Visa in Iceland
6 Institutions·10 ProgramsKey Takeaways
- Student residence permit application fee: 12,000 ISK (approx. $100)
- Schengen visa fee and exemptions: Schengen visa: EUR 90 (EUR 45 for ages 6–12); fees waived for students and teachers
- Minimum health insurance coverage required: 2,000,000 ISK (approx. $16,000) minimum coverage
- Work rights on a student residence permit: Allowed to work up to 15 hours per week
- Application deadlines for semester intake: Submit by May 1 for fall intake and October 1 for spring intake
Overview
You must get a residence permit for full-time studies in Iceland.
- Residence permits for study are issued by the Directorate of Immigration.
- Icelandic visas are Schengen visas; you can travel within the Schengen area. Use the student visa page for general visa guidance.
- Visa-exempt students may stay up to 90 days without a visa.
- Students from visa-required countries must complete the visa process before departure.
- You may travel to Iceland while your residence permit is processed if you are visa-exempt.
Who Needs a Residence Permit
You need a residence permit if you will study full time.
- Full-time degree or exchange students require a residence permit.
- Short stays under 90 days may not require a visa if you are from a visa-exempt country.
- If you need a Schengen visa for entry, you must complete that process before travel.
- Lodge the residence permit application with the Directorate of Immigration before departure.
Application Deadlines and Timing
Apply by the semester deadlines to avoid delays.
- Fall semester: submit applications by May 1.
- Spring semester: submit applications by October 1.
- The sources do not give a fixed processing time. Check the Directorate of Immigration for current processing estimates.
- If your application is rejected, you may appeal within 15 days.
Documents You Must Provide
Prepare these documents before you apply.
- Completed application form.
- Proof of admission or acceptance letter from your Icelandic institution.
- Valid passport: must be valid at least 90 days beyond permit validity and at least six months beyond your program end date.
- Criminal record certificate issued within the last 12 months.
- Biometric data: fingerprints and a photo (not required for children under 12).
- Passport-size photo matching requirements.
- Proof of payment (payment receipt) for the application fee.
- Health insurance confirmation showing minimum coverage of 2,000,000 ISK.
- Bank statements proving financial self-sufficiency (specific proof amounts are not detailed in the sources).
Financial and Insurance Requirements
Show you can support yourself and have required insurance.
- Proof of financial self-sufficiency must be shown with bank statements; the sources do not state a fixed amount.
- Health insurance must provide at least 2,000,000 ISK in coverage.
- Application fee for a student residence permit is 12,000 ISK (approx. $100).
- There is a visa fee of 6,000 ISK (approx. $50).
- Schengen visa fee is EUR 90 (EUR 45 for ages 6–12); the Schengen fee is waived for students and teachers where applicable.
How to Apply: Step-by-step
Follow these steps to submit your application.
- Get your admission letter and collect all supporting documents listed above.
- Complete the residence permit application form.
- Pay the application fee and keep the payment receipt.
- Submit the application to the Directorate of Immigration before you travel.
- Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo) at the appointed centre, unless you are under 12.
- If you need a Schengen visa, apply for that before departure; students who are visa-exempt may travel and wait for permit processing in Iceland.
- If your application is refused, file an appeal within 15 days.
Work Rights and Travel While Studying
Know your limits on work and travel once you hold a student permit.
- A student residence permit allows you to work up to 15 hours per week.
- Icelandic visas are Schengen visas; holding an Icelandic permit allows travel within the Schengen area subject to Schengen rules.
- Visa-exempt students may enter for up to 90 days without a visa; check whether you must apply for a visa before travel.
Common Application Pitfalls
Avoid these frequent errors to prevent delays.
- Submitting a criminal record certificate older than 12 months will be rejected.
- Using a passport that does not meet the validity rules will cause refusal.
- Omitting the payment receipt or insurance confirmation delays processing.
- Failing to provide biometric data when required will block the application.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to apply for a student residence permit in Iceland?
The application fee for a student residence permit is 12,000 ISK (about $100). There is also a visa fee of 6,000 ISK (about $50); the Schengen visa fee is EUR 90 (EUR 45 for ages 6–12), which is waived for students and teachers where applicable.
What health insurance do I need for a student visa in Iceland?
You must have health insurance with minimum coverage of 2,000,000 ISK (about $16,000). Provide a written insurance confirmation when you apply.
When should I submit my residence permit application?
Submit by May 1 for the fall semester and by October 1 for the spring semester. Applications must be lodged with the Directorate of Immigration before you depart.
Can I work while studying in Iceland on a student permit?
Yes. A student residence permit allows work up to 15 hours per week. Follow employment rules and any conditions on your permit.
How long can I stay in Iceland without a visa?
If you are from a visa-exempt country you may stay up to 90 days without a visa. If your country requires a visa, you must complete the visa process before travel.
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