Key Points
- Iceland amended its Foreign Nationals Act for applicants of work and residence permits
Overview
The government of Iceland amended its Foreign Nationals Act for applicants for work and residence permits. These changes include the following:
- A residence permit for work requiring expert knowledge may now be granted for four years instead of two years.
- Residence permits for athletes may now be granted for two years instead of one year.
- Residence permits for specialized staff based on a collaboration or service contract may now be granted for one year instead of six months.
- A residence permit due to a shortage of labor may now be renewed for two years instead of one year, and a foreign national who has held a residence permit on this basis is no longer required to spend two consecutive years abroad before being able to apply again.
- The holder of a residence permit on the basis of expert knowledge may now be granted a permit for one year when an employment relationship is dissolved so that they may seek employment on the basis of their expert knowledge.
- The holder of a residence permit, due to a shortage of labor, may now be granted a residence permit for six months when an employment relationship is dissolved so that they can seek another job.
- Residence permits due to a shortage of labor and a residence permit for specialized staff based on a collaboration or service contract are now accompanied by the right to family reunification with spouses, children and parents over the age of 67.
For additional information on any changes to student family reunification visa types, check here.
What are the Changes?
The government of Iceland introduced changes to its immigration laws on 7 August 2023. According to the government announcement, these measures aim to attract further highly skilled foreign national workers from countries outside of the European Union.
Looking Ahead
Continue to check the government of Iceland’s website and Envoy’s website for the latest updates and information.
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 Corporate Immigration Partners, P.C., or another qualified professional of your choosing. On non-U.S. immigration issues, consult your Envoy representative, or another qualified representative of your choosing.
