Temporary protection in Iceland for Ukrainians

Iceland for Ukrainians 2026: Temporary protection and living conditions

Is Iceland accepting refugees from Ukraine in 2026?

Yes, Iceland has extended temporary protection for Ukrainians until March 2, 2027. This means that Ukrainian citizens who were forced to leave the country due to the war can stay in Iceland legally. Anyone who already has temporary protection status can automatically extend it.

Important! Iceland is a part of the Schengen area, but is not a member of the European Union. It independently makes decisions on granting temporary asylum to Ukrainians.

Who is eligible for temporary protection in Iceland?

• Citizens of Ukraine who have been permanently residing in Ukraine as of February 24, 2022.
  
• Stateless persons and foreigners who have been granted international, complementary or humanitarian protection in Ukraine.
  
• Family members of persons falling into these categories (spouses, children under 18, dependents).

📌 If you already have a temporary protection card in Iceland, it will be automatically extended.

How to get temporary protection in Iceland in 2026?

1. Entry to Iceland.

1) Visa-free regime is valid for up to 90 days (for holders of biometric passports).

2) If you do not have a biometric passport, you need to obtain a Schengen visa.

2. Applying for temporary protection

Upon arrival, you need to contact the Icelandic Immigration Service (Útlendingastofnun) and submit an application.

To do this, you must:

✔ Fill out the application for temporary protection.

✔ Present a valid passport or other identity document.

If you do not have a passport, you can still apply, but it will take longer to process your application.

*If you already have a temporary residence permit, it is automatically extended - you do not need to apply to the Migration Service again!

3. Obtaining a temporary residence permit

After the application is approved, you will be issued a residence permit valid until March 2, 2027.

Legal assistance for Ukrainians in Iceland

If you need professional legal support in Iceland regarding:

✔ Preparation of documents and residence permits

✔ Employment and legalization in Iceland

✔ Protection of your rights and legal advice

Take advantage of legal assistance from qualified Visit Ukraine specialists:

- Personal consultations lasting 30 or 60 minutes

- Assistance with paperwork and submission of applications

- Full legal support in resolving your issue

👉 You can order a legal consultation by following the link.

What does temporary protection in Iceland provide for Ukrainians?

✔ The right to legal residence until 2027.

✔ Access to medical services on a par with Icelandic citizens.

✔ Permission to work officially without additional documents.

Free education for children.

✔ Social assistance if necessary.

Financial assistance for Ukrainians in Iceland

Iceland provides financial support to Ukrainians who have been granted temporary protection. It includes food allowance, housing compensation and social benefits.

1. Food allowance

After receiving temporary protection, Ukrainians can receive weekly financial support for food in the form of a special card:

• Single adult - 8,000 ISK (~57 EUR) per week
  
• Couple - 13,000 ISK (~92 EUR) per week
  
• Child - 5 000 ISK (~35 EUR) per week

The card can be obtained at the Center for Assistance to Ukrainian Citizens (Egilsgata 3, Reykjavik).

Phone: +354 444 0900

After four weeks of stay in Iceland, additional charges apply:

• Adult - 2 700 ISK (~20 euros) per week
  
• Child - 1,000 ISK (~7 euros) per week

2. Housing allowance

During the first 2 months after arrival, Ukrainians can stay in hotels or hostels for free. After that, you need to find your own accommodation.

Financial support for rental housing:

• In Reykjavik - up to 192,000 ISK (~1,290 EUR) per month
  
• In smaller cities - depending on local conditions

Average rent:

• One-bedroom apartment in Reykjavik - 370,000 ISK (~2,400 EUR)
  
• Housing in smaller cities - 250,000 ISK (~1,670 EUR)

Details on rent compensation should be checked with the local social security authorities.

3. Social assistance

After the initial period of support, Ukrainians can receive monthly financial assistance:

• For an adult - 170,000-200,000 ISK (~1,220-1,435 EUR)

Important! The amount of payments may change, so you should contact social services for up-to-date information.