Residence permit based on work
expert knowledge, labour shortage, athletes, contracts
Non-EEA nationals with a job offer in Iceland can get a residence permit based on work, which needs a work permit for a specific job with a specific employer. Categories include work requiring expert knowledge (university, vocational, artistic or technical training recognised in Iceland), labour shortage where staff cannot be found in Iceland, the EEA/EFTA or the Faroe Islands, athletes, and collaboration or service contracts. Applicants need means of support of at least ISK 259,951 a month and health insurance.
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
Skilled and other workers from outside the EEA/EFTA with an Icelandic job offer.
Eligibility
Job and work permit
A work permit for a specific job with a specific employer.
Expert knowledgeExpert knowledge
Expertise essential to the company from university-level education or industrial, artistic or technical training recognised in Iceland.
Labour shortageLabour shortage
Granted when employees cannot be found in Iceland, the EEA/EFTA or the Faroe Islands; visa-required applicants may not be in Iceland while applying.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementMeans of support
- Document checklistApplication form D-107
- FeesFirst residence permit based on work
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.
- 3 more requirements
- 5 documents
- 2 fees
- 5 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
- StudyResidence permit for students
- Permanent residencePermanent residence permit
- FamilyResidence permit for spouse or cohabiting partner
- Status in-countryRight of residence for EEA/EFTA citizens
- CitizenshipIcelandic citizenship by application
