If you are not a citizen of an EEA/EFTA country or a Nordic country, you generally need to apply for a residence permit based on study before studying in Iceland for more than 90 days. Students who need a visa to enter Iceland will receive instructions on the entry visa process after the residence permit has been approved.
If you’re ready to embark on your journey to the “Land of Fire and Ice,” read about the student residence permit application process below.
Steps on Applying for an Icelandic Student Visa
Here’s what you need to do to get permission to study in Iceland.
Step 1. Complete the Requirements
Make sure that all required documents are complete and ready before you submit your application.
Step 2. Send Your Application to the Directorate
First-time applications for a residence permit based on study are submitted on paper. You can mail your application to the Directorate of Immigration, deliver it to the drop box at Dalvegur 18, 201 Kópavogur, or hand it in at the Directorate’s reception. If you are outside the capital area, you may also submit it at a District Commissioner’s office.
To give the Directorate time to process your application before classes begin, submit your application and supporting documents before May 1 for the fall semester or October 1 for the spring semester.
Step 3. Wait for the Visa/permit To Be Granted
Current Directorate instructions state that applications received by the May 1 and October 1 deadlines are processed to the best of the Directorate’s ability before the start of school. Submit a complete application as early as possible because missing or insufficient documents can delay processing or lead to rejection.
Step 4. Fly to Iceland and Resume the Residence Permit Application Process
After your residence permit application is approved and you are allowed to travel, complete the post-arrival steps in Iceland promptly. The Directorate’s instructions will tell you what applies to you.
- Have your photo taken for the residence permit card
Book a photo appointment before you arrive, when possible. The photo appointment is normally at the Directorate of Immigration or, outside the capital area, at a District Commissioner’s office. Bring your passport and travel documents.
- Submit your Icelandic address or housing certificate, if required
If your address was not known when you applied, submit your notification of residence or housing certificate when you attend the required photo appointment or as instructed by the Directorate.
The Directorate of Immigration is at Dalvegur 18, 201 Kópavogur. The office is generally open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, and the service center is open Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. For residence card photos, you must book an appointment.
EEA/EFTA and Nordic students follow different registration rules. EEA/EFTA students generally register in Iceland if their stay requires it, while Nordic citizens do not need a residence permit but must register their legal domicile if they live in Iceland for more than six months.
Step 5. Undergo a Medical Exam as Needed
Applicants who move to Iceland from certain countries must undergo a medical examination within two weeks of arrival. If this applies to you, follow the Directorate of Immigration and Directorate of Health instructions. The University of Iceland currently directs students who need the exam to the Department of Epidemiology at Egilsgata 3, 101 Reykjavík, by appointment only, or to a primary health clinic if they cannot get an appointment there.
Step 6. Wait for Your Icelandic I.D./Permit
Once you have met the post-arrival requirements, an Icelandic ID number and residence permit card will be issued. When the card has been ordered, the Directorate will email you; generally, you can pick it up five days later at the same place where you had your photo appointment. A student residence permit can be granted for up to one year. Apply to renew it at least four weeks before it expires.
Documents Needed for Icelandic Student Visa Applications
The Directorate requires documents to be in English or a Nordic language. Documents in another language must be translated by an authorized translator, and some translations must be legally authenticated. For non-EEA/EFTA students, the usual documents include:
Accomplished Form for Residence Permit Application
Here, you need to provide details such as your:
- Name
- Address
- Passport information
- Names of your spouse or partner and children, if applicable
- Names of your parents
- Language skills and educational level
- Details of your program in Iceland
- Criminal record details
Download the current D-108 application form and complete it fully.
Copy of Passport Bio-Page
Submit a copy of the personal information page, signature page, and any visa or stamp pages. Your passport must normally be valid for at least 90 days beyond the validity of the permit you apply for.
Passport-Sized Photo
Attach one 35 by 45 mm passport photo to the application.
Confirmation From Your School
General students must submit confirmation of full-time study. Full-time study is defined as 30 ECTS credits per semester. Doctoral students at foreign universities, exchange students, and interns have separate confirmation requirements listed on the application form.
Proof of Secure Financial Support
As of May 18, 2026, the minimum secure means of support is ISK 259,951, or about $2,065, per month for an individual applicant. For married couples, the minimum is ISK 415,922 per month. For each additional family member aged 18 or older, the minimum is ISK 129,976 per month. You must show support for the period of residence you are applying for.
Acceptable documents can include bank statements, employment or income documents, regular payments, scholarships, grants, or student loans, depending on your situation. The funds must be available in an internationally accepted currency that can be converted into a currency registered with the Central Bank of Iceland.
Criminal Record Certificate
Submit a criminal record certificate from your country of residence. It may not be older than 12 months when you submit the application. If the certificate is not in English or a Nordic language, include an authorized translation.
Health Insurance
You must submit confirmation of health insurance that is valid in Iceland for six months from the registration of your legal domicile, with minimum coverage of ISK 2,000,000, or about $15,900. The policy must be issued by an insurance company authorized to operate in Iceland.
Six months after registering legal domicile in Iceland, students are normally covered by Icelandic national health insurance.
EU and EEA citizens, on the other hand, must register in Iceland if their stay requires it. The usual documents include:
- Completed application form
- Valid passport or legal travel document
- Acceptance letter or confirmation of admission
- Payment receipt for registration fees, except for exchange students
- Financial support documentation
- Proof of medical insurance
Nordic citizens do not need a residence permit, but they must register a legal domicile with Registers Iceland if they live in Iceland for more than six months.
We hope that this article on getting permission to study in Iceland was helpful. If you are interested in studying in Europe, make sure to check out Available Programs in Europe for International Students.
