?
Yes, Iceland has a digital nomad visa.
How much is a work permit in Iceland?
A work permit in Iceland costs 12,200 ISK ($94/ €87).
How long can foreigners stay in Iceland?
Foreigners can stay in Iceland for up to 180 days with a long-term remote work visa.
Can I extend my Iceland digital nomad visa?
Unfortunately, extending your digital nomad visa in Iceland is not possible. However, you can provide evidence that extraordinary and unavoidable circumstances are preventing you from leaving the country. In that case, it may be possible for an extension to be granted on humanitarian grounds.
Are you allowed to visit any other Schengen Country with the Iceland remote work visa?
Yes, you can visit other Schengen countries with a valid residence permit.