➡ WHAT ARE THE FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS?
Foreign income requirements are ISK 1,000,000 per month (approximately $7,763) or ISK 1,300,000 per month (approximately $10,130) if applying alongside a spouse or cohabiting partner.
➡ HOW LONG CAN YOU STAY?
The digital nomad visa for Iceland is valid for 180 days when applied for from your home country. However, if the application is submitted from within a Schengen country, the visa issued will only be valid for 90 days. Extending Iceland’s digital nomad visa is not possible. The alternative is to wait for a year after your previous visit on a digital nomad visa before you can apply for a new one.
➡ WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Individuals working remotely, whether self-employed or for an international company, are eligible to apply, provided they fulfill the necessary requirements.
➡ HOW MUCH WILL YOU PAY IN TAXES?
You are not required to pay taxes in Iceland as you are exempt from taxation while working remotely in the country.
Nomad Visa Iceland 2024
Iceland was among the pioneering Schengen nations to offer a digital nomad visa, designed specifically for remote workers. This visa permits individuals to reside and work in Iceland for up to 180 days.
To qualify for this visa, applicants must either be self-employed or employed by a company outside of Iceland, and they must meet a high income threshold of at least $7,763 per month. Additionally, proof of health or travel insurance and a modest application fee are required.
The application process is comprehensive, and it is important to adhere closely to all the necessary steps, which will be detailed further below.
It is highly recommended to apply for the Icelandic digital nomad visa from your country of residence and to refrain from traveling until the visa has been granted. Traveling to Iceland or any other Schengen area during the application process will reduce the duration of your stay. For instance, if you arrive in Iceland one month before your visa is approved, you will be eligible to stay only five months instead of six.
Moreover, applying from within any Schengen country will limit the visa’s validity to just 90 days. Therefore, to maximize the visa duration to 180 days, applications should be submitted from outside the Schengen area.
Once granted, the Icelandic visa allows for travel within other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within the 180-day visa period, without affecting the allotted time in Iceland, despite its inclusion in the Schengen zone.
Eligibility for Iceland’s Digital Nomad Visa
Iceland offers a specific visa called the Long-term Visa for Remote Work, aimed at individuals who are engaged in remote employment either for themselves or for companies based outside of Iceland.
To qualify for this visa, applicants must not seek employment with Icelandic companies or engage in the local labor market. If the applicant has a spouse and/or children, they too may apply for long-term visas as dependents of a remote worker.
Eligibility criteria include:
- Residency outside the EEA/EFTA.
- No requirement for a visa to enter the Schengen zone.
- No long-term visas issued by Icelandic authorities to the applicant within the last twelve months.
- The intent of the stay is solely for remote work from Iceland, either as a self-employed individual or as an employee of a foreign company.
- There is no intention to settle permanently in Iceland.
- Demonstrable foreign income of at least ISK 1,000,000 per month (approximately $7,763) or ISK 1,300,000 per month (approximately $10,130) if applying along with a spouse or cohabiting partner.
Step-by-Step Guide on Applying for the Digital Nomad Visa for Iceland
Applying for Iceland’s digital nomad visa requires a systematic approach, as the process is quite detailed and cannot be completed online. Below, we outline each step along with a comprehensive list of the required documents.
Step 1: Document Preparation
Begin by collecting all necessary documentation for your application. You’ll need:
- A valid passport (must remain valid for at least 90 days beyond your intended stay)
- A recent passport photo (35×45 mm), not older than six months
- Comprehensive health insurance coverage
- A clean criminal record from your country of residence
- Employment verification or proof of self-employment confirming your ability to work remotely
- Proof of sufficient income, with a minimum monthly earning of $7,763 or equivalent
- If applying with a spouse, a marriage certificate is necessary
Step 2: Application Fee Payment
The application process requires a non-refundable fee of 12,200 ISK (approximately $96) per applicant. This fee must be paid through a bank transfer, with the banking details available on the Directorate of Immigration’s official website. Ensure you retain the payment receipt, as it must be included in your application package.
Step 3: Completing the Application Form
Download and print the application form from the Directorate of Immigration’s website. Fill out the form thoroughly and sign it. Remember, electronic submissions are not accepted.
Step 4: Mailing Your Application
Package all your documents, including the proof of fee payment, and mail them to the Directorate of Immigration in Iceland. Ensure everything is organized and clearly labeled to avoid delays.
Step 5: Await Confirmation
After your application is received, the Directorate of Immigration will review your submission. They may contact you to request additional documents. Once your application is processed, they will inform you of the decision.
Step 6: Receiving Your Visa
If approved, you won’t receive your visa immediately. Instead, bring your approval confirmation when you travel to Iceland. Upon arrival, present this confirmation to the immigration authorities, who will then issue your visa starting from your entry date.
Required Documents for the Digital Nomad Visa Application
To ensure a smooth application process, here is a detailed list of the documents you need to prepare:
- Copy of your passport, valid for at least 90 days beyond your visa’s intended duration
- A recent passport-sized photo (35×45 mm)
- Valid health insurance for the duration of your stay
- A document proving you have no criminal record
- Documentation verifying your remote work arrangement, either as an employee or self-employed individual
- Proof of meeting the minimum income requirement ($7,763 per month)
- Bank transfer receipt for the application fee
- Marriage certificate if applying with a spouse
Application Fee Details
Each applicant must pay a non-refundable fee of 12,200 ISK. Payment should be made via bank transfer, details of which can be found on the Directorate of Immigration’s website.
By following these steps and preparing the necessary documentation, you can effectively apply for the digital nomad visa for Iceland, paving the way for a unique experience working amidst some of the world’s most stunning landscapes.