July 8th, 2024 at 04:53 pm

Iceland Work Visa 2024: Visa Types, Eligibility & Application Process

Greetings from Iceland, the country of fire and ice, where breathtaking scenery meets a wealth of employment options! You need look no further if you’re a seasoned professional considering a career change to Europe.

In 2024, Iceland stands out as one of the finest places in Europe to find employment, particularly in industries where skilled workers are scarce. What improves it even further? The numerous, simple work visa choices will make the shift easier than you could have ever thought.

Europe is full of nations with excellent employment markets and standards of living. Consider Sweden with its easy route to permanent residency (PR) and naturalization, the Netherlands with its efficient visa application procedure and tech-driven workforce, or Germany with its remarkable salaries and strong economy.

However, Iceland offers something genuinely special with its high-paying occupations, quick immigration and work visa process, good standard of living, and simple route to permanent residence.

Top 3 Reasons to Immigrate to Iceland in 2024

1. Simplified Work Visa Options

A variety of visa types are available in Iceland to meet various professional requirements. Iceland offers several options to help you get started, including the Residence Permit for Work, which is intended for people who have a job offer in place, and the Digital Nomad Visa, which is intended for remote workers.

2. A Good Standard of Living

Iceland offers a superior quality of life compared to many other European nations because of its unspoiled surroundings, low crime rate, and strong sense of community. After work, picture yourself swimming in a geothermal pool or going outside to see the Northern Lights!

3. Skill Shortage Opportunities

Professionals in the fields of healthcare, engineering, IT, construction, and tourism are in constant demand in the nation. If you have the necessary abilities, Iceland can be your passport to a rewarding career that pays well.

In light of this, Iceland is the greatest nation to relocate to with a work visa because it has simpler procedures and easier access than Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. Take advantage of comparable work prospects and a great standard of living in a beautiful setting.

Types of Work Visas in Iceland in 2024

Let’s examine your possibilities for obtaining employment-related visas for Iceland in 2024:

1. Iceland’s Residence Permit for Work

This is the main visa for people who have been offered a job in Iceland. It gives you a set amount of time to live and work in the nation.

Qualifiability Standards:

• An official job offer from a company in Iceland
• Evidence of experience and qualifications for the position
• Compliance with any special requirements set forth by your profession

2. Temporary Work Permit

Given for shorter-term work in particular industries, like service contracts, athletes, occupations needing specialized talents, and labor shortages.

3. Long-term Remote Work Visa (Digital Nomad Visa)

This visa, which was introduced in 2020, permits people to reside and work in Iceland for a maximum of six months if they are remote workers for businesses located outside of the nation.

Qualifiability Standards:

• Need to work for an organization outside of Iceland.
• A minimum of ISK 1,000,000 (about USD 7,300) every month in income
• Evidence of housing and health insurance in Iceland

4. Job Seeker Visa

Even though Iceland does not have a special visa for job seekers, people are nevertheless able to travel there on a tourist visa and look for work. They can apply for a residence visa so they can work from Iceland if they receive a job offer.

5. Business Visa

Specifically created for people wishing to do business in Iceland. A thorough business strategy and evidence that the applicant has enough money to support the venture throughout their stay in Iceland are prerequisites for this visa.

General Eligibility Requirements for Iceland’s Work Visas

Although particulars differ according to the type of visa, typical qualifying standards consist of:

• Valid Passport: The passport must be valid for a minimum of three months after the planned stay in Iceland.
• Job Offer: An Icelandic employer’s legitimate job offer (not including the Digital Nomad Visa).
• Experience and Qualifications: Documentation of pertinent experience and qualifications.
• Clear Criminal History: Attestation from the applicant’s native nation and any additional nations they have been in for more than six months.
• Health Insurance: Full coverage for the duration of the visit.

Where to find Work Visa Jobs in Iceland

It is possible to find employment in Iceland more quickly by utilizing the following resources:

• Vinnumálastofnun (Directorate of Labor): https://www.vinnumalastofnun.is/en/employer/recruitment-services
• Starfsþjónusta ríkisins (State Human Resources Agency): http://www.hr.ri.gov/
• Adecco Iceland: https://www.adecco.com/find-a-job
• Heilbrigðisráð Íslands (Icelandic Nurses’ Association): https://icn.ch/membership/our-members/icelandic-nurses-association-ina
• Work in  Iceland: https://www.government.is/diplomatic-missions/embassy-of-iceland-in-ottawa/work-and-live-in-iceland/

Top Recruitment Agencies in Iceland in 2024

Using recruiting firms as a resource will greatly improve your job hunt. Here are a few of Iceland’s leading agencies:

Hagvangur: Focuses on career counseling in a range of industries, management evaluation, and executive search.
Vinna.is: The biggest Icelandic internet job portal, offering a vast selection of openings in various industries.
Kollegi: aims to link qualified individuals with Iceland’s multidisciplinary businesses and establishments.
Storf: Focuses on hiring for the innovation and technology industries.
HH Ráðgjöf: Offers all-inclusive services, such as hiring, choosing, evaluating, and career guidance.

List of Skill-Shortage Professions in Iceland

In Iceland, certain industries have a labor shortage regularly, which facilitates employment for foreign workers in these industries. These industries include:

• Engineering: Civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers.
• Healthcare: Nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals
• Tourism: Hospitality staff, tour guides, and customer service representatives.
• Construction: Skilled tradespeople, project managers, and site engineers.
• Information Technology: Software developers, IT specialists, and data analysts.

How to Apply for a Work Permit in Iceland

There are multiple steps in the process, which are usually started by the employer:

• Employer Submission: The employer provides the Directorate of Labour with the application, together with the job description and the rationale for employing a foreign national.
• Document Gathering: The employer gathers from the candidate the paperwork they need, like a completed employment contract and credentials documentation.
• Application Fees: The candidate may be responsible for additional expenses such as evidence of living expenses and travel insurance, however, the employer will pay the application fees.
• Approval and Health Contributions: If the application is accepted, they may be required to pay health contributions and appear in person for an interview.

Iceland Work Permit Application Costs

• Fees for Visa: €80–€90
• Processing fees range from about €30 to €50.
• Travel insurance costs between €50 and €100.
• Proof of Living Expenses: About €29 per day plus €145 for each entrance

Conclusion

Iceland is a desirable location for qualified professionals since it provides a range of work permits suited to various employment needs. You can begin the process of establishing a career in this exceptional and stunning nation by being aware of the available visa choices, the requirements for eligibility, and the locations of employment openings.

To increase your chances of landing a job and getting a work visa in Iceland, get in touch with leading recruiting firms and look into industries where there is a skill need.