[Updated]: Iceland: Electronic Platform for Residence Permit Renewals

Last Updated on February 23, 2023

This article was originally published on 13 June 2022 and was updated on 17 June 2022 to reflect new information.  

17 June 2022 Update: The government of Iceland will no longer issue residence permit cards or passports by mail beginning 20 June 2022. Applicants will be required to instead pick up their cards or passports at the Directorate of Immigration office or request that the card or passport be sent to the offices of the district commissioners outside of the country’s capital area.  

Applicants will receive notification via text message when their card or passport is ready to be obtained. The government stated that this decision was made to better protect personal information when issuing and sending these documents.  


Key Points  

  • Online platform launched for certain applicants seeking to renew residence permits in Iceland  

Overview  

The government of Iceland launched an electronic platform for renewing residence permits on 12 May 2022. This will allow applicants to submit the renewal application and make payments online.  

Eligible applicants will be permitted to apply at least four weeks before the expiry date of their previous permit. These applicants will need to obtain an electronic certificate in order to complete the renewal process.  

The processing time is expected to take a maximum period of 90 days if all satisfactory documents are submitted. Once the renewal is approved, the government will send notice of approval to the applicant and request that the applicant schedule an appointment with the Directorate of Immigration or an office of a District Commissioner for the identification picture to be taken. The residence permit card will then be sent by mail to the applicant’s home address.  

Holders of an au pair placement permit, working holiday/youth mobility permit, or a volunteer work permit are not eligible for residence permit renewals. For additional instructions, check here.  

What are the Changes?  

On 12 May 2022, the government of Iceland launched an electronic platform that will allow eligible applicants to submit residence permit renewal applications and payment online. The government highlighted that this change aims to improve Iceland’s immigration services, increase efficiency and simplify the procedures for eligible applicants.  

Looking Ahead  

Continue to check the government of Iceland’s website and Envoy’s website for the latest updates and information.  


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Content in this publication is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. For additional information on the issues discussed, consult an attorney at one of the two U.S. Law Firms working with the Envoy Platform or another qualified professional. On non-U.S. immigration issues, consult an Envoy global immigration service provider or another qualified representative.