A residence permit on the grounds of a short-term stay may be granted for a maximum stay of 180 days.
The holder of a residence permit is not permitted to remain in Iceland after the permit has expired. However, a foreign national exempt from the visa requirement may remain within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days after the residence permit has expired.
This residence permit does not entitle the holder to register legal domicile in Iceland.
Right to renewal
This residence permit cannot be renewed.
A residence permit on the grounds of a short-term stay may only be granted once during any 12-month period.
Right to family reunification
This residence permit does not confer the right to family reunification.
Right to work
Holders of a residence permit on the grounds of a short-term stay are not authorised to work, except in certain exceptional circumstances.
The following foreign nationals are exempt from the requirement to obtain a work permit for employment in Iceland for up to 90 days per calendar year:
Scientists and academics, including doctoral candidates and trainees, engaged in teaching, academic or scientific work in Iceland or comparable activities, provided they have completed a university degree relevant to the work concerned.
Artists, with the exception of musicians employed to perform in restaurants.
Sports coaches.
Representatives on business visits.
Drivers of passenger transport vehicles registered abroad, provided they entered Iceland transporting foreign tourists in those vehicles.
Journalists and news reporters employed by foreign media organisations that do not have a place of business in Iceland.
Employees, consultants and instructors engaged in the specialised assembly, installation, inspection or repair of equipment.
It is necessary to notify the authorities of work carried out under this exemption no later than the same day the work begins, on each occasion. Please note that a separate notification must be submitted for each period during which the exemption is used.
Instructions on how to fill out the electronic notification form.
If a notification has not been submitted, the individual will not be considered exempt from the work permit requirement, as the legal conditions for the exemption will not be have been met. This may result in the employee being stopped and refused entry at the border.
Right to permanent residence permit
This residence permit cannot serve as the basis for obtaining a permanent residence permit.
Service provider
Directorate of Immigration