Residence permits on grounds of international protection

If you receive international protection in Iceland you will be given a residence permit valid for three years.

International protection is granted to those who have reason to fear persecution in their home country because of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership of a particular social group.

A residence permit based on international protection comes with the following rights.

Right to work

You can work in Iceland without a work permit.

Right to a travel document for refugees

You have the right to apply for a travel document for refugees for travel abroad.

Right to permit renewal

You must apply for a residence permit renewal before your permit expires. If you still need protection, your permit may be renewed.

Right to family reunification

A residence permit on grounds of international protection grants the right to family reunification.

Different rules apply to family reunification with family members depending on whether family ties existed before you were granted international protection in Iceland or were created after you were granted protection.

Family ties before granting

A residence permit on grounds of international protection grants the right to family reunification with:

• A spouse, who you married or cohabited with before you were granted protection in Iceland.

• Your children younger than 18 years old, who were born before you were granted protection in Iceland.

• Your parents, if they are 67 years or older.

Family ties after granting

A residence permit on grounds of international protection grants the right to family reunification with:

• A spouse, who you married or started cohabiting with after you were granted protection in Iceland.

  • A general requirement for such a permit is that you have already worked or studied in Iceland for four years.

• Your children younger than 18 years old, who were born after you were granted protection in Iceland.

Right to permanent residence permit

You can apply for a permanent residence permit after you have held a residence permit on grounds of international protection for four years.

You have to meet various requirements to get a permanent permit, including Icelandic language knowledge.

Another requirement 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 issuance of the permit.

Law

International protection is granted on the basis of Article 37(1) and Article 40(1) of the Foreign Nationals Act.

A residence permit on grounds of international protection is granted on the basis of Article 73 of the Foreign Nationals Act.