Iceland

Expert-knowledge work and residence permits. Iceland permits a named non-EEA expert hire when the employer cannot find a suitable local or EEA candidate and the expertise is essential.

Free · The law behind every answer · Checked Sep 25, 2026

Expert-knowledge work and residence permits

Job-specific work and residence when both permits issue, generally up to four years; a new employer requires a new work-permit application.

Who qualifies

The employer must have sought a worker in Iceland and the EEA/EFTA/Faroe labour markets; the applicant needs an agreement for a specific skilled job and recognized university, industrial, artistic or technical training.
Iceland Ísland.is: Expert Knowledge Work Permit
Employer and worker submit the work and residence applications to the Directorate of Immigration; July 2026 legislation moved work-permit decisions there.
Iceland Ísland.is: Expert Knowledge Work Permit

You keep your U.S. citizenship.

Does it fit your family?

One question, from the program’s own rules.

Do you have a binding job offer in that country?

Not legal advice.

What it takes.

Time: Check the current authority processing estimate before making plans.
Cost: Check the current authority fee schedule and document costs before filing.
The hard part: Demonstrating essential expertise and a genuine labour-market search.

The road past the first permit.

Later permanent residence or citizenship requires a separate application; this permit does not guarantee either.

2027
Route candidate
The residence and work authorization sequence still needs verification.

We have not yet confirmed this country’s road from residence to citizenship.
We have not yet confirmed how this route counts toward residence or citizenship.

Living there.

Time you must spend there: The program sets no minimum number of days. Renewal still expects it to be your home.
Tax: Where you become tax resident follows the days you spend there and where your home is. We map it for your family before you move.

We never file a tax return. We tell you what applies and brief the professional who does.

Start today.

Have the employer assemble the expert work-permit and residence application.Open island.is ↗
Round up the papers.
- The signed job offer, salary, and recognized qualifications
- Health cover for the move

Or let us run it.

$900for your first year as a founding member. Then $399 a year, automatically.Standard first year: $1,200. Everyone renews at $399.One membership, the whole family. Accounts and activation included.

12 steps, from the first paper to every renewal. You do 4 of them: send what we ask for, sign, and show up. We run the rest, and keep every permit renewed on time. Accounts and activation are included, whether you move now or keep the plan ready. Accounts depend on provider availability. Government, record and approved third-party charges are extra.

Run it for my family →

ISSUED TO

YOUR FAMILY

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