Iceland Work Permits, Jobs, and Relocation Support for Workers Already in Europe
Iceland is not an EU member state — but it is a full member of the European Economic Area (EEA) and the Schengen Area, which gives it a legal and labour market framework closer to that of EU member states than most people expect. EEA citizens — including all EU, Norwegian, Liechtenstein, and Icelandic nationals — can live and work in Iceland without a permit under EEA freedom of movement. For non-EEA workers already legally residing in Europe, Iceland's structured residence permit system is administered by the Directorate of Immigration (Útlendingastofnun). It offers clear pathways to one of Europe's highest-wage labour markets.
Iceland's economy punches dramatically above its weight relative to its population of approximately 380,000 people. The country generates significant international demand for employment across fisheries and seafood processing, tourism and hospitality, construction, healthcare, and a growing technology sector in Reykjavik. Wages across all formal employment sectors are governed by collective agreements (kjarasamningar) that set floors significantly above statutory minimums — making Iceland one of the most financially rewarding relocation destinations for European workers who can access it.
EU Helpers connects workers already in Europe with verified Icelandic employers across Reykjavik, Akureyri, Keflavik, and the broader Icelandic market — managing the correct work authorisation pathway through Útlendingastofnun, coordinating post-arrival national registry (Þjóðskrá) registration, social insurance enrollment at Tryggingastofnun, and banking setup in Iceland's main employment centres.
Who This Guide Is For
Job seekers already in Europe: You are currently working somewhere in Europe, and Iceland's combination of top wages, EEA legal framework, and genuine sector demand aligns with your professional or trade profile. This guide explains your exact authorisation options, realistic timelines, and what EU Helpers manages from first contact to your first Icelandic payslip.
→ Create your Iceland relocation profile and start employer matching with EU Helpers
Employers operating in Iceland: You have active vacancies that the Icelandic domestic labour market cannot fill — in fisheries, hospitality, construction, healthcare, or technology. This guide explains your obligations as an Icelandic employer hiring internationally, as well as how EU Helpers sources, screens, and supports candidates for your roles.
→ Post your Iceland vacancy and access pre-screened Europe-based candidates
Recruitment partners and agencies: You need a partner with Icelandic employer connections, experience in residence permit processing, and the candidate infrastructure to service international placements into the Icelandic market at scale.
→ Explore EU Helpers partnership arrangements for Iceland placements
Why Workers Choose Iceland
Wages are among the highest in Europe. Iceland's collective agreement (kjarasamningur) system — negotiated between the Confederation of Icelandic Employers (SA) and the Icelandic Confederation of Labour (ASÍ) — sets sector-specific wage floors that are among the highest available in any European labour market for equivalent trade and professional roles. Construction workers, fisheries operatives, and hospitality professionals in Iceland consistently earn more than their counterparts in Germany, France, or other Nordic EU states.
EEA membership provides an EU-equivalent legal framework. Iceland is a full EEA member — meaning EU law on workers' rights, employment conditions, health and safety, and non-discrimination applies. Workers relocating from EU member states to Iceland move into a legally familiar framework without the immigration complexity of moving to a non-EEA country.
The labour market is genuinely tight. Iceland's unemployment rate is consistently among the lowest in Europe — typically below 4 per cent. In fisheries, construction, tourism, and healthcare, the domestic workforce is structurally insufficient and international recruitment is not a contingency — it is a routine operational necessity for most major Icelandic employers.
Quality of life is exceptional. Iceland consistently ranks among the top three countries globally on the Global Peace Index, the Human Development Index, and gender equality measures. Reykjavik is a compact, safe, and culturally active capital with a strong expat community and English spoken widely in professional and everyday contexts.
English works everywhere professionally. Iceland has one of the highest English proficiency rates in the world among non-native speakers. In all professional environments — technology, financial services, tourism, engineering, and even most fisheries management roles — English is fully functional as a working language. Icelandic language proficiency is valued for integration and career progression, but is not a prerequisite for most international worker roles.
→ Register your professional profile for Icelandic employer matching through EU Helpers
Living in Iceland — Key Facts
Reykjavik is Iceland's capital and its dominant employment centre, concentrating approximately 65 per cent of the country's population and the majority of its employment in technology, financial services, government, and professional services. A furnished one-bedroom apartment in central Reykjavik averages ISK 200,000 to ISK 320,000 per month (approximately €1,330 to €2,130). In suburban areas of Reykjavik — Hafnarfjörður, Garðabær, Kópavogur — comparable accommodation averages ISK 160,000 to ISK 250,000 per month.
Akureyri is Iceland's second city and its northern hub — with a strong base in fisheries, tourism, and healthcare employment. A furnished one-bedroom averages ISK 120,000 to ISK 200,000 per month (approximately €800 to €1,330).
Keflavik and the Suðurnes region concentrate aviation, logistics, and fisheries employment around Keflavik International Airport and the nearby fishing port infrastructure. Accommodation in the Keflavik area averages ISK 130,000 to ISK 210,000 per month.
Cost of Living Summary
| Expense | Reykjavik | Akureyri | Keflavik region |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment — city centre | €1,330 to €2,130/month | €800 to €1,330/month | €865 to €1,395/month |
| Monthly groceries | €350 to €550 | €300 to €480 | €310 to €490 |
| Monthly public transport (Reykjavik) | ISK 10,900 (approx. €73) | N/A — car recommended | N/A — car recommended |
| Restaurant meal — mid-range | €25 to €45 | €20 to €38 | €20 to €38 |
| Private health supplement | €40 to €100/month | €35 to €85/month | €35 to €90/month |
Important note on cost: Iceland is one of Europe's most expensive countries for grocery shopping, restaurant meals, and everyday goods. The wage premium from Icelandic collective agreement rates is real and documented — but workers should assess net purchasing power carefully against Reykjavik's cost of living before comparing to lower-wage but lower-cost European markets. EU Helpers provides a net salary and purchasing power comparison guide specific to your role and destination during pre-departure preparation.
Healthcare in Iceland is provided through the publicly funded health system administered by the Icelandic Health Insurance (Sjúkratryggingar Íslands). All residents registered in the national registry (Þjóðskrá) are covered for GP visits, specialist referrals, and hospital treatment — with partial co-payment contributions. Registration in Þjóðskrá automatically triggers enrollment in Sjúkratryggingar. EU Helpers coordinates Þjóðskrá registration as the priority step after permit confirmation.
Language in professional environments is predominantly English — Iceland ranks in the top three European countries for English proficiency outside native-speaking nations. Icelandic (Íslenska) is the official language and is required for roles involving direct interaction with Icelandic public institutions, schools, and fully domestically-oriented businesses. The government provides free Icelandic language courses for registered residents — EU Helpers provides enrollment guidance as part of post-arrival support.
Work Authorisation Pathways for Iceland
Iceland is an EEA member — not an EU member. EU citizens have EEA freedom-of-movement rights in Iceland under the Agreement on the European Economic Area. Non-EEA nationals require a residence permit from Útlendingastofnun (the Directorate of Immigration).
EEA Citizens — National Registry Registration
EEA citizens (EU, Norwegian, and Liechtenstein nationals) have the right to work in Iceland without a permit. They must register in the Icelandic national registry (Þjóðskrá Íslands) within 3 months of establishing residence.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Applicable to | All EEA member state citizens — EU, Norway, Liechtenstein |
| Registration deadline | Within 3 months of establishing residence |
| Authority | Þjóðskrá Íslands (National Registry of Iceland) — in-person at Þjóðskrá service points or Sýslumenn (District Commissioner) offices |
| Document issued | Kennitala (Icelandic personal identification number) — the single most important document for all administrative processes in Iceland |
| Documents required | Valid EEA passport or national ID card, proof of employment or economic activity in Iceland, and proof of accommodation |
| Tax card | Skattskírteini (tax card) — applied through the Icelandic Tax Administration (Skatturinn) using your kennitala; determines income tax withholding rate. |
| Social insurance | Tryggingastofnun (TR — Social Insurance Administration) enrollment — triggered by employer registration |
The kennitala is the foundation of every administrative process in Iceland — employment, banking, healthcare, rental agreements, and all government services require it. EU Helpers prioritises guidance on kennitala registration over any other post-arrival step for all EEA workers arriving in Iceland.
→ EEA workers — access EU Helpers Icelandic employer matching and arrival support
Non-EEA Workers — Residence Permit for Employment
Non-EEA nationals require a residence permit for employment (dvalarleyfi vegna atvinnu) issued by Útlendingastofnun — processing takes 30 to 90 days from complete submission. It requires a confirmed job offer from an Icelandic employer.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Permit name | Dvalarleyfi vegna atvinnu (Residence Permit for Employment) |
| Issuing authority | Útlendingastofnun (Directorate of Immigration) |
| Applicable to | Non-EEA nationals |
| Minimum salary | Must meet or exceed the applicable kjarasamningur Agreement (Agreement) minimum for the sector — no single national minimum wage; collective agreement minimums vary significantly by industry |
| Processing time | 30 to 90 days from complete application submission |
| Validity | 1 to 4 years — depending on employment contract duration |
| Labor market test | Required for most occupations — Útlendingastofnun assesses whether an EEA worker is available for the role; waived for shortage occupations. |
| Application submission | Online through Útlendingastofnun's application portal — employer and worker jointly submit |
| Renewal | Renewable for the duration of continued employment |
Documents required:
- Valid passport with minimum validity covering the permit duration plus 3 months
- Completed application through the Útlendingastofnun online portal
- Signed employment contract from an Icelandic employer registered with the Icelandic Companies Registry (Fyrirtækjaskrá) confirming salary compliant with the applicable kjarasamningur
- Criminal record certificate from your current country of legal residence — authenticated
- Proof of accommodation in Iceland — rental contract or employer accommodation confirmation
- Health insurance confirmation until Sjúkratryggingar enrollment is activated
- Passport-format photographs for biometric processing
Non-EEA workers currently holding long-term EEA resident status in another EEA country may access a simplified pathway. EU Helpers confirms this eligibility at the initial assessment.
→ Book a direct consultation with an EU Helpers Iceland specialist
Non-EEA Workers — Seasonal Work Permit
Iceland operates a seasonal work permit framework for short-term employment in fisheries, agriculture, and hospitality — processing takes 15 to 30 days. It is subject to bilateral agreements and quota allocations for specific nationalities.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Permit name | Seasonal work permit (Tímabundið leyfi vegna tímabundinna starfa) |
| Duration | Up to 9 months per calendar year |
| Primary sectors | Fisheries, fish processing, agriculture, hospitality and tourism |
| Processing time | 15 to 30 days |
| Labor market test | Simplified — seasonal sector designation reduces test burden |
| Applicable nationalities | Subject to bilateral agreements and quota allocations — EU Helpers confirms applicability at assessment. |
Industries and Jobs in Demand in Iceland
Fisheries and Seafood Processing Jobs in Iceland
Iceland's fishing industry is the foundation of the national economy — generating the country's largest export revenues and employing a significant proportion of the workforce in coastal communities. The fisheries processing facilities in the Westfjords, South Iceland, and the Reykjanes Peninsula are the primary employment centres. International workers — particularly from Poland, Lithuania, and the Philippines — are well-established in Iceland's fisheries sector and play a structurally important role in maintaining production capacity.
Fish processing roles are physically demanding and often shift-based — typically 10- to 12-hour shifts with premium shift differential payments under the applicable kjarasamningur. Wages in fisheries processing are significantly higher than the equivalent manual labour compensation in most EU member states. Accommodation is typically provided by the employer, particularly for processing facility roles in rural coastal locations.
Active roles: Fish Processing Operatives, Fish Filleting Specialists, Quality Control Technicians (Fisheries), Vessel Deckhands, Fishing Vessel Engineers, Freezing Plant Technicians, and Logistics Coordinators within Processing Facilities.
Primary locations: Reykjanes Peninsula (Grindavík, Þorlákshöfn), Westfjords (Ísafjörður, Bolungarvík), South Iceland (Vík, Höfn), Akureyri and North Iceland.
Most active relocation routes: Poland to Iceland, Lithuania to Iceland, the Philippines to Iceland, Romania to Iceland, and Latvia to Iceland.
Salary range: ISK 500,000 to ISK 800,000 gross per month (approximately €3,330 to €5,330) including shift premiums and performance components — confirm current kjarasamningur rates with EU Helpers at assessment.
→ Find verified Icelandic fisheries and seafood employer vacancies through EU Helpers
Tourism and Hospitality Jobs in Iceland
Iceland's tourism sector has transformed the national economy over the past fifteen years, growing from a niche adventure destination into one of Europe's most visited countries, with over 2 million international visitors annually, despite a population of 380,000. The tourism infrastructure — hotels, guesthouses, adventure tourism operators, and restaurants — is structurally dependent on international workers to meet seasonal demand that peaks from May through September but has increasingly significant year-round components.
Reykjavik's hotel and restaurant sector, the Ring Road tourism corridor, and the South Coast adventure tourism cluster around Vík and Jökulsárlón all generate consistent demand for hospitality employment. International hotel brands, including Marriott, Hilton, and Canopy, have established properties in Reykjavik, alongside a large independent boutique hotel sector. Workers with prior European hospitality experience find their skills directly applicable and the wage premium over equivalent roles in Southern Europe significant.
Active roles: Hotel General Managers, Front Office Supervisors, Revenue Managers, Executive Chefs and Sous Chefs, Food and Beverage Supervisors, Tour Guides, Adventure Tourism Guides (glacier hiking, ice cave, northern lights tours), Spa and Wellness Therapists, and Housekeeping Supervisors.
Primary locations: Reykjavik (dominant year-round urban hospitality market), South Coast (Vík, Selfoss — seasonal), Golden Circle area (Geysir, Þingvellir — seasonal), North Iceland (Akureyri and Mývatn — growing year-round market).
Most active relocation routes: Romania to Iceland, Poland to Iceland, Portugal to Iceland, the Philippines to Iceland, and Spain to Iceland.
Salary range: ISK 450,000 to ISK 900,000 gross per month (approximately €2,995 to €5,990) depending on role, seniority, and season — confirm current kjarasamningur hospitality rates at assessment.
→ Access verified Icelandic hospitality and tourism employer vacancies through EU Helpers
→ Browse Iceland hospitality roles on the EU Helpers jobs board
Construction and Infrastructure Jobs in Iceland
Iceland's construction sector has experienced sustained high-demand conditions driven by Reykjavik's residential housing shortage, hotel and commercial development linked to tourism growth, energy infrastructure expansion (geothermal and hydropower), and ongoing road and public works programs across the country. The domestic construction workforce is insufficient to meet current project volumes, and international workers — particularly from Poland, Romania, and the Baltic states — are well represented across construction sites in Reykjavik.
Construction wages in Iceland under the Byggingastarfsmenn (construction workers' union) kjarasamningur are among the highest for trade workers in Europe. Electricians, plumbers, and structural steelworkers in Iceland earn compensation that exceeds equivalent roles in Germany, the Netherlands, and the Scandinavian EU states — making Iceland's construction market particularly attractive for experienced tradespeople already in Europe who are willing to relocate.
Active roles: Civil and Structural Engineers, Site Supervisors and Project Managers, Electricians (Rafvirki), Plumbers and Pipe Fitters (Pípulagningamenn), Structural Steelworkers, Concrete Specialists, Carpenters and Joiners, HVAC Engineers, Scaffolders, Insulation Specialists, and Geothermal Infrastructure Engineers.
Primary locations: Reykjavik and Capital Region (dominant — residential, commercial, and hotel construction); South Iceland (energy infrastructure); East Iceland (aluminium smelter and hydropower infrastructure); North Iceland (Akureyri regional development).
Most active relocation routes: Poland to Iceland, Romania to Iceland, Latvia to Iceland, Lithuania to Iceland, and Portugal to Iceland.
Salary range: ISK 550,000 to ISK 1,000,000 gross per month (approximately €3,660 to €6,655) including overtime and shift premiums — confirm current Byggingastarfsmenn kjarasamningur rates at assessment.
→ Find Icelandic construction and infrastructure employer vacancies through EU Helpers
IT and Technology Jobs in Iceland
Reykjavik's technology sector is small by European capital standards but growing steadily, with data centre operations, software development companies, and fintech firms establishing a genuine technology employment cluster. Iceland's position as a data centre location of choice — driven by its renewable energy availability, natural cooling from the subarctic climate, and political stability — has attracted significant hyperscale data centre investment from companies including Verne Global and other international operators.
The Icelandic gaming and software development sector — including CCP Games (the creators of the online game Eve Online, headquartered in Reykjavik) — adds a distinct creative-technology employment dimension. English is the universal working language across Iceland's technology sector. EEA workers fill most technology roles in Reykjavik, and EU Helpers' technology placements in Iceland are predominantly for EU and EEA citizens exercising their freedom of movement.
Active roles: Software Developers (Full Stack, Backend, Frontend), Data Centre Operations Engineers, Network Engineers, Cybersecurity Analysts, Cloud Infrastructure Engineers, DevOps Engineers, Game Developers, Product Managers, and IT Project Managers.
Primary locations: Reykjavik — technology district and data centre campuses.
Most active relocation routes: Poland to Iceland, Romania to Iceland, Germany to Iceland, the Netherlands to Iceland, and the UK to Iceland.
Salary range: ISK 700,000 to ISK 1,500,000 gross per month (approximately €4,660 to €9,985) depending on seniority and employer — data centre and senior software roles command above-range packages.
→ Access Icelandic IT and technology employer vacancies through EU Helpers
Salary Expectations in Iceland
| Role | Gross Monthly Salary (ISK) | Euro Equivalent | Demand Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Software Developer | ISK 1,000,000 to ISK 1,500,000 | €6,655 to €9,985 | High |
| Data Centre Operations Engineer | ISK 800,000 to ISK 1,200,000 | €5,325 to €7,990 | High |
| Construction Electrician | ISK 650,000 to ISK 950,000 | €4,325 to €6,325 | Very High |
| Structural Engineer | ISK 750,000 to ISK 1,100,000 | €4,990 to €7,325 | High |
| Site Supervisor | ISK 700,000 to ISK 1,000,000 | €4,660 to €6,655 | High |
| Hotel General Manager | ISK 700,000 to ISK 1,100,000 | €4,660 to €7,325 | Medium-High |
| Executive Chef | ISK 600,000 to ISK 900,000 | €3,995 to €5,990 | High |
| Tour and Adventure Guide | ISK 450,000 to ISK 750,000 | €2,995 to €4,990 | Medium-High |
| Fish Processing Operative | ISK 500,000 to ISK 800,000 | €3,330 to €5,325 | High |
| Fisheries Quality Technician | ISK 550,000 to ISK 850,000 | €3,660 to €5,655 | Medium-High |
| Plumber and HVAC Engineer | ISK 600,000 to ISK 900,000 | €3,995 to €5,990 | Very High |
| Registered Nurse | ISK 650,000 to ISK 950,000 | €4,325 to €6,325 | Very High |
Note on Icelandic salary context: Iceland's income tax system is progressive — the effective combined tax rate for workers earning ISK 500,000 to ISK 1,200,000 per month is approximately 30 to 38 per cent, including municipal income tax (útsvar), which varies by municipality. Social contributions (pension — lífeyrissjóður — employee contribution of 4 per cent mandatory, plus 2 to 4 per cent voluntary; unemployment insurance atvinnuleysisstrygging — 0 per cent) are modest compared with most EU equivalents. EU Helpers provides a net salary and a salary-in-Iceland purchasing power calculation, a guide unique to your role and destination city, during pre-departure preparation.
Relocation Process with EU Helpers — Five Stages
Stage 1 — Authorisation Pathway and Kjarasamningur Assessment
A named EU Helpers consultant reviews your nationality, current legal status in Europe, target sector, expected salary, and accommodation preference to determine your exact authorisation pathway — EEA freedom of movement registration, residence permit for employment, or seasonal work permit — and confirms which kjarasamningur governs your target role and what the applicable wage floor is.
For non-EEA workers, this stage also confirms whether your specific nationality qualifies for any bilateral agreement benefit and whether a shortage occupation exemption applies to the labour market test for your target role.
→ Start your Iceland assessment by creating a profile with EU Helpers
→ Prefer a direct conversation? Book a consultation with an EU Helpers Iceland specialist
Stage 2 — Verified Icelandic Employer Matching
EU Helpers identifies Icelandic employers registered in the Icelandic Companies Registry (Fyrirtækjaskrá) with a confirmed active vacancy, salary compliance confirmed through kjarasamningur, and readiness to support the Útlendingastofnun application process for non-EEA workers or the Þjóðskrá registration process for EEA workers.
Every employer in the EU Helpers' Iceland network is verified for Fyrirtækjaskrá registration, RSK (Ríkisskattstjóri — Icelandic Directorate of Internal Revenue) tax compliance, and prior experience employing international workers. For fisheries and remote Iceland placements, EU Helpers additionally verifies that employer-provided accommodation meets habitable standard requirements before any introduction is made.
Stage 3 — Útlendingastofnun Application and Document Preparation
For non-EEA permit applicants, EU Helpers coordinates the complete Útlendingastofnun application — criminal record authentication, employment contract review against the applicable kjarasamningur wage floor, accommodation proof arrangement, health insurance confirmation, and online portal submission coordination.
Key documents coordinated by EU Helpers:
- Criminal record certificate authenticated from your current country of legal residence
- Employment contract reviewed against Kjarasamningur requirements — salary, working hours, shift structure, and overtime confirmed as compliant
- Proof of accommodation — rental contract or employer accommodation confirmation for your Icelandic destination
- Health insurance confirmation until Sjúkratryggingar Íslands enrollment is activated
- Útlendingastofnun online portal application — EU Helpers provides the portal navigation guide and form completion checklist.
For EEA workers, Stage 3 focuses on Þjóðskrá registration preparation, kennitala registration documentation, and skattskírteini (tax card) application guidance.
→ Read the latest Iceland Útlendingastofnun and immigration permit news
Stage 4 — Processing, Permit Issuance, and Pre-Departure Preparation
EU Helpers tracks Útlendingastofnun processing through to permit decision — providing updates at each milestone: application submitted, processing active, decision issued, permit ready for collection. Standard processing takes 30 to 90 days. Seasonal permit processing takes 15 to 30 days.
Pre-departure preparation covers: Þjóðskrá registration appointment guidance for your destination city; kennitala registration documentation checklist; Skatturinn skattskírteini application process; accommodation confirmation; and a practical guide to Iceland's banking system, transport, and grocery infrastructure — which differs meaningfully from most European comparisons.
Stage 5 — Arrival, Kennitala Registration, and 90-Day Settlement Support
Post-arrival support covers:
- Þjóðskrá registration: National Registry address registration — kennitala (Icelandic personal ID number) issued at this point; the kennitala is required for banking, employment, healthcare, rental agreements, and every government interaction in Iceland; EU Helpers provides the registration appointment guide and documentation checklist for Reykjavik, Akureyri, and Keflavik Sýslumenn (District Commissioner) offices
- Sjúkratryggingar Íslands: Icelandic Health Insurance — triggered automatically by Þjóðskrá registration; covers GP visits, specialist referrals, and hospital treatment with partial co-payments; EU Helpers provides the GP (heimilislæknir) registration guidance for your destination municipality
- Skatturinn skattskírteini: Tax card application through the Icelandic Tax Administration — determines your personal income tax withholding rate; EU Helpers provides the RSK online portal navigation guide using your kennitala
- Lífeyrissjóður enrollment: Mandatory pension fund enrollment — employee contributes 4 per cent of gross salary (voluntary supplementary contribution of 2 to 4 per cent additional); your employer selects the pension fund on your behalf from the applicable union-affiliated funds; EU Helpers explains the lífeyrissjóður system and any choice the worker has over fund selection
- Banking setup: Landsbankinn, Íslandsbanki, and Arion Bank are Iceland's three main commercial banks — all offer English-language online banking and international card services; kennitala is required for account opening; EU Helpers provides documentation guidance for the bank appointment in your destination city
- Íslenska language courses: Free Icelandic language courses are available through Mímir menntaþjónusta and Háskóli Íslands continuing education programs; EU Helpers provides enrollment guidance and local provider information for Reykjavik and Akureyri
→ Contact EU Helpers directly with any Iceland relocation question at any stage
→ Read accounts from workers EU Helpers has supported across Northern European destinations
→ Explore the full EU Helpers work and relocation service overview
Documents Required — Quick Reference
| Document | EEA Freedom of Movement | Residence Permit (Non-EEA) | Seasonal Permit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valid passport | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | ✅ Required |
| Employment contract (kjarasamningur compliant) | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | ✅ Required |
| Criminal record certificate — authenticated | ❌ Not required | ✅ Required | ✅ Required |
| Labor market test clearance | ❌ Not required | ✅ Required (or exemption) | Simplified |
| Proof of accommodation | ✅ Recommended | ✅ Required | ✅ Required |
| Health insurance confirmation | ❌ Not required | ✅ Required | ✅ Required |
| Passport photographs | ❌ Not required | ✅ Required | ✅ Required |
| Útlendingastofnun online application | ❌ Not required | ✅ Required | ✅ Required |
| Application fee payment | ❌ Not required | ✅ Required | ✅ Required |