You must meet the following criteria:

• Hold a valid residence permit.

• Have lived in Iceland for 4 years - with exceptions.

  • The spouse of an Icelandic citizen may apply for a permanent residence permit after three years on a residence permit in Iceland on the basis of marriage/cohabitation.

  • The child of an Icelandic citizen may apply for a permanent residence permit after holding a residence permit for 2 consecutive years prior to the submission of an application. The parent must have been an Icelandic citizen for 5 years.

  • A foreign national who has completed a doctoral programme in Iceland and has held a residence permit on the basis of specialist knowledge for at least 3 years prior to submitting an application.

  • A foreign national who has held a residence permit which may be the basis for a permanent residence permit for at least 2 years and who has previously resided in Iceland on a continuous residence permit for studies, so that the total stay is at least 4 years.

• Have been in Iceland for a continuous period.

• Have attended Icelandic courses.

• Have secure support.

• Do not have unfinished business in the criminal justice system.

For further information on the requirements visit Permanent residence permit.