Short-term residence permit

If you meet all the requirements for a residence permit, the permit is granted and you receive a notification that the application has been approved.

If you need a visa to travel to Iceland a request for an entry visa will be sent to the relevant embassy, see information on which embassies issue such visas.

Issuing a residence permit

Before a residence permit can be issued you must attend a photo appointment for the residence permit card, either at the Directorate of Immigration, where you need to make an appointment, or at district commissioners outside the capital area. Remember to bring a passport to confirm your identiy.

If you fail to attend a photo appointment within 90 days of being granted a residence permit, the permit will not be issued. This can lead to illegal stay, expulsion and re-entry ban.

Residence permit card

Once you have attended your photo appointment, your residence permit will be issued and your residence permit card will be ordered. Production of the card normally takes around 10 days. You will receive a text message or email when your card is ready for collection.

• If you had your photo taken at the Directorate of Immigration's service desk at Dalvegur 18, your residence permit card will either be sent to Hagkaup in Skeifan for collection or made available for collection at the Directorate of Immigration's service desk. You will receive a notification advising you where to collect your card.

• If you would prefer to collect your card at the office of a District Commissioner outside the Capital Region, you must indicate this when you attend your photo appointment.