A residence permit for missionaries can be granted for up to one year, but never for longer than the period covered by an invitation from a religious organisation or the Church of Iceland.
An applicant for such a permit may not start working for a religious organisation or the Church of Iceland until a residence permit has been granted
If the holder of the permit stays abroad for more than three consecutive months, the residence permit can be revoked. If the holder registers his legal domicile out of the country, the residence permit is automatically revoked. Even though the residence permit has been revoked, it is possible to apply for a renewal, if this is done within the validity period of the previous residence permit and the reasons for doing so recommend it.
Right to renewal
The permit may be renewed for one year at a time in special instances (for example for nuns and reverends), provided that the requirements for the permit are still met.
Right to family reunification
The permit does not confer the right to family reunification.
Right to work
The permit does not confer the right to engage in paid employment in Iceland.
Right to permanent residence
The permit can be a basis for a permanent residence permit.
Please note that one of the conditions of a permanent residence permit is that you have not resided abroad for more than 90 days in total each year during the period of validity of the residence permit, counting from the date of issue of the permit.
Service provider
Directorate of Immigration