Iceland has introduced a new visa option for remote workers, offering global professionals a chance to live and work in the scenic Nordic nation without joining the local labor market.
This initiative is part of Iceland’s effort to attract skilled international talent while maintaining its domestic job ecosystem. The programme is open to citizens from non-EEA/EFTA countries who wish to work remotely for foreign employers or run their own business abroad—all while staying temporarily in Iceland.
Who Can Apply and How Long Can They Stay?
The visa allows remote workers to stay in Iceland for up to 180 days if they apply from outside the Schengen area. For those already within Schengen, the stay is limited to 90 days. Importantly, this visa does not grant permission to work for Icelandic employers or access local jobs, reinforcing its purpose as a non-immigrant, temporary residency.
Applicants may also bring spouses and children under 18, provided all family members meet Schengen visa exemption requirements. However, visa holders will not receive a national ID number (kennitala), highlighting the visa’s short-term nature.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must meet specific criteria:
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Be a citizen of a country outside the EEA/EFTA.
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Be exempt from needing a visa to enter the Schengen area.
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Have not received a long-term visa from Iceland within the past year.
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Work remotely for a foreign company or as a self-employed professional.
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Earn at least ISK 1,000,000 per month (approx. $7,200 USD), or ISK 1,300,000 (approx. $9,400 USD) when applying with a partner.
Application Process and Documentation
The process is manual and must be completed in-person or by mail. Applicants are required to submit their documents to the Directorate of Immigration in Kópavogur or to District Commissioners outside Reykjavík.
Key documents include:
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A valid passport with all relevant pages and entry stamps.
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One recent passport-sized photograph (35×45 mm).
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Proof of valid health insurance for the entire stay.
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Employment verification or self-employment documentation.
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Evidence of sufficient income.
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For family members: marriage, birth, or custody certificates.
A non-refundable fee of ISK 12,200 (about $88 USD) must be paid via bank transfer, with the receipt attached to the application. Incomplete or incorrect submissions may result in delays or denial.
A Gateway to Iceland—But Only Temporarily
While the visa enables digital nomads to experience Iceland’s natural wonders and modern infrastructure, it does not offer a path to permanent residency or local employment. However, visa holders may also travel within the Schengen zone for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
This programme adds Iceland to a growing list of countries welcoming digital nomads, appealing to professionals looking for a balance of work, travel, and high quality of life.