Iceland Digital Nomad Visa – Application, Requirements & More

It was cold and ice. Iceland is recognized for its gorgeous environment, which includes glaciers and stunning buildings, which draws a significant number of visitors who wish to see its magnificence. If you are weary of your mundane and monotonous daily routine and are looking for a change, Iceland’s remote worker visa is ideal for you. The visa will allow you to not only migrate to Iceland, but also to be your own employer while working from home.

Can I Work Remotely in Iceland?

Yes, you can. The Icelandic remote work digital nomad visa was first introduced in October 2020 and has since attracted a high number of expats who were more than excited to start a new life in this beautiful country.

What Is the Iceland Digital Nomad Visa?

The Iceland digital nomad visa is technically a long-term remote work visa. It permits holders to stay in Iceland for up to six months.

As Iceland recovered from the pandemic, the digital nomad visa became increasingly significant. This visa is a temporary permission that allows you to work as a self-employed person or for a foreign employer whose establishment is located outside of Iceland.

The digital nomad visa does not allow you to work for an Icelandic company or employer. If you want to work in Iceland, you must first obtain an Iceland work visa and permit, or an EU Blue Card.

Eligibility Criteria for the Iceland Digital Nomad Visa

An Icelandic remote working visa (digital nomad visa) can be issued if you fulfill the following requirements:

• You are a citizen of a non-EU/EEA/EFTA country.
• Your country has a visa-free travel agreement with Iceland.
• You have not acquired another Iceland long-term visa in the past year.
• You must prove that the purpose of your stay is to work remotely.
• You must prove that you will not be residing in Iceland for a long time.
• You must prove that your monthly income is or ISK 1,000,000 (appx. $7,700). This increases to ISK1,300,000 if your spouse or partner will also be joining you.

Benefits of The Iceland Digital Nomad Visa

If Iceland’s beauty has not convinced you enough to move there, here are some additional benefits you will be entitled to once you obtain your long-term remote visa:

• The opportunity to work comfortably from home. Say goodbye to waking up earlier to get ready for and make it to work on time as the digital remote visa lets you work from the comfort of your home.
• The opportunity to work with flexible hours. As you are essentially your own boss, you will have the chance to decide on the working hours based on your own requirements.
• The chance to work from anywhere (as long as you have a stable internet connection). You will even have the opportunity to work in any cafe or restaurant while enjoying a warm cup of coffee or a delicious meal.

Iceland Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

The required documents you must collect for the Icelandic long-term remote visa application are:

• Your valid passport. The passport must be valid for at least three months past your stay and must be submitted as a copy.
• Remote work visa application form. You can find the application form on the official Icelandic governmental website here. You have to download it and fill it out electronically. If your spouse or partner is applying alongside you, you must fill out a separate application form for them as well.
• Proof of visa payment. The receipt must state that you have paid the full required amount of ISK 12,200 (appx. $94).
• One passport-sized photo. The photo can not be older than six months and must follow Schengen visa photo requirements.
• Health insurance for digital nomads. Your medical insurance must state the timeframe and area it covers.
• Purpose of stay. You must provide documentation proving you will be performing remote work for a foreign employer or performing work as a self-employed foreigner. E.g. a letter from your employer confirming you will be working remotely, or documents proving you carry out self-employed work in your country of residence.
• Proof of stable income. The document must state that you have a monthly income of around €7,000 (or ISK 1,000,000).
• Clean criminal record certificate. You can obtain the certificate through your local police station or office.
• If you are applying for a dependant (such as a spouse), you must also submit:
• Marriage certificate.
• Proof that you have lived together for at least one year.
• Additional payment of around €2,000 (or ISK300,000).

How to Apply for the Iceland Digital Nomad Visa?

If you would like to apply for an Icelandic remote worker visa, follow these steps:

• Pay the Iceland Remote Work Visa Fee. You must first make the payment for the Iceland remote work visa via a bank transfer.
• The bank information details are listed on the Directorate of Immigration website. You have to attach the payment receipt to the rest of the required documents.
• Submit Your Documents and Wait for an Answer. All required documents must be submitted via postage to the Directorate of
• Immigration in Kópavogur. If you are already in Iceland at the time of application, you can drop them off in the lobby of the
• Directorate of Immigration. The processing time for a long-term visa application is approximately three to four weeks.
• Enter Iceland And Obtain Your Visa. Your long-term remote work visa is not issued until you arrive in Iceland. Once you enter
• Iceland you must contact the Iceland Directorate of Immigration and they will issue a visa for you. The validity period of the remote worker visa is calculated from the issuance date.

How Much Does an Iceland Remote Work Visa Cost?

The fee for an Icelandic remote work visa is ISK 12,200 (appx. $94). If your spouse or children will be joining you, you must pay a separate fee for each applicant.

How Long Is The Iceland Digital Nomad Visa Valid For?

The validity period of the Icelandic digital nomad visa depends on where you are from and where you are applying. The distinguishments are made as follows:

• If you are applying from your home country and do not enter Iceland until the decision for the visa is made, your long-term visa can be issued for around 180 days.
• If you are applying from your home country but you enter any Schengen country before the decision for the visa is made, your long-term visa will be issued for 180 days minus the days you spent in the other Schengen country.
• If you are applying from a Schengen country, your long-term visa is issued for around 90 days.

Can I Extend My Stay in Iceland as a Digital Nomad?

The Icelandic digital nomad visa cannot be extended. You are eligible to re-apply for the visa after twelve months.

Why Should I Live In Iceland?

Some pros of living in Iceland are:

• Fast and Steady Wifi. Although it is known for its colder weather, this has not stopped Iceland from offering one of the fastest and most stable wifi connections in the world. This will definitely step up your working experience as a remote worker.
• Aurora Borealis. Among many other attractions that Iceland has to offer, one can not ignore the beautiful Aurora Borealis. Classified as one of the must-see wonders of the world, the Aurora Borealis can be seen from September to March and is a sight you will never forget.
• Friendly and Accepting People. Icelanders are thought to be the happiest people in the planet. This enables them to be kind and gracious to anyone who chooses to visit them and their country. Their doors are always open to everyone, without any kind of discrimination. They are thought to be nonjudgmental and down to earth, which has made many people feel welcome in Iceland.
• One of the Safest Countries in The World. Iceland has been considered the safest country to live in the world from 2008 to 2020, and this is a huge thing to consider when you decide to move to Iceland. Anything from petty to more violent crime is practically non-existent in Iceland.