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Iceland

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At a glance

Living index rating
Very expensive
Monthly rent
ISK 100,000 – ISK 180,000 for student housing or a shared flat (Reykjavík)
Monthly food
ISK 60,000 – ISK 90,000
Other monthly expenses
ISK 30,000 – ISK 50,000 (transport, phone, personal)
Visa processing time
Up to about 90 days; apply before 1 June for autumn starts
Family allowed for students
Limited

Visa requirements

  • Residence permit for students from the Directorate of Immigration, approved before you travel (non-EEA students)
  • Full-time registration at a university-level programme
  • Proof of funds: about ISK 259,951 a month for an individual (from May 2026)
  • Health insurance, criminal record certificate and passport
  • Renewals need proof you've completed at least 75% of a full-time course load each academic year (since July 2026)
  • Work up to 22.5 hours a week with a work permit (now issued by the Directorate of Immigration); more during holidays

Work permit after studies

  • University graduates can renew their residence permit for up to 18 months to look for specialist work (cut from 3 years in July 2026)
  • You must get a qualifying job offer within that time to switch to a work permit

Citizenship route

  • Permanent residence after 4 years on qualifying permits (time as a student counts only in part)
  • Citizenship after 7 years of legal domicile and continuous residence, with an Icelandic language test

Family details

  • Since July 2026 only students on full-time bachelor's, master's or doctoral programmes can bring family, and only a spouse and children under 18
  • You must show extra funds (about ISK 415,922 a month for a married couple)
  • Family members can apply for work permits

Universities in Iceland

This guide is for general information. Visa and immigration rules change often, so always check the official government website before you apply. Last updated 6 October 2026.