Emigration to Iceland is a unique choice for those who want to live among breathtaking landscapes, in a stable economy and in a society with high standards of quality of life. However, moving to this country requires careful documentary preparation. Find out about visa requirements, residence permit and work permit in Iceland

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For Ukrainian citizens who want to start a life in Iceland, it is important to understand all the stages and requirements of the emigration process and distinguish it from temporary international protection. From preparing documents and applying for a visa to undergoing legalization procedures upon arrival, every detail is important. Let's look at the algorithm of actions for a successful move to Sweden to make the emigration process clear and transparent.

Visa requirements for entering Iceland

Citizens of Ukraine with a biometric passport can travel to Iceland without a visa starting from June 11, 2017. The visa-free regime allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days within every 180 days. Thus, Ukrainians must have a biometric passport to enter Iceland. If you have only an old-style passport, you can enter Iceland only with a visa.

Depending on the purpose of the trip and the length of stay in Iceland, Ukrainian citizens can apply for short-term or long-term visas.

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How to apply for a short-term visa (type C) to Iceland

This type of visa is issued for a temporary stay in the country, up to 90 days within 180 days. Tourist, guest, business and other temporary purposes require a short-term visa.

The visa application package can be submitted at embassies or consulates representing Iceland, for example, in Norway, Denmark or Sweden.

Basic documents:

✔️ Completed application form.

✔️ Passport valid for at least three months after the end of the trip.

✔️ A copy of an insurance policy with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros.

✔️ Proof of financial solvency.

✔️ Confirmation of the purpose of the visit: tickets, hotel reservations or an invitation from the host country.

You can read more about the tourist visa to Iceland here

How to apply for a long-term visa (type D) to Iceland

If you plan to stay in Iceland for a long period of time, you will need a long-stay type D visa. You can also apply for a type D visa directly through Icelandic diplomatic missions or online.

List of documents:

✔️ Passport.

✔️ Proof of the purpose of the trip (employment contract or enrollment in an educational institution).

✔️ Insurance policy for the entire period of stay.

✔️ Proof of financial solvency (e.g., proof of funding for education or income from work).

You can learn more about the rules of emigration to Iceland in the article on Visit World

Legalization of stay in Iceland: how to obtain a residence permit

To stay in Iceland for a long period of time, foreigners need to obtain a residence permit. The grounds for obtaining it may include study, work, entrepreneurial activity, family reunification, or other justified reasons.

Please note! Ukrainian citizens who resided in Ukraine as of February 24, 2022, are entitled to special support measures. This also applies to foreigners and stateless persons who at that time enjoyed international or complementary protection in Ukraine or had a residence permit for humanitarian reasons.

In addition, the right to support extends to family members of the above categories of persons, regardless of the possibility of safe return of these family members to their country of origin. Family members are defined as:

- Spouses or civil partners who were part of the family as of February 24, 2022.

- Children and stepchildren under the age of 18.

- Other close relatives who were fully or partially dependent on persons from the first two categories.

Legal assistance to Ukrainians in Iceland - by the link

These provisions also apply to persons from the above categories who, as of February 24, 2022, were already in Iceland with unresolved issues with the government or with a residence permit that cannot be extended.

Basic requirements for obtaining a residence permit:

✔️ Having a reasonable purpose of stay (e.g., study, work, family).

✔️ Financial capacity to support yourself during the entire period of stay.

✔️ Health insurance covering the costs in case of accident or illness.

Important! Be responsible for the issue of health insurance in Iceland. Not only your financial security, but also your work opportunities will depend on it. You can apply for a high-quality and proven international insurance policy online on our website.

We have written in detail about how Ukrainians can obtain a residence permit in Iceland in the material on Visit World

Types of residence permits in Iceland

There are several categories of residence permits in Iceland, each of which has its own conditions and restrictions.

✔️ Work residence permit. It is required for people who plan to work in Iceland.

✔️ Student residence permit. It is issued to students enrolled in Icelandic universities.

✔️ Residence permit for family reunification. It can be obtained by family members of Icelandic citizens or foreigners with legal status in the country.

First of all, you need to collect the necessary documents. In addition to the standard package, you need to submit proof of the purpose of your stay and financial solvency.

Next, you need to apply for a residence permit through the Icelandic Immigration Board. After that, you have to wait for a decision. The processing time for applications can last from several weeks to several months.

You can get professional advice on visa issues for traveling to Iceland or other countries by contacting our specialists.

Obtaining a work permit: rules and requirements

A work permit is a prerequisite for employment in Iceland. Not all categories of visas and residence permits allow you to work in the country, so it is important to obtain the appropriate permit if you plan to work.

People with an employment contract can obtain a work permit in Iceland. This requires a confirmation from an Icelandic employer who is ready to hire a foreign specialist.The employer must provide an official contract.

Important! Highly qualified specialists are more in demand in Iceland than ordinary workers.

In addition, compliance with the requirements of the Icelandic labor market means that a work permit is often issued only if no suitable candidate has been found for the position among local residents.

The procedure for obtaining a work permit

✔️ The employer applies to the Immigration Department with a request for a work permit for a foreigner.

✔️ Submission of relevant documents (passport, contract, qualification documents).

✔️ Consideration of the application. After the permit is approved, you can officially work.

Who is not eligible for a residence permit in Iceland

Iceland is a highly legal country, and not all foreigners can obtain a residence permit in this country. The main categories of persons who may be denied a residence permit include:

✔️Особи without a legal basis for stay

If a person does not have a clear basis for staying in Iceland (work, study, family circumstances, etc.) or cannot provide the necessary documents to prove this basis, a residence permit is likely to be denied

✔️ Persons with a criminal record

Iceland pays great attention to security issues. If an applicant has a serious criminal record or is suspected of crimes, especially if they are crimes related to violence, terrorism or serious economic offenses, he or she may be denied a residence permit.

✔️ Persons who do not meet financial requirements

Iceland requires foreigners to prove their financial solvency. Applicants must prove that they can provide for themselves and their dependents during their stay in the country. If they do not have a stable income or cannot provide adequate evidence of financial independence, their applications may be rejected.

✔️ Persons who have violated immigration rules in Iceland or other Schengen countries

If an applicant has violated immigration rules in Iceland or another Schengen country in the past (e.g., staying without a valid visa or residence permit, working without a permit, or violating other laws), this may be grounds for refusal of a residence permit.

✔️ Persons planning to work without a proper permit

If an alien plans to work in Iceland but does not have a special work permit, a residence permit will most likely not be granted. Some types of residence permits do not provide for the right to work, so the work status must be clearly stated in the application.

✔️ Persons who can be granted asylum in another safe country

If a person has already had the opportunity to obtain international protection in a third country that is recognized as safe, Iceland may refuse to grant a residence permit, as it is considered that in this case they do not need additional protection.

✔️ Persons with health problems that may pose a threat to public health

In case of detection of infectious diseases that may threaten public health, Iceland may refuse to issue a residence permit if there is no confirmation that the person is receiving or will be able to receive the necessary treatment.

As you can see, Iceland takes its legal norms extremely seriously, and to be sure of the possibility of legalization in this island state, a number of preliminary procedures must be completed. Our migration lawyers will help you quickly and efficiently go through all the necessary documentary procedures.

Important recommendations for Ukrainians planning to move to Iceland

✔️ Learn Icelandic: Although many residents of Iceland speak English, knowledge of the local language facilitates integration and expands job opportunities.

✔️ Plan your budget: Iceland is one of the most expensive countries, so it is important to calculate the cost of living in advance and take into account possible unforeseen expenses.

✔️ Familiarize yourself with the culture and customs: This will help avoid culture shock and facilitate integration in a new environment.

Moving to Iceland is more complicated from a documentary point of view than to other European countries. This process requires preparation and compliance with a number of requirements. Ukrainians should consider all aspects of visa procedures, residence and employment permits to ensure a legal and comfortable stay in Iceland. You can fully rely on our lawyers in migration and visa matters.

Just a reminder! From now on, Ukrainians can order the delivery of a passport from Ukraine abroad at a fixed price.

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