A permanent residence permit entitles the holder to reside permanently in Iceland. It is mandatory that the applicant has resided in Iceland continuously for four years, holding the same category of an applicable residence permit, see here. The applicant has, for example, to have had a residence permit as a qualified professional for four years and no other types of permits during that period in order to qualify for this permit.


An application for a permanent residence permit must be submitted at least one month before the current permit expires. Further information on permanent residence permits can be found here, and the rights derived from such permits here.


A permanent residence permit cannot be granted if the applicant would receive better rights than the person the current residence permit is based on. For example, a person holding a residence permit on the grounds of a family reunification cannot apply for a permanent residence permit unless the person he/she bases the current permit on has been granted a permanent residence permit or Icelandic citizenship.


If a permanent residence permit is granted, information on the rights obtained can be found here.
If a permanent residence permit is not granted, information on appeal procedure can be found here.


Note that information on permanent residence permits for children is separate on this page.
 

Useful information:

General information on residence permits

Basic requirements for residence permits

Detailed requirements for residence permits

Information on application process and processing time

Processing fee, an application will not be processed until the fee has been paid.

Rights associated with residence permits

FAQ

In order to be granted a student residence permit, the applicant must fulfill basic and specific requirements.

Applicant must apply personally at the Directorate’s office or at the offices of District Commissioners. The applicant will be photographed and he/she must bring his passport.


Documents to be submitted:

  1. Checklist for a permanent residence permit for adults. Print the checklist and check it when gathering documents. Please include the completed list with the application.
  2. Application for a permanent residence permit, form must be original, completed and signed by the applicant.
  3. Copy of passport (does not need to be confirmed). The passport must be valid. The copy should be of the main page and the page with the applicant’s signature.
  4. Confirmed copies of the applicant’s tax return for the past four years.
  5. Certificate of completion of courses in the Icelandic language or of proficiency. The certificate must be an original. The applicant must have completed 150 hours of courses in the Icelandic language or passed a proficiency test at an accredited facility.
  6. Support must be secure, see here. If the applicant is working and intends to continue working, he/she must submit Application for a permanent work permit (included in application for permanent residence permit) and employment contract.


Documents that may be submitted:

  • Power of attorney, original, witnessed by two adult witnesses. Note. A power of attorney needs not be submitted unless the applicant wants someone other than him/her to receive information about the processing of the application by the Directorate.


It is the applicant‘s responsibility to submit the documents on the checklist. If all the required documents are not submitted with the application, this could result in delays in processing the application or in a denial. The Directorate of Immigration may request additional documents in some cases.


Permanent residence permit for a child

If the child is born in Iceland, he/she may be granted a permanent residence permit if the parent has a permanent residence permit. All other children must fulfill the required residency permit period of four years.


A child who has been granted a permanent residence permit is allowed to work without a work permit.


Documents to be submitted:

  1. Checklist for permanent residence permit for a child. Print the checklist and check it when gathering documents. Please include the completed list with the application.
  2. Application for a permanent residence permit, form must be original, completed and signed by the parent(s)/custodian(s).
  3. Copy of passport (does not need to be confirmed). The copy should be of the main page and the page with the applicant’s signature.


Documents that may be submitted:

  • Power of attorney, original, witnessed by two adult witnesses. Note. A power of attorney needs not be submitted unless the parent(s)/custodian(s) wants someone else to receive information about the processing of the application by the Directorate.


It is the applicant‘s parent/custodian’s responsibility to submit the documents on the checklist. If all the required documents are not submitted with the application, this could result in delays in processing the application or in a denial. The Directorate of Immigration may request additional documents in some cases.