Iceland•EuropeUK Nationals and Family Members Registration (Skráning breskra ríkisborgara)
At a Glance
1–3 months
ISK kr 8,000
Indefinite
Not renewable
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote work OK
Overview
Post-Brexit residence registration for UK nationals and their family members residing in Iceland under the EEA Agreement withdrawal provisions.
The UK Nationals and Family Members Registration was established as a direct consequence of the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union. Following Brexit, the specific rights previously enjoyed by UK citizens under the EEA Agreement were no longer automatic for new arrivals. This registration system was created to protect the status of UK nationals who were already residing in Iceland before the January 1, 2021, transition deadline. It fills the critical gap of securing the residency and employment rights of this specific group, ensuring they could continue their lives in Iceland without being subject to the new, more restrictive immigration rules applied to third-country nationals.
This registration is exclusively for UK nationals and their family members who had established a right to reside in Iceland prior to the end of the transition period. It is distinct because it acts as a safeguard of pre-existing rights rather than a new permit for entry. It is ideal for British expatriates who have built their lives in Iceland and need to formalize their status to continue working, studying, and accessing social benefits as they did before the UK left the EU, provided they meet the residency criteria established by the post-Brexit agreement.
Stay & Extensions
| Status type | Permanent / indefinite |
Eligible Nationalities (1)
United KingdomConversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
IcelandPermanent Residence Permit (Ótímabundið dvalarleyfi)
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must have had the right to reside in Iceland before January 1, 2021 (under the UK-EEA/EFTA Separation Agreement).
Must maintain continuous residence in Iceland.
Must possess a valid passport.
Must provide evidence of residency status prior to the transition period end date.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport.
Evidence of legal residence in Iceland prior to January 1, 2021.
Completed application form for the residence permit card.
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Retains rights to live and work in Iceland as they existed before Brexit.
- Exempt from standard non-EEA/EFTA immigration restrictions.
- Facilitates easier travel within the Schengen area when carrying the residence permit card.
Worth Knowing
- Only applies to those who established residency before 2021; new arrivals from the UK must apply under standard non-EEA/EFTA rules.
- The permit card must be kept up to date and carried when traveling.
- Absence from Iceland for extended periods may impact the right to permanent residence.
Application Process
Contact the Directorate of Immigration (Útlendingastofnun) to verify status.
Schedule an appointment for a photograph for the residence permit card.
Submit application for the residence permit card.
Pay the processing fee of 8,000 ISK.
Related visas
More visas in Iceland
Residency visas in other countries
- National D Visa (D-viisumi)
Finland
- Bridging Visa C (BVC)
Australia
- EU Settlement Scheme
United Kingdom
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