Iceland - Permanent residence
This section contains information on fixed residence and domicile and how this is linked to social rights.
In what situation can I claim?
Entitlement to public services and assistance in Iceland is generally dependent on having domicile registered in Iceland. Therefore, it is important to register your domicile as soon as possible after arriving, if you intend to live permanently in Iceland.
Everyone intending to live in Iceland for 3-6 months or longer must be domiciled in Iceland. It is illegal to remain for longer in Iceland without registering your domicile.
Domicile is the place where you have your permanent residence.
Permanent residence is the place where you spend your free time, keep your belongings and where you sleep. Domicile is where you live each time.
What conditions do I need to meet?
Transfer to Iceland must be reported in person by visiting the reception of Registers Iceland (Þjóðskrá Íslands), the offices of the town to which you intend to move or the office of the District Commissioner. There you will have to fill in a report and show identification papers.
Changes to domicile must be reported within 7 days of moving or after arrival to Iceland.
Registers Iceland (Þjóðskrá) https://www.skra.is/ is responsible for the registration of domiciles in Iceland.
It is extremely important that your domicile is correctly recorded in Registers Iceland.
No-one can have a domicile in more than one location at a time in Iceland, and spouses must have the same domicile.
From the Nordic countries:
People from the Nordic countries are to complete the A-253 form, transfer notification from the Nordic countries to Iceland, and will be allocated an ID No.(kennitala) as soon as the registration of the domicile and registration in the National Registry takes place. If a Nordic citizen intends to stay in Iceland for a short period without transferring their domicile, their employer or the Directorate of Labour must apply for an ID No. on form A-263/A-264 (in English).
EEA/EFTA citizens:
Citizens of EEA/EFTA countries must complete form A-261 (Icelandic) or A-262 (English) on arrival to Iceland and submit the documentation specified. Provided that the individual fulfils the conditions set, e.g. as regards support, health insurance, etc., they are registered in the national registry, are allocated an ID No. and their domicile in Iceland is recorded.
Home address:
Citizens of EEA/EFTA who intend to stay for 3-6 months in Iceland must register an address in Iceland. Those who register their address receive an Icelandic ID No. but are not domiciled in Iceland. The employer, educational institution, company or institution must apply for the ID No. on form A-263 (Icelandic) or A-264 (English).
Unauthorised stay:
Everyone intending to live in Iceland for 3-6 months or longer must have their domicile in Iceland. It is illegal to stay longer in Iceland without registering a domicile. Those who do not have a registered domicile cannot take advantage of various public services.
What am I entitled to and how can I claim?
Different rules apply to transfers depending on whether moving within Iceland, from or to Iceland. Special rules apply to the transfer and registration of citizens from the Nordic countries. Other rules apply to the transfer and registration of citizens from EEA and EFTA countries as well as to transfers from countries outside EEA/EFTA to Iceland.
Forms you may need to fill in
- Forms for change of address notifications
- Electronic change of address notification through https://island.is/ (you need to have an Icelandic ID No. to have access to electronic registration).
Know your rights
- Common questions from EEA and EFTA citizens when moving to Iceland
- First steps in Iceland - Information pamphlet in several languages.
Publications and websites operated by the EU Commission:
Who do you need to contact?
Registers Iceland (Þjóðskrá)
Borgartún 21
105 Reykjavík
Tel: 515 5300
E-mail: skra@skra.is
https://www.skra.is/