Iceland introduced its digital nomad visa in October 2020. The visa, officially known as the long-term remote work visa, allows digital nomads to live and work in Iceland for 180 or 90 days.
As of January 2025, Iceland ranks 42nd in the VisaGuide.World Digital Nomad Index, a ranking of the best countries for digital nomads, with a score of 2.00.
Iceland: Quick facts
Eligibility Criteria for an Iceland Digital Nomad Visa
To be eligible for an Icelandic digital nomad visa, you must meet the following conditions:
- You are from a country outside the EEA/EFTA.
- You do not need a visa to enter the Schengen area.
- You have not been issued a long-term visa in the past 12 months from the Icelandic authorities.
- Your purpose in staying in Iceland is to work remotely, either as an employee of a foreign company or as a self-employed individual.
- You do not intend to settle in Iceland.
- You earn at least ISK 1,000,000 monthly (or ISK 1,300,000 if you apply with a spouse/cohabiting partner).
- Spouses and partners can apply as family members if they are exempt from the visa obligation.
- Your children can apply with you only if they are under 18 and exempt from the visa obligation.
How to Apply for an Iceland Digital Nomad Visa?
The application process for an Icelandic digital nomad visa is as follows:
Step 1: Complete the application form
You can find the visa application form from the Directorate of Immigration website at Long-term visa for remote work | Ísland.is. Fill out the form electronically with the correct information, download it, and print it out. Remember, that when you fill out the application form, you must choose your profile as an applicant:
- Applying for remote work from Iceland.
- Applying as a spouse or cohabiting partner of a remote worker.
- Applying as a child of a remote worker or their spouse or cohabiting partner.
Step 2: Prepare the required documents
After you print the application form, prepare the rest of the documents listed in the “Required Documents for an Iceland Digital Nomad Visa” section.
Step 3: Pay the application fee
The Icelandic digital nomad visa application fee is ISK 12,200 (approx. USD 88). You must pay the fee before submitting your application; you should do it via bank transfer and make sure the receipt has your date of birth and name. If you are applying with your family members, you must pay the same amount for each applicant.
Step 4: Submit your visa application
To submit your visa application, you can choose one of the following submission options, depending on where you are applying:
If you are applying outside of Iceland
You have to mail your application, together with all the required documents, to the Directorate of Immigration. The address is:
- Directorate of Immigration (see map)
- Dalvegur 18
- 201 Kópavogur
If you are applying within Iceland
You can deliver the application package yourself to the Directorate’s reception or the offices of District Commissioners outside of the capital area.
- Wait for approval. The processing time for an Icelandic digital nomad visa application is three to four weeks. However, this period can be extended if the Directorate of Immigration sees that you must submit additional documents. You will receive the decision on your application from the Directorate of Immigration via email.
- Get your visa. Once you receive a positive response, you can travel to Iceland. After you arrive there, you must contact the Directorate of Immigration via email ([email protected]), and they will issue you the digital nomad visa. The visa will be valid from the day it is issued.
Required Documents for an Iceland Digital Nomad Visa
The required documents for an Icelandic digital nomad visa are:
- A completed visa application form. You can find the application form on the official Icelandic website. You have to download it and complete it electronically. Make sure you complete it with accurate information and do not forget to sign it at the end, or it becomes invalid.
- A copy of your passport. Showing your personal information page, signature page, visas, entry, and exit stamps from the Schengen area during the last year and it must be valid for at least 90 days beyond the visa duration.
- A passport photo. Your passport photo must be 35×45 mm and not older than six months.
- Payment receipt. Ensure you save the payment receipt after paying the visa fee.
- International health insurance. The medical insurance must cover you for the entire length of your stay in Iceland.
- Documents confirming the purpose of your stay in Iceland:
- Confirmation from your employer stating that you are allowed to work remotely in Iceland or
- Confirmation that you are self-employed in the country in which you are a permanent resident or work normally.
- Proof of income. You need to prove you have ISK 1,000,000 per month or ISK 1,300,000 per month if you apply with family members. You can submit the following documents:
- As an employee, you can present an employment contract with information on the monthly salary.
- As a self-employed person, you can show a contract for the project(s) for which you intend to work remotely and the agreed payment(s).
- Clean criminal record certificate if requested by the Directorate of Immigration.
- Additional documents for the spouse/partner (if applicable):
- Marriage certificate.
- Proof you have lived together for one year.
- Additional documents for your children (if applicable):
- Birth certificate.
- Custody documents (if applicable).
- Documents about your child’s education arrangement in Iceland.
You can submit copies of the certificates, but the Directorate of Immigration can request originals and/or legal confirmation.
Pros and Cons of Working as a Digital Nomad in Iceland
The pros and cons of working as a digital nomad in Iceland are:
| Pros | Cons |
| Low visa fee | Short visa length |
| No tax requirements | It cannot be extended |
| spouse/partner and children can apply with you | You have to wait 12 months to apply again |
| A growing digital community | It is available to those who can enter the country visa-free |
| High global ranking in safety and security | High cost of living |
| High-speed internet | Shortage of affordable housing |
| Well-developed infrastructure | An isolated country |
| Progressive society | Long, dark, frigid winters |
| Beautiful landscape, with many glaciers, volcanoes, and hot springs |
Living Costs in Iceland
According to Numbeo, the average monthly cost for one person (excluding rent) is USD 1,324.2, and for a family of four, it is USD 4,918.2. Other prices for different items you might see in Iceland include:
| Item | Cost (USD) |
| Meal, inexpensive restaurant | 21.68 |
| Meal for 2 people, mid-range restaurant, three-course | 120.00 |
| Domestic beer (0.5l) | 3.20 |
| Water (1.5) | 2.19 |
| Milk (1l) | 1.66 |
| Bread (500g) | 3.36 |
| One-way ticket (local transport) | 4.55 |
| Basic utilities per month (e.g., electricity, heating) | 96.26 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in the city center | 1,842.81 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) outside of center | 1,654.16 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in the city center | 2,605.06 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) outside of center | 2,346.18 |
Paying Taxes as a Digital Nomad in Iceland
You do not need to pay taxes as a digital nomad in Iceland. But, you will still have to pay taxes in the country in which you are registered as an employee or business owner. For example, if you are a citizen from a country outside of Iceland and work for a company in that country, you still have to pay taxes there.
Best Places in Iceland for Digital Nomads
Some of the best places in Iceland for digital nomads are:
- Reykjavik. As the capital city of Iceland, Reykjavik has many things to offer—you can work in the coworking spaces there, and also enjoy your free time; you can go sightseeing, to the museums, or shopping.
- Hafnarfjörður. Located outside of Reykjavik, Hafnarfjörður is a charming town with a beautiful harbor and rich history.
- Akureyri. In Akureyri, you’ll find lots of coworking places, but you can also enjoy skiing at Hlídarfjall, seeing the northern lights, visiting the Arctic botanical garden, and more.
- Selfoss. This city is popular because of its proximity to the many natural attractions, such as the Golden Circle and the southern coast.
| Cities | Best for | The best time to visit | Average wifi speeds |
| Reykjavik | Coworking spaces | June to September | 85 Mbps |
| Hafnarfjörður | Community feel | June to September | 85 Mbps |
| Akureyri | Outdoor activities | June to August | 80 Mbps |
| Selfoss | Quiet work environment | June to September | 80 Mbps |
Coworking Spaces in Iceland
The best coworking spaces in Iceland for digital nomads are:
- Regus – Kalkofnsvegur – USD 500/month
- The Blue Bank – USD 268.86/ month
- HUSID/creative space – USD 225/month
- Regus – Hofdatorg – USD 839/month (for two people)
- Regus – Harbour Square – USD 490.75/month (for two people)
- Regus – Urdarhvarf 8 – USD 332.47/month (for two people)
- Quarter – USD 126.48/month
FAQs
How Long Can I Stay in Iceland With a Digital Nomad Visa?
The duration of the Icelandic digital nomad visa depends on where you make your application, for example:
- If you are applying from your country of residence and do not come to Iceland before your visa application is approved, you will be issued a visa with a validity of up to 180 days.
- If you apply after entering the Schengen Area, you will be issued a visa for up to 90 days.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Icelandic Digital Nomad Visa?
The application fee for an Icelandic digital nomad visa (long-term visa for remote work) is ISK 12,200 (approx. USD 88). If you are applying with your family members, you must pay the same amount for each applicant.
You must pay the fee before submitting your application, and you should do it via bank transfer.
For domestic payments, you need the following bank details:
- Account number: 0515-26-410424
- ID number: 670269
For foreign payments:
- IBAN: IS05 0515 26 410424 670269 6399
- SWIFT CODE: GLITISRE
- Bank name: Íslandsbanki hf.
- Bank location: Suðurlandsbraut 14, 108 Reykjavík, Iceland
Please note, that your payment receipt should contain the following information:
- You name
- Your date of birth/ID number
- Recipient of payment
- Amount paid
- Date of payment
Keep in mind that your bank may charge a commission fee for international transfers; if you do not pay that fee separately, the bank will withdraw it from your transferred amount.
How Long Does It Take to Process an Icelandic Digital Nomad Visa Application?
The processing time for an Icelandic digital nomad visa application is three to four weeks, depending on the workload of the embassy or consulate.
If you are already in Iceland, you must apply for the visa at least 14 days before your 90-day visa-free period ends.
When Does the Visa Start?
Your visa starts when you enter Iceland. Upon arrival, you should contact the Directorate of Immigration, and they will issue your visa.
Can I Renew My Iceland Digital Nomad Visa?
No, you cannot renew your Icelandic digital nomad visa. But, you can apply again only after you leave Iceland and stay for 12 months.
Can I Bring Family Members to Iceland With a Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes, you can bring your family members to Iceland with a digital nomad visa. However, you will have to pay the application fee for each of them, and the minimum income requirement increases to around ISK 1,300,000 (approx. USD 9,400. 64) per month.
If I Have Entered Iceland on Another Visa, Can I Apply for a Digital Nomad Visa?
If you have entered Iceland on another visa, you cannot apply for a digital nomad visa because one of the requirements you must meet is to be from a country that does not require a visa to enter Iceland.
Can I Travel Within the Schengen Area While on Iceland’s Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes, you can travel within the Schengen Area with an Icelandic digital nomad visa for up to 90 days out of a 180-day period. You will be issued a multiple entry visa, and when you travel, you must have your passport and proof that you have been issued a long-term visa, e.g., a visa sticker in your passport.
Can I Travel Outside Iceland and the Schengen Area While on a Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes, you may travel outside Iceland and the Schengen area with a digital nomad visa, but you must make sure that those places allow you to enter them.
Remember that the visa duration is 180 days and is issued for a fixed 180-day calendar period. Therefore, any days spent outside the Iceland/Schengen area will not be added to the back of the visa, meaning any days you spend abroad will be lost.
If My Spouse/Partner Is From a Country that Requires a Visa to Enter Iceland, Can They Join Me?
No, they cannot. There is a clear requirement; only citizens who do not need a visa to enter the Schengen are eligible to apply for an Icelandic digital nomad visa.
Do My Family Members Need to Travel Together With Me to Iceland?
No, your family members do not need to travel with you to Iceland; they only need to bring their own paperwork. However, the visa duration will be tied to your application duration.