Iceland•Europe8–10 months
ISK kr 80,000
Varies by filing options
1 year
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote not required
Employer-sponsored residence and work permit for specialists whose university-level education or technical expertise is essential to an Icelandic employer.
The Work Residence Permit for Expert Knowledge is designed for specialists whose university-level education or recognized technical training is essential to an Icelandic employer. Applicants must have a signed employment contract and the employer must demonstrate that a qualified candidate could not be found within the EEA/EFTA labor market. The minimum monthly income requirement is 259,951 ISK.
This permit grants renewable residence tied to a specific employer, with an initial grant of up to one year, extendable to four years total, and renewable indefinitely while employment conditions are met. The application fee is 80,000 ISK, and dependents are permitted. Initial applications typically take 8-10 months, while renewals are handled within 3 months.
This visa is ideal for highly trained professionals in specialized fields—engineers, researchers, academics, or technical experts—recruited by Icelandic companies who cannot fill roles locally or within the EEA.
| Initial grant | 1 year |
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
IcelandMust have a signed employment contract with an Icelandic employer.
The job must require expert knowledge (university-level education, or specialized industrial, artistic, or technical training).
The employer must demonstrate that they were unable to find a qualified candidate within the EEA/EFTA/Faroe Islands.
The applicant's expertise must be essential to the company's operations.
The terms and conditions of employment must conform to Icelandic collective agreements and be similar to those of other experts in the sector.
Must have a valid passport and health insurance.
Education
bachelor or higher
Experience
1+ years
Min. Income
259,951 EUR/yr
Completed and signed application for a residence and work permit.
Signed employment contract (including job title, duties, salary, and pension fund details).
Certified copies of diplomas or certificates of education.
Documentation of professional experience (if expertise is based on experience rather than a degree, typically at least 7 years).
Employer's statement regarding the search for local/EEA labor.
Valid passport (copy of all pages).
Passport-sized photograph.
Criminal record certificate.
Proof of health insurance.
| Financially Independent Person Application | — |
Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free to use.
Start Visa Discovery