Which remote workers qualify: foreign employees, freelancers, company owners or other remote professionals?
The Directorate of Immigration announced on 13 May 2026 that, with the entry into force of the new Visa Act (No. 37/2026), the provision in the Foreign Nationals Act concerning long-term visas has been repealed and a new provision on short-term residence permits has entered into force. Foreign nationals wishing to stay in Iceland for longer than 90 days may apply for such a permit, provided that the purpose of their stay does not fall under existing residence permit categories and that they do not intend to settle permanently in Iceland. The published short-term residence permit is granted to close family members (a marital spouse, parent, child or sibling) making an extended visit and to artists, scientists or athletes whose stay does not require another type of residence permit; remote workers are not listed. The official source does not state any remote-worker profile that currently qualifies.
See recorded sources
- The official source does not state any remote-worker profile that currently qualifies.
- https://island.is/en/o/directorate-of-immigration/news/visa-services-transferred-to-the-ministry-for-foreign-affairs
13th May 2026
- https://island.is/en/o/directorate-of-immigration/news/visa-services-transferred-to-the-ministry-for-foreign-affairs
With the entry into force of the new
- https://island.is/en/o/directorate-of-immigration/news/visa-services-transferred-to-the-ministry-for-foreign-affairs
Visa Act (No. 37/2026)
- https://island.is/en/o/directorate-of-immigration/news/visa-services-transferred-to-the-ministry-for-foreign-affairs
the provision in the Foreign Nationals Act concerning long-term visas has been repealed, and a new provision on short-term residence permits has entered into force.
- https://island.is/en/o/directorate-of-immigration/news/visa-services-transferred-to-the-ministry-for-foreign-affairs
Foreign nationals wishing to stay in Iceland for longer than 90 days may apply for such a permit with the Directorate of Immigration, provided that the purpose of their stay does not fall under existing residence permit categories and that they do not intend to settle permanently in Iceland.
- https://island.is/en/short-term-residence-permit
Close family members, including a marital spouse, parent, child, or sibling, who intend to make an extended visit to Iceland.
- https://island.is/en/short-term-residence-permit
Artists, scientists, or athletes whose stay in Iceland does not require the issuance of another type of residence permit.
