Residence permit for possible victims of human trafficking
Human trafficking is when a person (the perpetrator) misuses or exploits another person (victim) in some way to make money or obtain other benefits.
Human trafficking is a criminal activity where people are trafficked.
Human trafficking is a serious violation of human rights.
Human trafficking is prohibited in Iceland.
In trafficking, people’s hopes and dreams of a better life are often exploitedand by forcing them to live a life they didn’t ask for.
It is common that victims are not aware that they are victims of human trafficking and even think they are in debt to the parties that are actually abusing them.
On these pages you can read more about what human trafficking is and the perpetrators of human trafficking.
If you think you may be a victim of human trafficking, we encourage you to seek information and assistance from the Directorate of Immigration, Bjarkarhlíð or 112 (see further information at the bottom of the page).
Permit to reside in Iceland
It is common that victims of trafficking have heard that if they tell their situation or seek help they will be sent out of the country. This can be one of the reasons why victims of trafficking do not seek help or are hesitant to do so.
Iceland is a member of international agreements aimed at combating organized crime and trafficking in human beings. One of the main focus areas of the government’s policy on trafficking in human beings is to provide assistance, support and protection to victims of trafficking.
Because of the importance of giving victims of trafficking the opportunity to recover and get out of the hands of traffickers, there is a special residence permit for possible victims of human trafficking.
While an application for such a permit is being processed, the applicant is not deported from the country.
The permit is also called a "period of reflection" permit because it gives people, who are in a situation that could be considered trafficking, time reflect on their situation and their next steps.
The permit is intended to help you break free from your circumstances, get back on your feet and escape the influence of the traffickers.
The granting of the permit is independent of whether a police investigation is conducted into the trafficking. On the contrary, the purpose of the permit is to give a possible victim the flexibility to make an informed decision on cooperating with authorities in the investigation of the case.
The permit may be granted for up to 9 months but it cannot be renewed.
Application for a residence permit for a possible victim of human trafficking
An application for a residence permit for a possible victim of human trafficking does not need to be submitted on a written form. It can be done both in writing and orally. There is no fee for the application.
The application can be submitted directly to the Directorate of Immigration, but it can also be submitted by other means, for example to the police or other agencies, such as Bjarkarhlíð, which provide services or assistance to possible victims of human trafficking. Such an application can also be submitted as part of the written statement of the legal representative of an applicant for international protection.
The Directorate of Immigration seeks a comment of the police on the applications received. However, it is not a condition for granting the residence permit that the police are aware of the case of the applicant or consider it necessary to initiate a special investigation.
An applicant is requested to submit all the documents that he or she has in their possession that could support the application.
Who can help you
112 - Call 112 or use Webchat
Bjarkarhlíð - Center for victims of violence
Service provider
Directorate of Immigration