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Residence permit renewal

Residence permit renewal

You apply for a residence permit renewal online. The processing fee must be paid in the last step of the online procedure for the application to be submitted.

You must have an electronic certificate to fill out your application, see electronic certificate registration sites.

Please note that this application is only for renewing an existing residence permit. It cannot be used if a residence permit is applied for on another basis, for example if a student permit holder wishes to apply for a residence permit on the basis of employment.

This application is not for those who have received collective protection in Iceland after fleeing from Ukraine, see further information on the extension of permits on the basis of collective protection.

When do you need to apply?

It is important that you apply for a renewal of your residence permit before the expiry of you current permit. You can apply 2 months before it expires at the earliest.

If you apply for a renewal of a residence permit after the expiry of the previous permit, your application will be treated as if it was an application for a first permit.

Fees

You must pay the fee in the last step of the online application procedure for the application to be submitted. Do not pay for an online application with a bank transfer.

The application fee is not refunded if the applicant cancels the application.

Processing time

The processing time for renewal is maximum 90 days after satisfactory documents have been received, except for more complex applications that require further processing. If you submit satisfactory supporting documents with an application, the processing usually takes shorter time.

Renewal approved

If you continue to meet the requirements for a residence permit, your permit will be renewed and you will receive a new residence permit card.

When a new card goes into production, you will receive an email. Five days later, you can pick up the card at the same location where you last had your photo taken.

New photo if picture is too old

If the photo we have of you is more than four years old, we cannot use it to order a new residence permit card. You will then be notified that you need to come in for a photo session at the Directorate of Immigration office or at district commissioner offices outside the capital area.

It is necessary to book an appointment for a photo session at the Directorate of Immigration. Remember to bring your passport to prove your identity.

Renewal denied

If you do not meet the requirements for renewing your residence permit, your application will be denied. This means that you will not receive the residence permit you applied for. Residence permit denials are written administrative decisions that can be appealed to the Immigration and Asylum Appeals Board within 15 days from the day you receive the decision.

Read more on refusals and the right to appeal.

Residence permit renewal