Navigating Student Visas and Residence Permits for Iceland
The European Economic Area (EEA) includes Iceland, granting unrestricted entry and residence to citizens of the European Union, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. However, if you’re not a citizen of these countries and wish to study in Iceland, you’ll likely need a visa for educational purposes.
Visa Requirements for Educational Purposes
- Duration of Stay: Travelers from visa-exempt countries can attend short courses in Iceland for up to 90 days without a visa. However, if your visit exceeds 90 days, a student visa is required.
- Required Documents for Student Visa:
- Passport
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Receipt for the visa fee (6000 ISK or approximately $50)
- Completed application form
- Admissions documentation for your program
- Evidence of no criminal history
- Health coverage documentation (minimum coverage of 2,000,000 ISK or about $16,000)
- Bank statements demonstrating sufficient funds
- Notarized Translations: Any documents not in English or a Nordic language must be accompanied by a notarized translation to simplify the application process.
Residence Permit for Living and Working in Iceland
To legally reside and work in Iceland, you must apply for a residence permit at the Directorate of Immigration office in Reykjavik. While your work visa permits ten hours of work per week, you have the flexibility to utilize the remaining time as you wish. Employment opportunities are abundant in Reykjavik but may be more limited in other parts of the country, especially without proficiency in Icelandic.
Tourism within the European Economic Area
With a residence permit for Iceland, you can also travel as a tourist within the European Economic Area, the European Union, and Switzerland, excluding Ireland. It’s important to note that Icelandic visas are Schengen visas, meaning you must enter the Schengen area through Iceland. Therefore, if you possess a visa from another Schengen country, such as Malta, you must enter the Schengen area through Iceland, not another Schengen country like Paris.
Accessibility to Reykjavik
Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital city, is easily accessible via numerous connecting flights from the United Kingdom and Canada, making it a convenient hub for travel and study within the region.