Residence right of family members of EEA/EFTA citizens

• A residence card is valid for five years from the date of issue, or as long as the EEA/EFTA citizen's right to reside if shorter than five years.

• The card expires if the holder stays outside the country for more than six months a year, unless there are special reasons.

Right to work during application process

• The marital spouses of EEA/EFTA citizens may begin working as soon as an application for a residence card has been submitted.

  • After finding a job, marital spouses of EEA/EFTA citizens can apply for a system ID number at the Iceland Revenue and Customs to be able to set up a bank account for their wages.

    • The application must be signed by the applicant and employer.

    • The applicant must bring the application along with his/her passport/travel document to the Iceland Revenue and Customs.

• Cohabiting spouses of EEA/EFTA citizens may begin working as soon as an application for a residence card has been submitted. They cannot apply for a system ID number.

Right to work after being issued a residence card

• Family members of EEA/EFTA citizens may work without a work permit in Iceland.

Right to permanent residence

• After five years of continuous legal residence in Iceland, family members of EEA/EFTA citizens acquire a permanent right to reside in Iceland.