Residence permit for students
Students admitted to full-time study at an Icelandic university can get a residence permit. Full-time study means 30 ECTS per semester. They must show their own means of at least ISK 259,951 a month for the whole permit period and have health insurance. Doctoral students at foreign universities, exchange students via AFS or Rotary, and interns are also covered.
Life in Iceland
Money
3
Currency
Icelandic Króna
ISK
Icelandic Króna
Cost of living
130
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
31.49–46.29%
Income tax (national)
VAT 24%
Withholding rates combine state and municipal tax: 31.49% up to ISK 498,122 a month, 37.99% to ISK 1,398,450, 46.29% above; personal tax credit ISK 72,492 a month.
Living
1
Happiness
#2 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students at Icelandic universities, plus certain exchange students and interns.
Eligibility
Full-time study
You need to study full-time, which means 30 ECTS per semester.
- The school can ask for an exemption.
Official wording
30 ECTS per semester; the school can ask for an exemption.
Means of support
Show you have at least ISK 259,951 per month to support yourself.
ISK 259,951
Money to show per month · per month, individual
- The money must be the student's own means.
- A spouse legally in Iceland may support the student.
Official wording
At least ISK 259,951 per month (individual), the student's own means; a spouse legally in Iceland may support them.
Health insurance
You need health insurance valid in Iceland with at least ISK 2,000,000 cover for three months.
ISK 2,000,000
Health insurance cover
Official wording
Valid in Iceland with at least ISK 2,000,000 cover for three months.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementAge
- Document checklistApplication form D-108
- FeesFirst residence permit based on studies
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 1 more requirement
- 5 documents
- 2 fees
- 3 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Iceland
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to Iceland
- Visit & tourismSchengen tourist & business visa
- Work permitsResidence permit based on work
- Permanent residencePermanent residence permit
- FamilyResidence permit for spouse or cohabiting partner
- Status in-countryRight of residence for EEA/EFTA citizens
- CitizenshipIcelandic citizenship by application
