Residence right of UK nationals and their family members

British citizens who had a registered right of residence in Iceland before 1 January 2021 shall acquire the right to permanent residence in Iceland when they have resided in Iceland legally for a continuous period of at least five years.

The same right is enjoyed by family members of British citizens who had the right to reside here before 1 January 2021

• if the family members themselves had registered a right of residence in Iceland before 1 January 2021,

• if the family members arrived in Iceland after 1 January 2021 on the basis of family ties formed before that date,

• as well as children in their custody who were born or adopted after 1 January 2021

when they have resided legally in Iceland for a continuous period of at least five years.

Continuous residence

The following shall not be regarded as interruptions to continuous residence:

• stay abroad for less than six months in total per year,

• stay abroad for military service or

• stay for a maximum period of one year for compelling reasons, such as pregnancy, birth, serious illness, education or vocational training or employment abroad for which the person concerned has been seconded. 

The right to permanent residence is cancelled if the person concerned resides outside of Iceland for a continuous period of more than five years.

Processing fee

No payment is required for an application. Those who request a new residence permit card must, however, pay 8.000 ISK.

Supporting documents

For registration of the right to permanent residence you must submit an application for a permanent residence right as well as a copy of your passport's personal information page and signature page.