How to Get Iceland Remote Work Visa and Stay for Six Months

Iceland has announced an exciting new visa program that allows foreign remote workers to live and work in the country for up to six months. This initiative is designed for digital nomads and self-employed professionals who want to enjoy Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes while continuing their jobs online.

The visa is mainly aimed at citizens from outside the EEA/EFTA region. To qualify, applicants must either be employed by a foreign company or be self-employed, with no plans to work for Icelandic employers or enter the local job market.

Visa Duration and Travel Rules

• If you apply from your home country, you can get a visa valid for 180 days (six months).
• If you are already in the Schengen zone, the maximum stay allowed is 90 days.
• The visa also allows travel to other Schengen countries during your permitted stay.
• Once the visa period ends, you must leave Iceland unless you qualify for another type of visa or permit.

Key Benefits

• Live in Iceland for up to six months while working remotely.
• Explore other Schengen countries for up to 90 days without additional visas.
• Family members can join you if they meet the requirements.

Important Limitations

• You cannot work for local Icelandic companies.
• You cannot apply for permanent residency under this visa.
• You will not receive an Icelandic ID number.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply, you must:

1. Be a non-EEA/EFTA citizen.
2. Be exempt from needing a Schengen visa.
3. Not have received a long-term visa from Iceland in the past 12 months.
4. Work remotely for a foreign employer or be self-employed.
5. Show proof of sufficient income:
   • ISK 1,000,000/month (about $7,200) for individuals.
   • ISK 1,300,000/month (about $9,400) if applying with a partner.

How to Apply

The process is paper-based, meaning you must submit a physical application rather than applying online. Here’s what to do:

1. Fill out the application form and gather the required documents.
2. Pay the application fee of ISK 12,200 (around $88).
3. Submit everything to the Directorate of Immigration in Kópavogur or one of its regional offices.

Required documents include:

• Valid passport.
• Passport-size photo.
• Proof of health insurance.
• Employment confirmation letter or proof of self-employment.
• Evidence of sufficient income.

If family members are applying with you, you must also provide legal documents such as marriage or birth certificates.

This program offers a unique opportunity for remote workers who want to enjoy Iceland’s glaciers, volcanoes, and Northern Lights while keeping their jobs online. However, strict income requirements and rules mean it’s best suited for well-established professionals who can work entirely from abroad.

READ MORE: Japan Now Offers a Digital Nomad Visa: Everything You Need to Know