Guide
Work permits in Iceland, in plain words
What you need before you can start a job, depending on where you are from.
Rules change. Check with the Directorate of Immigration (Útlendingastofnun) and the Directorate of Labour (Vinnumálastofnun) before you decide anything.
Which group are you in?
No permit needed
EEA or EFTA citizen
You can work in Iceland without a permit. If you stay longer than three months (six while looking for work), register your legal residence with Registers Iceland (Þjóðskrá).
Check your permit
You already have a permit
Check what it allows. Some permits are tied to one employer, and changing jobs may need a new application before you start.
Employer applies with you
You need a permit
Citizens of other countries need a residence permit for work before starting. The employer applies with you. It is usually for skilled or shortage jobs and can take months.
You need these in every case
Whatever your group, every job in Iceland needs these five things.
- Kennitala (Icelandic ID number)
- Issued by Registers Iceland. You need it for almost everything else on this list.
- Tax card (skattkort)
- From the tax office, Skatturinn. Without it your employer must deduct the highest tax rate.
- Bank account
- Any Icelandic bank. You need your kennitala and an ID to open one.
- Written employment contract
- Your employer must give you one. Read the pay, hours and notice period before you sign.
- Union membership
- Most jobs are covered by a collective agreement that sets minimum pay. The union can check your contract for free.
How ÍSA uses this
When you fill in your profile, you tell us which group you are in. Employers see that status, not your documents. We do not apply for permits and we never charge for anything to do with permits.