Iceland has launched a new visa programme aimed at attracting digital nomads and foreign remote workers, offering them the opportunity to live and work in the country for up to six months. The initiative targets professionals from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) who wish to perform their jobs remotely for foreign employers or as self-employed individuals while experiencing Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes and rich culture.
According to the Icelandic authorities, the visa duration depends on the applicant’s location at the time of application. Those applying from their home country before arriving in Iceland can secure a visa valid for up to 180 days. In contrast, individuals already present in the Schengen area may be granted a visa for a maximum of 90 days.
The scheme also allows successful applicants to bring their spouses and children under 18 to Iceland, provided they are exempt from Schengen visa requirements. However, visa holders will not be issued an Icelandic ID number (kennitala), reinforcing the temporary nature of their stay, and will not be permitted to work for local employers or join the domestic labor market.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the digital nomad visa, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of a non-EEA/EFTA country.
- Be exempt from requiring a visa to enter the Schengen area.
- Not have been granted a long-term visa by Iceland in the previous 12 months.
- Intend to work remotely for a foreign employer or as a self-employed individual, without plans for permanent settlement in Iceland.
- Demonstrate a monthly foreign income of at least ISK 1,000,000 (around USD 7,200) or ISK 1,300,000 (about USD 9,400) if applying with a spouse or partner.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted in paper form to the Directorate of Immigration in Kópavogur or at District Commissioners’ offices outside Reykjavík. A processing fee of ISK 12,200 (approximately USD 88) is payable via bank transfer, and proof of payment must be included in the application.
Required documents include:
- A valid passport with copies of relevant pages, including personal details, signatures, visas, and Schengen entry/exit stamps.
- A recent passport-sized photograph (35×45 mm).
- Proof of health insurance covering the intended stay.
- Evidence of employment or self-employment, such as a work contract or employer’s letter.
- Documentation proving sufficient income, including contracts or project agreements.
- For family applications, supporting documents such as marriage or birth certificates, or custody papers.
Incomplete applications risk delays or rejection. Upon arrival in Iceland, applicants must contact the Directorate of Immigration to finalise visa issuance.
Benefits and Limitations
The Iceland digital nomad visa allows remote professionals to enjoy the country’s unique natural beauty, modern infrastructure, and safe environment while maintaining their work commitments. It also grants the right to travel within other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
However, the programme is strictly designed for remote work and does not support integration into Iceland’s local labor market or serve as a pathway to permanent residency.
With this move, Iceland joins a growing list of countries tapping into the rising trend of digital nomadism, positioning itself as a prime destination for location-independent professionals seeking a temporary yet enriching work-life experience.
For more information and application details, interested individuals can visit the official Icelandic government portal, Ísland.is.
