Iceland may not seem like the ideal place to move to because of what the country’s name implies, but if you’ve been before, you know that this country is an absolute gem. The travel hot spot is currently on the rise for tourists and expats due to its breathtaking scenery and landscapes, geothermal pools, and of course, the northern lights. It feels almost otherworldly. But not too unfamiliar, as their food is delicious and their music, artists such as Sigur Rós and Kaleo, are quickly making their way to the top of the charts.

Moving to any country can prove to be a difficult endeavor, not to worry though, Orbit International can help you get there. Iceland, being part of the European Union, has a particular hierarchy when it comes to accepting immigrant applications. At the top of the list, European Economic Area (EEA) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) members are considered first. They do not need a special resident permit to live in Iceland, they just have to register with Registers Iceland upon arrival.

European Economic Area (EEA) Members
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the UK.

European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Members
Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein.

There are 6 different types of applications for a residence permit if you are not a member of the EEA or EFTA.

Residence Permit

Just about everyone else, Canadians and Americans included, may visit Iceland on holiday or business for 90 days or less in accordance with the Visa Waiver Program. If you want to stay longer, you must apply for a residence permit with the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration.

If you want to apply for one, there are requirements that need to be met for the specific type of residence permit you are applying for. Documents need to be submitted and it is important to present them properly. If done properly, it will increase your chances of getting accepted and will also speed up the process. Applications that are submitted with all everything in order receive priority.

1) Family reunification: Only the immediate family members of a citizen of Iceland, other Nordic citizens who have a permanent address in Iceland, foreign citizens who are living in Iceland as a specialist, a professional athlete, PhD student, those who have a residence permit based on humanitarian reasons, or are permanent residents, can apply for a residence permit on the basis of family reunification.
2) Spouse /cohabiting partner
3) Child
4) Relative
5) Work: Residence permits can be given out because of specific employment opportunities in Iceland which are not deemed as temporary. According to the Foreign Nationals Right to Work Act, the applicant must be fully qualified in a field that is needed by an employer and have the level of education equivalent in Iceland. Further information about the rights associated with this type of work permit can be found here. Information about athletes and temporary shortage of labourers can be found here.
6) Study/Education: Residence permits for students are issued to foreigners over the age of 18 who intend to study in Iceland at a university level or other studies meeting university admission requirements. The applicant must be registered for full time studies.
7) Au pair
8) Special ties
9) Humanitarian considerations

Customs and Shipping Regulations

If you already have your residence permit in order and all you need to do is move to Iceland, all you need to know if what you can bring into the country. Like all countries, Iceland has import regulations which allow duty-free items to be brought over, while some are prohibited.

Restricted Items
– Arms and ammunition: Firearms and ammunition brought for personal use must be accompanied with a permit issued by the police authorities and a —
– European firearms permit.
– Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of other tobacco products.
– Cash: Up to ISK 8,000, and an unlimited amount of foreign currencies.

Alcohol:
– 1 liter of spirits and 0.75 liter of wine and 3 liters of beer; or
– 3 liters of wine and 6 liters of beer; or
– 1 liter of spirits and 6 liters of beer; or
– 1,5 liters of wine and 12 liters of beer; or
– 18 liters of beer.
– 3 kilograms of food, not exceeding the value of ISK 25,000.
– Gifts not exceeding ISK 10,000 per item.

Prohibited Items
-Narcotics and dangerous drugs
-Uncooked meat and meat
-Weapons: Daggers with blades exceeding 12 centimeters, switchblade knives, knuckles, truncheons, crossbows and handcuffs.
-Snuff and chewing tobacco
-Used riding gear.
-Embassy Support

If you need more information about permits or customs, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of the two embassies of Iceland in Canada.

Embassy of Iceland in Embassy
Constitution Square
360 Albert Street, Suite 710,
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
K1R 7X7
Phone: +1 (613) 482 1944
Fax: +1 (613) 482 1945
Web Site: http://www.iceland.org/ca
Email: icemb.ottawa@utn.stjr.is
Office Hours: Mon – Fri 08:30 – 16:00

Consulate General of Iceland in Winnipeg, Canada
One Wellington Crescent, Suite 100
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
R3M 3Z2
Phone: +1 (204) 284 1535
Fax: +1 (204) 284 1539
Web Site: http://www.iceland.org/ca/win
Email: icecon.winnipeg@utn.stjr.is
Office Hours: 09:00 – 16: 00 Monday – Friday

Moving to Iceland?
If all of this seems plausible for you, you may start thinking about moving you and your family or business over to Iceland. Choosing the best company to make that move for you is crucial in assuring a smooth transition over to Iceland. Orbit International Moving Logistics is by far the best and most experienced company in sending containers anywhere around the world and they should be your top choice for doing so. With out extensive knowledge, we can provide you with the proper information regarding the movement of your possessions to Iceland. Get in touch with us on our contact page, and make your first big step towards Iceland.