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Who Needs a Work Permit in Iceland?

Most non-EEA and non-EU nationals must have a work permit to work in Iceland. However, certain people who are citizens of EEA/EU countries can stay and work in Iceland under the free movement agreements and do not require a permit. If you are not a citizen of an EEA/EU country, then you need a valid work permit to work in Iceland legally.

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Work Permits in Iceland

A work permit serves as a crucial authorization document permitting foreign nationals to work in Iceland. Getting a work permit is the most critical step one takes upon deciding to seek employment in this Nordic country. This guide offers further information about the process, the eligibility requirements, types of permits, and why verification of the work permit is important.

Eligibility for a Work Permit in Iceland

To be eligible for a work permit in Iceland, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, which usually include:

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Job Offer

A valid job offer from an Icelandic employer is necessary. The employer often needs to prove that the job cannot be filled by a local or EEA/EU worker.

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Skills and Qualifications

Applicants must possess the skills, experience, or qualifications required for the role.

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Health and Character

Candidates have to prove that they are fit and have a clean criminal record.

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Compliance with Immigration Rules

An applicant has to meet Iceland immigration and residency requirements.


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Our Work Permit Verification Service for Iceland

Our specialized work permit verification service guarantees peace of mind by confirming the authenticity of your documents through official channels.

How the Work Permit process unfolds?
  • Document Submission: Upload your work permit and any supporting documents to our secure portal.
  • Authentication: We verify the legitimacy of your work permit by consulting the official databases and collaborating with the Icelandic government to ascertain its authenticity.
  • Results: You will get a comprehensive report within 3-5 working days stating the permit is valid or stating an inconsistency in it.
What are the types of Work Permits in Iceland?

Iceland has different types of work permits, each with specified employment categories:

  1. Short-term work permits: Temporary work permits are granted to short-term jobs usually of up to one year period and can be renewed according to specific conditions.
  2. Skilled Work Permits: For the use of people with specific expertise within high-demand industries, like information technology, engineering, and medicine.
  3. Seasonal work permits: Issued to people for temporary employment within those sectors like agriculture, fishery, and tourism.
  4. Student work permits: These are issued to international students to undertake part-time jobs while pursuing a course.
  5. Family reunion work permits: For spouses and relatives of foreign workers seeking employment in Iceland.
What is the Application Procedure to Acquire Work Permit in Iceland?
  • Obtain an employment contract from an Icelandic employer.
  • The employer must forward all the necessary documents to the Directorate of Immigration or the Directorate of Labour.
  • Fill out the official work permit application form.
What are the Documents Needed to Acquire Work Permit in Iceland?

The following documents are usually required:

  • Valid passport with at least six months of validity.
  • A detailed employment contract.
  • Qualifications and relevant work experience.
  • Health insurance coverage.
  • Criminal record clearance.
  • Residence permit application, if applicable.
What will be the Timeline and Costs to Acquire Work Permit in Iceland?
  • Processing Time: Work permit applications usually take 4–8 weeks to process, depending on the type of permit and workload of the immigration authorities.
  • Costs: Application fees vary but are usually between ISK 15,000 to ISK 20,000 (approximately €100–€130).

Work permit verification will ensure that your employment in Iceland is legitimate and secure. It protects you from potential scams or fraudulent permits, ensuring your legal and professional standing in the country.

Key Details Regarding Work Permit Verification
  • Processing Time: Standard verification takes 3–5 business days. Urgent requests can be made via expedited services.
  • Success Rate: We assist hundreds of clients every month to validate their permits, and this way, they do not fall for fraudulent offers.
  • Confidentiality: Your information is treated with the utmost security and is fully compliant with data protection regulations.
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