International protection for spouse of a refugee

A spouse of a refugee in Iceland is entitled to international protection through family reunification unless there are special reasons to the contrary.

The right applies to both married couples, referred to as marital spouses, and cohabiting partners, referred to as cohabiting spouses.

Individual granted international protection as a refugee's spouse, receive the same rights and obligations as the refugee they are reunited with in Iceland. The spouse is defined as a refugee, according to Icelandic law and international agreements, and can therefore not travel back home without the risk of the international protection and residence permit in Iceland being revoked.

Alternatively, a spouse of a refugee may apply for a general residence permit for a spouse without international protection.

Application

Applications can only be submitted in paper form, either to the drop box in the lobby of the Directorate of Immigration at Dalvegur 18 in Kópavogur or by sending the application by regular mail to the same address. Applications can also be submitted at the offices of District Commissioners outside the capital area.

The application must be in its original form, duly completed and signed by the applicant.

Processing fee

There is no fee for an application for international protection through family reunification with a refugee.

Law

The residence permit is granted on the basis of Article 73 of the Foreign Nationals Act.