The Minister of Justice’s decision to grant collective protection due to the mass influx from Ukraine is valid through 2 March 2027, see the notice concerning the decision of the Minister of Justice dated 2 January 2025.
New guidelines on the application of the provision of the Foreign Nationals Act concerning collective protection in the event of a mass influx entered into force on 23 August 2026, see the notice concerning the decision of the Minister of Justice dated 20 August 2026.
The following people may qualify for collective protection in Iceland:
Ukrainian citizens, who resided in Ukraine before 24 February 2022.
Individuals who, on 24 February 2022, had international protection, subsidiary protection or a residence permit on humanitarian grounds in Ukraine.
Family members of those listed in points 1 and 2, regardless of whether they could safely return to their country of origin. For this purpose, family members are:
A spouse or cohabiting partner who was part of the family on 24 February 2022.
Children and stepchildren under 18 years of age.
Other close relatives who are partially or wholly dependent on a person listed in point 1 or 2.
Additional conditions valid as of 23 August 2026
As a general rule, collective protection will not be granted if the applicant already holds:
a valid residence permit based on temporary protection in an EU member state; or
a valid residence permit on comparable grounds in Denmark, Norway, Switzerland or Liechtenstein.
Each application is assessed individually. An exception may be considered if the applicant has a qualifying family member living in Iceland.
Applicants who left Ukraine after the updated rules took effect may also be required to demonstrate that they were permitted to leave under Ukrainian law. This requirement may apply regardless of the applicant’s age or gender.
Proof of lawful departure may include an exit stamp in a passport or an official paper or electronic document confirming that the applicant was permitted to leave Ukraine or was not subject to relevant military obligations.
These additional conditions apply only to new applications. They do not affect people who have already been granted collective protection in Iceland or the right to apply separately for international protection.
You will generally not qualify for collective protection if you do not belong to one of the eligible groups described above.
A different procedure may apply depending on your nationality, residence history, protection status in another country and the circumstances in which you left Ukraine.
This may apply if you:
Have Ukrainian nationality as well as another nationality.
Resided in a country participating in the Dublin Regulation before 24 February 2022.
Resided in a country where you could safely remain or to which you could safely travel or be transferred, and where you could request recognition as a refugee and receive protection under the Refugee Convention.
Already hold:
a valid residence permit based on temporary protection in an EU member state; or
a valid residence permit on comparable grounds in Denmark, Norway, Switzerland or Liechtenstein.
Left Ukraine after 23 August 2026 and cannot demonstrate that you were permitted to leave under Ukrainian law, taking account of any obligations you may have toward the Ukrainian military.
To assess your application, Icelandic authorities must confirm your identity and determine whether you meet all the conditions for collective protection.
Proof of identity
You should provide one or more of the following:
a biometric or non-biometric passport;
a Ukrainian national identity card;
a birth certificate;
an expired passport; or
another official document that helps establish your identity.
If you do not have identity documents, the authorities may need to conduct further investigations to establish your identity.
If you had international protection, subsidiary protection or a residence permit on humanitarian grounds in Ukraine on 24 February 2022, you must also provide documentation confirming that status.
Protection or residence permits in other countries
You must provide accurate information about any protection or residence permit you have held in another country.
Collective protection will generally not be granted if you already hold:
a valid residence permit based on temporary protection in an EU member state; or
a valid residence permit on comparable grounds in Denmark, Norway, Switzerland or Liechtenstein.
You may be asked to provide a residence permit card, a decision from the relevant authorities or other documentation showing the type and validity of your permit.
Proof that you were permitted to leave Ukraine
If you left Ukraine after 23 August 2026, you may be required to prove that your departure complied with Ukrainian law, including any obligations relating to military service.
You can demonstrate lawful departure by providing:
an exit stamp in your passport; or
an official paper or electronic document confirming that you were permitted to leave Ukraine or were not subject to relevant military obligations.
This requirement is not determined solely by your age or gender. The applicant is responsible for providing sufficient evidence that the departure from Ukraine was lawful.
The Directorate of Immigration may request additional information or documentation. Every application is assessed individually.
You must be in Iceland to apply for protection.
Applications must be submitted in person.
You can apply at Keflavík Airport upon arrival in Iceland.
If you are already in Iceland, you can apply for protection in the reception center for applicants for international protection in Egilsgata 3 in Reykjavík.
If you are outside the capital area, you can apply for protection at the nearest police station.
The reception centre for applicants for international protection is in Egilsgata 3 in Reykjavik.
Opening hours are between 8:00 and 16:00 on weekdays.
If you meet the requirements for collective protection, you do not need to hand in your passport.
In other cases, you will be required to hand in your passport or other travel documents to the authorities for safekeeping while your application is being processed.
Law
The residence permit is granted on the basis of Article 74 of the Foreign Nationals Act.
Service provider
Directorate of Immigration