Though its spectacular landscape of volcanoes, waterfalls, and geysers can make Iceland feel like another world, it’s a very modern country. It’s also an easy place to visit—with a valid passport and a visa from a Schengen country, you can stay for 90 days out of every 180. But what about remote workers who want to travel outside their home country to live and work in Iceland?
At Remitly, we have the answer: Iceland is great for self-employed remote workers too. It’s a tech-friendly society and a high percentage of people speak English. With fast and reliable internet connectivity, even in remote areas, Iceland is an ideal destination for digital nomads.
In fact, it ranks 36th in the global Digital Nomad Index and is one of the safest places in the world. So if this sounds like the right place for you, we’ll take you through how to get an Iceland digital nomad visa in this in-depth guide.
What is Iceland’s digital nomad visa?
Iceland introduced what they call the long-term visa for remote work in 2020. It allows anybody holding this visa to live and work in the country for up to six months, but not for Icelandic employers. This option is only available if you have a work and residence permit.
Instead, the remote work long-term visa targets only self-employed workers, or people who are employees of a foreign company, who are not seeking permanent residence in Iceland.
To get an Iceland digital nomad visa, you have to be a citizen of a country outside the EU, EEA, or EFTA regions. Individuals with permanent residence in several countries can enter Iceland without requiring a visa. These include EU/EEA/EFTA member states such as Spain, Italy and Portugal, among others.
Not from one of those? Great—provided your country has a visa-free travel agreement to enter Iceland, you’re eligible for this digital nomad visa. Here’s a handy tool on the Icelandic government’s website to check your eligibility.
Who is eligible for the Iceland digital nomad visa?
To secure the Icelandic long-term visa for remote workers, there are a few requirements you need to fulfill. You may qualify to enter Iceland as a digital nomad if:
- You are from a non-EU/EEA/EFTA country
- You don’t need a visa to travel to a Schengen country
- You haven’t received an Iceland digital nomad visa in the last 12 months
- You plan to work remotely for employers operating outside Iceland
- You don’t plan to settle permanently in Iceland
- You can show proof of foreign income above the minimum amount
Iceland has a high cost of living, so immigration officials ask for evidence of a high income to match. To meet the minimum income requirements, You have to show that you’ll have a monthly income of at least ISK1,000,000. That’s about $7,100 USD, or €6,700 EUR, and that number goes up to 1.4 million króna per month if your partner will be joining you in Iceland.
Typically, family members such as spouses, cohabiting partners, and children of digital nomads can receive long-term visas if they meet the minimum requirements. However, children under the age of 18 are exempt from the usual visa application process. How to get a digital nomad visa in Iceland
Now that you have confirmed that you’re from an eligible country, and you can prove your monthly income will be enough, you’re going to need the following documents:
- A copy of your valid passport; it should be valid for at least three months past your stay
- A recent passport photo
- The application form, filled out and completed correctly
- Proof that you have paid the visa application fee, such as a payment receipt
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of the purpose of your stay, such as a letter from your employer
- A criminal record certificate, only if necessary
In some cases, it may be a good idea to include a copy of your employment contract too. You can find the complete list of required supporting documents for remote workers here on the Icelandic government website.
It also shows you the documents you will need to present for any family members—such as your partner or children—coming from your home country to join you in Iceland. This may include your marriage certificate, your child’s birth certificate, or proof of health insurance, among others.
How much does the Iceland digital nomad visa cost?
To apply for your remote work long-term visa, you’ll first pay an application fee of ISK12,200, which is about $87 USD or €81 EUR.
Currently, while you can pay the processing fee via an online bank transfer, you can only make your actual application in paper form. The Icelandic Directorate of Immigration might request a certificate confirming that you have a clean criminal record, which might also affect the processing time during your visa application process.
Benefits of an Iceland digital nomad visa
There are many advantages to living and working remotely in Iceland. As a freelancer, here are some that you can expect:
Safety
Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world, let alone Europe. So you and your loved ones will be safe and secure, whether you’re busy in a coworking space in the bustling capital of Reykjavik, teleconferencing from a cafe in Kópavogur, or out in Iceland’s other-worldly interior enjoying the aurora borealis.
Connectivity
There’s great Wi-Fi everywhere, so you can settle down and get some remote work done anywhere you choose.
Enabling business environment
Iceland is a hub for startups and innovation, and its economy is one of the strongest in the region. Also, the environment is clean and there’s great emphasis on sustainability and development. On the whole, Iceland is a great place to go and stay on a digital nomad visa.
Make your move
Now that you have a comprehensive guide to Iceland’s digital nomad visa, you can start making plans for your move to this scenic destination. But you don’t have to worry about making international transfers to your loved ones back home—with Remitly, you can stay connected safely and affordably, no matter the distance. Download the Remitly app and start making online money transfers today.
FAQs
Is Iceland good for digital nomads?
Yes. It’s a highly digitalized society with a relaxed, open culture, and modern facilities for remote work. All these factors make Iceland a great destination for digital nomads.
Can you live in Iceland and work remotely?
With Iceland’s long-term visa for remote workers, self-employed workers can stay in the country for between 90 and 180 days.
Where is the easiest place to get a digital nomad visa?
The best way to get your remote work long-term visa is by applying directly on the Icelandic government’s website. You can find them here.
Why choose Iceland for remote work?
From its low crime, high number of English speakers, great standard of living, spectacular scenery, and, of course, the northern lights—there are plenty of reasons to choose Iceland for your remote work.