It is no longer possible to renew residence permits granted on humanitarian grounds under Article 74(2) of the Foreign Nationals Act (the 18-month rule). This provision, which was recently abolished, previously allowed applicants for international protection to be granted a residence permit on humanitarian grounds if a decision in their case had not been reached within 18 months. In the case of children, the time limit was 16 months.

Holders of such permits may instead apply for a residence permit based on special ties to Iceland.

If you are a holder of a humanitarian residence permit granted on the basis of the 18-month rule and have received a link to this page by email from the Directorate of Immigration, you must familiarize yourself carefully with the information provided below.

How to apply?

• You apply for a residence permit based on special ties to Iceland online.

• You must have a digital ID to fill out your application. Do you not yet have a digial ID?

• There is no fee for the application.

When do you need to apply?

• It is important that you apply for a residence permit based on special ties to Iceland before the expiry of you current permit.

What requirements must be met?

• You must demonstrate that you have secure means of support for the period you wish to reside in Iceland. To have secure means of support means that you are able to financially support yourself independently. The minimum monthly amounts are:

  • 247.572 ISK for individuals.

  • 396.115 ISK for married couples.

  • 123.786 ISK additionally for family members 18 years of age or older.

• You must not have pending cases in the criminal justice system involving suspected criminal conduct.

• You must neither be serving a prison sentence nor awaiting imprisonment.

What documents must accompany the application?

• Copy of passport.

  • You must send copies of pages with personal information and signature. The passport must be valid at least three months longer than the residence permit applied for.

• Documents confirming your ability to financially support yourself during the stay.

  • Means of support can be based on more than one factor. The list below is not exhaustive .

    • A dated and signed employment contract.

    • Payslips for the last three months.

    • A payment plan if you are receiving benefits, such as unemployment benefits or disability payments from the Social Insurance Administration.

    • Confirmation of payments from the Social Insurance Administration or the Directorate of Labour.

    • A withholding tax statement from the tax authorities

Please note that payments in the form of social assistance, by the state or municipality, are not considered secure means of support