Visa Types
Iceland Work Visa Essentials
Apply to work in Iceland, extend a work permit or hire a foreign worker.
Key Points for Iceland Work Visa >>>
Do you need a visa to travel to Iceland?
To visit Iceland, Indians will need a Schengen visa.
Iceland visa application is made online or offline?
You need to complete the visa application form online and also fill out the offline form completely (handwritten forms are not accepted). Once you’ve filled out the forms, you can print them and bring the printed copies to the VFS Global Visa Application Centre.
Do I need to give biometrics?
Yes, Biometrics are required to obtain a visa.
Is there an interview required to obtain a visa?
No, an interview is not usually required to obtain an Iceland visa, but it may vary. The embassy may interview you by phone or in person.
What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a work visa?
Varies based on the job offer and duration of employment.
What kind of visa will we acquire from Iceland?
It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page in your passport.
Current Visa fees: (Updated on 16-10-2023)
|
CATEGORY |
VISA FEE IN EURO |
|
Adult Visa |
90 |
|
Children Between 6 – 12 Years |
45 |
Note:
- Visa fees and service charges need to be paid in cash or by card.
- Keep in mind that each application is checked separately, and there’s no guarantee that a visa will be issued. Also, visa fees and service fees cannot be refunded.
Step-by-step guide
Let us walk you through the process
- First, figure out the visa type you need and make sure you're eligible to apply. Then, find out which documents you need to submit with your application, how long it might take, and the fees to pay.
- Make sure your application follows the guidelines for your specific visa category. If your documents aren't in English, consider getting them translated before you apply.
- Starting January 15, 2020, you should complete your visa application at http://visa.government.is/. After applying, print and sign the cover letter, and bring it along with supporting documents to the Visa Application Centre: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/isl/attend-centre. Remember to use the fully filled Visa Application form (Handwritten forms are not allowed starting from March 1, 2020).
- If you need help with your Schengen visa application, VFS can assist you. If you don't require assistance, please fill out the visa application at http://visa.government.is/ before visiting the visa application centre. This will speed up the submission process.
- After completing your visa form, you should schedule an appointment at a Visa Application Centre to have your fingerprints and photo captured, which is referred to as 'biometric information.'
- Upon booking your appointment, you will get an email confirming your appointment along with the appointment letter.
- For families or groups, each member needs to schedule their individual appointments.
- After submitting your application, you'll need to pay the visa application fee. If you download the form to print and take it to the Visa Application Centre, you can make the payment during your appointment.
- The visa fee is payable at the Visa Application Centre.
- You need to personally submit your fully filled visa application form at the Visa Application Centre.
- Learn about the processes that take place at the Visa Application Centre.
- You'll get an email when the decision is at the Visa Application Centre. For SMS updates or no easy email access, check for SMS tracking at your centre.
- Also, track your visa online with Reference Number and last name from the invoice.
- Once your visa application decision is made, you can collect your passport from the Visa Application Centre or choose to have it delivered by courier for an extra fee.
- To collect your passport in person, bring the receipt from the Visa Application Centre and a government ID. If allowed, a representative can collect on your behalf with a letter of authorization, their government ID, and your receipt.
- Check with the Visa Application Centre during opening hours for available document collection options.
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
When applying for a work visa (Long term D visa) to Iceland from India, you will generally need to provide a comprehensive set of documents to support your application. The following checklist covers the most common documents needed:
- Visa Application Form: Completed and signed application form for an Icelandic work visa.
- Passport: Valid passport with at least two blank visa pages and a validity period extending beyond your intended stay in Iceland.
- Passport-sized Photos: Recent passport-sized photographs meeting the specified requirements (size, background, etc.).
- Cover Letter: A cover letter explaining the purpose of your visit, your intended duration of stay, and why you are applying for an Iceland work visa.
- Job Offer: A formal job offer or employment contract from an Icelandic employer, including details about your position, salary, and work responsibilities.
- Proof of Qualifications: Educational and professional certificates, degrees, diplomas, and transcripts relevant to the job position.
- Work Experience: Documents proving your relevant work experience, such as letters of recommendation, employment certificates, or other evidence of your professional background.
- Proof of Accommodation: Confirmation of accommodation arrangements in Iceland, such as a hotel reservation or a rental agreement.
- Travel Itinerary: Flight reservation or itinerary showing your intended dates of travel to and from Iceland.
- Travel Medical Insurance: Proof of travel medical insurance covering your entire stay in Iceland, including medical expenses and repatriation.
- Police Clearance Certificate: A police clearance certificate from your home country or any other country you’ve resided in for a certain period (if required).
- Health Certificate: A medical certificate stating that you are in good health and fit to travel and work in Iceland.
- Financial Proof: Bank statements or other financial documents demonstrating your ability to support yourself during your stay in Iceland.
- Language Proficiency: If applicable, proof of language proficiency (Icelandic or English) based on the requirements of your job or work.
- Visa Fees: Payment receipt for the visa application fees.
- Additional Documents: Any additional documents required based on the specific work visa category you are applying for.
Temporary Work Visa (D-Visa):
- Completed visa application form.
- Valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond the intended stay.
- Proof of a job offer from an employer in Iceland for a limited duration.
- Employment contract outlining job responsibilities, duration, and salary.
- Proof of accommodation arrangement in Iceland.
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses during the stay.
- Travel medical insurance covering the entire duration of stay.
- Recent passport-sized photographs meeting the visa application requirements.
- Visa application fee payment receipt.
- Any additional documents requested by the Icelandic consulate/embassy.
Long-Term Work Permit (Residence Permit):
- Completed residence permit application form.
- Valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond the intended stay.
- Proof of a job offer or employment contract from an Icelandic employer.
- Employment contract outlining job responsibilities, duration, and salary.
- Proof of accommodation arrangement in Iceland.
- Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
- Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself or family members, if applicable.
- Criminal background check certificate from your home country.
- Medical examination certificate, if required.
- Recent passport-sized photographs meeting the residence permit application requirements.
- Residence permit application fee payment receipt.
- Any additional documents specified by the Directorate of Immigration in Iceland.
Seasonal Work Permit:
- Completed seasonal work permit application form.
- Valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond the intended stay.
- Proof of seasonal employment offer from an Icelandic employer.
- Employment contract specifying the seasonal nature of the work.
- Temporary accommodation details for the duration of the seasonal work.
- Proof of health insurance coverage for the duration of stay.
- Evidence of sufficient funds for living expenses during the seasonal work period.
- Passport-sized photographs meeting the permit application requirements.
- Seasonal work permit application fee payment receipt.
- Any additional documents required by the Directorate of Immigration.
Specialist Work Permit:
- Completed specialist work permit application form.
- Valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond the intended stay.
- Documentation proving your specialized skills or qualifications.
- Job offer or contract from an Icelandic employer requiring your specific expertise.
- Employment contract outlining job responsibilities, duration, and compensation.
- Proof of accommodation arrangement in Iceland.
- Proof of health insurance coverage for the duration of stay.
- Financial proof of ability to support yourself during your stay.
- Passport-sized photographs adhering to the permit application guidelines.
- Specialist work permit application fee payment receipt.
- Any additional documents specified by the Icelandic authorities.
Intra-Company Transfer Permit:
- Completed intra-company transfer permit application form.
- Valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond the intended stay.
- Documentation confirming your employment within the multinational company.
- Letter from the company detailing the transfer purpose, duration, and assignment.
- Employment contract or letter outlining job responsibilities, duration, and remuneration in Iceland.
- Proof of accommodation arrangement in Iceland.
- Health insurance coverage for the duration of stay.
- Proof of financial capability to sustain yourself during the transfer.
- Passport-sized photographs adhering to the permit application guidelines.
- Intra-company transfer permit application fee payment receipt.
- Any additional documents required by Icelandic immigration authorities.
Students and Part-Time Work:
- Valid student residence permit in Iceland.
- Written approval or documentation from the educational institution allowing part-time work.
- Passport-sized photographs for any additional work-related permits.
- Comply with any limitations on the number of hours you can work during studies.
- Research and Academia:
- Relevant documentation supporting your research, academic, or scientific activities.
- Proof of affiliation with an Icelandic research institution or academic organization.
- Valid passport and visa or residence permit, if applicable.
- Health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay.
- Proof of accommodation arrangement in Iceland.
- Financial proof of ability to support yourself during your research/academic tenure.
Entrepreneurial Work Permit:
- Detailed business plan outlining your venture in Iceland.
- Proof of necessary investment funds for your business.
- Documentation supporting your qualifications and experience relevant to your business.
- Health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay.
- Proof of accommodation arrangement in Iceland.
- Compliance with any additional requirements set by Icelandic authorities for entrepreneurs.
Sports and Arts:
- Documentation of your involvement in sports, arts, or cultural activities.
- Evidence of the event or performance you will be participating in.
- Letter of invitation or contract from the event organizers.
- Valid passport and visa or residence permit, if applicable.
- Health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay.
- Proof of accommodation arrangement in Iceland.
Note: Please note that this checklist is a general guide and might require customization based on your specific circumstances and the most up-to-date information from Icelandic authorities. Always refer to official sources and the Directorate of Immigration in Iceland for the most accurate and current requirements.
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
Before submitting your visa application, please review the list of required documents carefully. The guidelines provided on this website will assist you in preparing your documents accurately, reducing the chances of your application being rejected due to incorrect or incomplete documents.
Application Form For a Long-Term Visa
Application Form For a Residence Permit Based On Work
Application Form For long-term visa for remote work
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES :
The process for applying for a Iceland Work Visa/Permit (Long term visa D type) from India typically involves the following steps:
- Find a Job in Iceland: Look for a job in Iceland that falls under the eligible occupations listed by the Icelandic Directorate of Labour.
- Obtain a Job Offer: Once you secure a job offer, make sure it includes the necessary information, such as your name, job description, start and end dates, salary, and the company’s contact information. The offer letter should be on the official letterhead of the company.
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather all necessary documents required for your visa application. These might include: A completed application form, A valid passport, A recent passport-sized photograph, The job offer letter from your employer, A medical certificate and etc.
- Pay Application Fee: Pay the application fee. Ensure that you follow the payment instructions provided by the Icelandic embassy or consulate.
- Attend an Interview: Be prepared to attend an interview at the Icelandic embassy or consulate in India. The interview is a standard part of the application process.
- Submit Your Application: Submit your completed application along with all required documents, including the job offer letter and payment receipt for the application fee, to the Icelandic embassy or consulate in India.
- Wait for Processing: Processing times can vary, so be patient while your application is being reviewed.
- Decision: Once your application is processed, you will receive a decision from the Icelandic Directorate of Labour. If your application is approved, you will be issued a residence permit that allows you to work in Iceland for the specified period.
Important Notes:
- If an employer in Iceland wants to hire someone from a non-EEA or non-EFTA country, they need to get a work permit before that person can start working.
- It’s the employer who needs to apply for this, not the employee. It’s important to know that having a work permit doesn’t automatically give the right to live in Iceland. In most cases, a separate residence permit has to be obtained from the Directorate of Immigration.
- A person from an EEA/EFTA country doesn’t require a work permit.
For more information about Residence permit for Work: Click here
For more information about Work permit: Click here
For more information about Long-term visa for remote work: Click here
Temporary Work Visa (D-Visa):
- This type of visa is designed for foreign nationals who plan to work in Iceland for a limited period, typically up to 90 days.
- It is often used for short-term assignments, such as attending conferences, performing specific tasks, or engaging in temporary work projects.
- D-Visas are not suitable for long-term employment or residency in Iceland.
Long-Term Work Permit (Residence Permit):
- A long-term work permit, also known as a residence permit for work, is intended for individuals who wish to live and work in Iceland for an extended period.
- To qualify for this permit, you usually need to have a job offer from an Icelandic employer and meet specific requirements related to qualifications and skills.
- This permit allows you to work and reside in Iceland for a more extended period than the temporary work visa.
Seasonal Work Permit:
- Seasonal work permits are designed for foreign workers who plan to work in Iceland on a seasonal basis, often in industries like agriculture, tourism, or fisheries.
- These permits are typically granted for a fixed duration, aligning with the specific seasonal work period, and may be renewable for subsequent seasons.
Specialist Work Permit:
- The specialist work permit is for individuals with specialized skills, knowledge, or expertise that are in demand in Iceland.
- This permit is usually granted to professionals who may not have a job offer but can demonstrate their ability to contribute significantly to Iceland’s economy or society.
Intra-Company Transfer Permit:
- This permit is intended for employees of multinational companies who are being transferred to an Icelandic branch or subsidiary.
- It allows employees to work in Iceland within the same organization, typically for a defined period.
Students and Part-Time Work:
- Foreign students studying in Iceland are often allowed to work part-time while studying.
- The specifics of part-time work permissions for students can vary based on the type of study program and the institution.
Entrepreneurial Work Permit:
- This permit is for individuals who plan to start and run their own business in Iceland.
- It is typically granted to entrepreneurs who can demonstrate a viable business plan and sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their business.
Sports and Arts:
- Foreign athletes, coaches, artists, and performers who wish to participate in sports events, competitions, or artistic projects in Iceland may require a specific permit.
- These permits are often temporary and are issued to individuals or groups for the duration of their involvement in the relevant activity.
Note: It’s important to note that the specific requirements and application processes for these permits can change over time and may also depend on the applicant’s nationality and other factors. Therefore, it’s advisable to consult with the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration or a qualified immigration attorney for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding work permits in Iceland.