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The surviving spouse may request permission to sit on an unallocated estate. This shall apply only if the surviving spouse and the deceased spouse were married.

An application must be completed and submitted signed to the district commissioner where the exchange takes place. Information on all matrimonial property and liabilities of both spouses on the day of their deaths, wherever they are in the world, shall be completed on the application.

The application must include:

  • Bank statement and statement of debt.

  • Other documents such as will, marriage settlement and declaration of consent to sit in

    an unallocated estate.

If the couple own private property, it shall not be registered on the application for the licence. If the deceased owned private property, it must be exchanged before the licence can be issued

The district commissioner shall review the application and issue permits if the conditions are met.

The licence is sent to a spouse at Íslands.is and by letter mail.

There is no fee for the issuance of the licence. If the estate includes real estate, a ship or aircraft, the licence must be registered and the registration fee paid. The surviving spouse must also transfer all other assets to his or her name.

Note that issuing a licence to reside in an unallocated estate entails that the surviving spouse is personally responsible for the debts of the deceased.

If you don't have electronic ID, you can apply via PDF here.

Authorisation to appeal

Decisions by the District Commissioner may be subject to appeal to the district court.

Permission to sit in an undivided estate

District Commissioners

Greater Reykjavík

Mon to Thu 8:30 - 15
Fri. 8:30 - 14

West Iceland

Mon. to Thu. 10 - 15
Fri. 9 - 14

West Fjords Iceland

Mon. to Thu. 9 - 14
Fri. 9 - 13:30

North West Iceland

Mon. to Fri. 9 - 15

North East Iceland

Mon. to Thu. 9 - 15
Fri. 9 - 14

East Iceland

Mon. to Thu. 9 - 15
Fri. 9 - 14

South Iceland

Mon. to Fri. 9 - 15

Westman Islands

Mon. to Thu. 9:15 - 15
Fri. 9:15 - 14

Sudurnes

Mon. to Fri. 8:30 - 15