I'm half Icelandic (US citizen, have lived in Australia) and related to all native Icelanders by blood. For me to get Icelandic citizenship I must live there 7 years. The population totals about 320,000, mostly in or near Reykjavik

Citizens of the Nordic countries, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland, have the most privileged status in Iceland and do not need to apply for residence permits. Citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) countries can stay in Iceland for up to six months without a permit if they are looking for work and three months if they are not. Citizens from nonmember countries can only obtain one-year residence permits at a time and must apply before their arrival. Their residence permits are contingent upon their purpose in the country.

Here is a link to the Directorate of Immigration ( in the Ministry of Interior):

http://www.utl.is/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=17&Itemid=18&lang=en

The Directorate issues residence permits, in your case not longer than a year at a time, the first must be issued before you arrive in Iceland, and may be renewed.

A means test and the Icelandic citizenship exam are generally required for cietizenship. This exam is administered twice a year, to demonstrate you have a working knowledge of the Icelandic language and the history of Iceland.

Depending on skills and education, unemployment is still high but things are getting better.

Cheers, mate ! ! !

Post a Reply

00abuse