With the Iceland digital nomad visa, remote workers and freelancers who have the freedom to work wherever they wish can stay in the country for up to six months. So, if you're tired of your usual work-from-home setup and want to work in a place surrounded by otherworldly landscapes, consider applying for the Iceland digital nomad visa.
Iceland may not be a popular destination for digital nomads, but there are many good reasons why you should consider living as a digital nomad in Iceland. It's a stunning country famous for its rugged landscape scenery of active volcanoes, massive glaciers, and majestic waterfalls. Dubbed the “Land of Fire and Ice”, Iceland is a place like no other, giving you plenty of unique things to explore when you want to take a break from work.
Tourism is a major force behind Iceland's economy. So, when the pandemic hit, the government turned to other means to encourage foreign visitors to come into the country, and that's when they decided to open their doors to digital nomads. In line with this initiative, they decided to launch the Iceland digital nomad visa or the long-term remote work visa, which allows remote workers to stay in the country for up to 180 days.
Read on, to find out more about the Iceland digital nomad visa.
About the Iceland Digital Nomad Visa
In Iceland, the digital nomad visa is called the long-term remote work visa. Those who meet the visa's eligibility and requirements can live in the country for up to 180 days or six months, giving you plenty of time to soak up the country's breath taking scenery. In most cases, foreign visitors to Iceland can only stay in the country for 30 days, while others up to 90 days. Digital nomads who want to stay longer in Iceland while working online can apply for a digital nomad visa.
The main reason behind the launch of the Iceland digital nomad visa is to help the country recover from the devastating effects of the pandemic. Iceland is among those countries that rely mainly on the tourism industry to boost its economy. By inviting digital nomads to live and work in the country, the government is hoping that they can recover from the loss brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Iceland digital nomad visa will serve as a temporary residence permit allowing you to work in the country for a foreign employer or run a business based outside Iceland. It is not valid for seeking employment or doing business in the country. If you plan to work or establish a business in Iceland, you must apply for a work visa or an EU Blue Card.
Iceland Digital Nomad Visa Eligibility
To be eligible for the Iceland digital nomad visa, you must fulfil the following requirements:
- Citizen of a non-EU/EEA/EFTA country.
- You came from a country that has a visa-free agreement with Iceland.
- You are not holding any long-term visa for Iceland in the past year.
- Show proof that your main purpose for staying is to work remotely.
- Must prove that you will not be residing in Iceland for a long time.
- Show proof that you earn a monthly income of at least ISK 1,000,000 or equivalent to $7,000. If you are moving to Iceland with your spouse or partner, your monthly income should be at least ISK 1,300,000 or around $9,000.
Documents to Submit When Applying for the Iceland Digital Nomad Visa
Before submitting your Iceland digital nomad visa application, ensure you have all the required documents ready. Below is a list of the documents you need to submit when applying for the visa:
- Valid passport – ensure your passport remains valid for at least three months after your stay in Iceland.
- Application form – you can obtain a copy of the application form from the Icelandic government website. Download the form and fill it out completely. Double-check the details you have entered to ensure they are correct. If you are taking along a partner or spouse, you need to fill out a separate application form for them.
- Proof of payment for the visa – you will pay ISK 12,200 (around $ 94) for the Iceland digital nomad visa You must submit the receipt or proof of payment when submitting your visa application.
- Health insurance – you need to show proof you have medical insurance to cover your medical expenses if you get sick in Iceland. The insurance certificate must indicate the timeframe and the area of coverage.
- Purpose of stay – submit documentation to prove that you will be doing remote work for a foreign employer or running a foreign-based business while living in Iceland. It can be a letter from your employer confirming that you are performing remote work for them.
- Proof of stable income – you need to prove that your income can sufficiently support your stay in Iceland. The document should state you are earning around ISK 1,000,000 per month or $7,000.
- Clean criminal record – obtain a certificate from your local office stating that you have a clean criminal record.
- Supporting documents for dependent – If you are bringing along a dependent, such as your spouse, you will also need to submit the following documents: marriage certificate, proof you have been living together for at least a year, and additional income of ISK 300,000 or $2,000.
Applying for the Iceland Digital Nomad Visa
If you believe you are eligible for the Iceland digital nomad visa and have all the requirements mentioned above, it's time to send in your application. Here's how to apply for the Iceland remote worker visa.
- Pay for the Iceland digital nomad visa – the first step is to pay for the digital nomad visa since you will be required to submit proof of payment during the application. You can pay for this through bank transfer, and you'll find the bank details on the website of the Directorate of Immigration. Attach the receipt to the other documents when applying for the digital nomad visa.
- Submit the documents and wait for a response – next, send all the documents, together with the filled-out application form via postage to the Directorate of Immigration. You will find the address on the Directorate of Immigration website. If you are in Iceland, you can drop off the application at the lobby of the Directorate of Immigration. It will generally take three to four weeks to process the Iceland digital nomad visa. Once it is approved, you will receive a call or email.
- Enter Iceland – once your visa application is approved, you must travel to Iceland and obtain the visa there. The Iceland digital nomad visa will only be issued once you reach Iceland. When you arrive in the country, contact the Directorate of Immigration, and they will give you the visa. The validity starts on the day it is issued.
Living as a Digital Nomad in Iceland
Iceland is a fantastic place to live for digital nomads. It has some of the world's most fascinating landscapes, and living in Iceland means you will have plenty of time to explore its stunning natural wonders. Most digital nomads in Iceland will choose Reykjavik, the capital city, as their base. You can easily drive around the country from Reykjavik to visit its famous attractions.
Reykjavik has a fast and steady Internet, which is the biggest advantage for digital nomads. There's a good selection of coworking spaces and cafes in the city that offers free internet and where you can take up some work.
Reykjavik is a modern city with great infrastructures, so you can enjoy an excellent quality of living while in the city. Getting around is easy since public buses run all over the city. Since there are no trains, you can travel to other places outside the city on a bus. But if you can drive, it is better to rent a car. Iceland is a small country with a road that encircles the entire country, so you can easily travel to different places by car.
Another great thing about living as a digital nomad in Iceland is that it's very safe. Iceland is considered one of the world's safest countries to live in, and that's a significant factor for foreigners moving to a new country. Crime rates are fairly low, so you won't have to worry wherever you go.
Another thing that digital nomads will love about Iceland is that the locals are warm and friendly to foreigners. The Icelandic people are happy and will welcome anyone who visits their country. English is widely spoken, especially in the capital city of Reykjavik, so you won't have a problem asking for help if needed.
Perhaps, the best part about living in Iceland as a digital nomad is the opportunity to witness the magnificent Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis. As one of the world's must-see wonders, the Aurora Borealis is often the main reason many tourists visit the country. And if you are lucky enough to get approved for the Iceland digital nomad visa, there's a good chance you'll witness this incredible spectacle of lights while living in Iceland.
FAQs on the Iceland Digital Nomad Visa
How Much Will It Cost to Apply for the Iceland Remote Work Visa?
The Icelandic remote work visa costs ISK 12,200 or around $94. If you are bringing your spouse or any dependent, you will pay ISK 12,200 for each applicant.
How Long Can You Stay in Iceland with the Digital Nomad Visa?
The Iceland digital nomad visa will let you stay in Iceland for up to 180 days or around six months.
Can I Extend the Iceland Digital Nomad Visa?
Unfortunately, you cannot request an extension of the digital nomad visa. However, you can reapply for the visa after a year.
More European Countries With A Digital Nomad Visa
Besides Estonia there are more countries in Europe that have implemented a digital nomad visa like Portugal, Latvia, Estonia, Malta, Cyprus, Romania, Spain, Croatia and many more for a full list check out this article:
