Work Residence Permit - Service/Collaboration Contract (Dvalarleyfi vegna vinnu - þjónustusamningur)
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Work Residence Permit - Service/Collaboration Contract (Dvalarleyfi vegna vinnu - þjónustusamningur)

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

Varies

Estimated Cost

ISK kr 20,000

Stay Duration

Varies (Renewable if financial conditions continue to be met)

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Overview

Residence permit for specialist workers under service or collaboration agreements in education, academia, or science where the foreign company lacks an Icelandic branch.

The Residence Permit for Specialized Employees on the grounds of a service or collaboration contract is intended for professionals who are sent to Iceland to perform specific tasks for a limited time. This permit is specifically for individuals employed by a foreign company that does not have a branch in Iceland but has entered into a service or collaboration agreement with an Icelandic company. It is often used for educational, academic, scientific, or highly specialized technical work that requires specific expertise not readily available in the local market.

This permit is for experts who are essential to the execution of a project or service contract. The permit is generally granted for a maximum of one year at a time, or for the duration of the contract if it is shorter. It is strictly tied to the specific service agreement, meaning the holder cannot switch employers or work outside the scope of the contract. Applicants must provide comprehensive documentation, including the service contract itself, to prove the nature of their work and their specialized role in the collaboration.

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Permanent Residence Permit (Ótímabundið dvalarleyfi)
Iceland flagIceland

Permanent Residence Permit (Ótímabundið dvalarleyfi)

ValidityVaries (Renewable if financial conditions continue to be met)
ProcessingVaries
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Applicant must be 18 years or older.

Must be a specialist employee working under a service or collaboration contract.

The contract must be between a foreign service undertaking and an Icelandic user enterprise.

The foreign company providing the services must not operate a branch in Iceland.

Must be granted a work permit by the Directorate of Labour.

Must demonstrate secure means of support.

Must have valid health insurance from an insurance company licensed to operate in Iceland.

Must provide a criminal record certificate from all countries where the applicant has resided for the last five years.

Must have a valid passport (valid at least 3 months beyond the permit's expiry).

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

Experience

1+ years

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Original application for a residence permit (signed).

Application for a work permit for specialized employees.

Service or collaboration contract between the foreign and Icelandic entities.

Passport-sized photo (35mm x 45mm).

Copy of valid passport.

Criminal record certificate (with apostille or double authentication).

Confirmation of health insurance (valid for at least 6 months, minimum coverage 2,000,000 ISK).

Proof of payment of the processing fee.

Application Process

1

Gather financial documentation

Bank statements, pension documents, investment proof showing monthly income

2

Prepare application

Complete financially independent person application

3

Submit to Directorate

Send to immigration office

4

Pay fee

ISK 20,000

5

Financial assessment

Officials verify income sufficiency

6

Receive permit

Residence permit issued if income verified

Application Forms

Financially Independent Person Application—

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