Student Residence Permit for Non-EEA/EFTA Citizens

Submit a complete application for residence permit

Students should apply for a residence permit immediately after receiving their acceptance letter from the University of Iceland.

The application for a residence permit and supporting documents must be submitted to the Directorate of Immigration before the deadline. Documents arriving after the given deadline will not be processed in time.

First permit application deadline

• Autumn semester (September to December): 1 June
• Spring semester (January to May): 1 November

Note: Application and/or supporting documents that are received late, missing or incomplete cannot be guaranteed processing before the semester starts.

All applicants need to have their photo taken for the permit cards. It is necessary to book an appointment for this photo before arrival.

It is strongly recommended that students who need to undergo a medical examination make an appointment at a health clinic before arrival.

Students must pay the processing fee and mail a complete application and supporting documents directly to the Directorate of Immigration.

Documents:

• Completed Checklists
• Receipt for the payment of the student permit application fee (if paid by bank transfer)
• Application for a residence permit (please write your email address on the application)
• Passport size photo
• Copy of passport
• Copy of criminal record certificate
• Medical insurance 
• Documentation confirming means of support
• Confirmation of school admission (acceptance letter)
• Housing certificate submitted within two weeks of arrival

All certificates that are not in English or a Nordic language require a translation. The translation must be an original and by a certified translator.

Students must follow the instructions at the Directorate of Immigration website www.utl.is

Students are not allowed to be in Iceland, if they need a visa, when the residence permit is applied for and while it is being processed. Such an application will be refused. They can only arrive in Iceland once their application and supporting documents have been approved by the Directorate of Immigration. After the application is approved students will be sent an announcement from the Directorate of Immigration stating what they must do upon arrival in Iceland. However, if you do not require a travel visa to visit Iceland (for example, citizens of the United States and Canada) you may enter the country while your residence permit application is in process.

Registration requirement upon arrival

Students must complete the requirements set by the Directorate of Immigration within the given deadline in order for the residence permit to be issued. These requirements include photographing, submitting a housing certificate (if applicable) and a medical examination (applicable to certain citizens).

• Students must go to the Directorate of Immigration with their passport and travel documents to be photographed and hand in the housing certificate if they have not done so before arrival. Students must book an appointment for a photo shoot. Opening hours Mon-Thur 9 a.m. - 2 p.m - Friday 9-12 a.m. The Directorate of Immigration is located in Dalvegur 18, 201 Kópavogur.
• Students who require a medical exam must go to the Immigration health check, Egilsgötu 3, 101 Reykjavík, before going to the Directorate of Immigration. Opening hours by appointment only 8-12 a.m. and 12:45- 3 p.m., tel: +354 513 5130. If students cannot get an appointment at the Division of Communicable Control then they should book an appointment at their primary health clinic

Note: Students who have not been photographed, submitted a housing certificate and/or undergone a medical examination (if applicable) within the deadline given by the Directorate of Immigration will not be issued a residence permit and their stay in Iceland will be deemed illegal.

Icelandic ID number and residence permit card

Once students have completed all requirements set by the Directorate of Immigration, an Icelandic ID number and residence permit card will be issued. Students can go to the Service Desk in the University Centre to see if their ID number has been issued. Once their ID number has been issued they can register at the University of Iceland and receive their username and password to access the Ugla intranet. The residence permit card can be picked up at the same place where you had the photo appointment after you have been notified by the Directorate of Immigration.

Student permit renewal

A residence permit may be granted for as long as one (1) year. It is the student's responsibility to apply for a renewal of the student residence permit before the current permit expires (this also applies to doctorate students). 

Note: If the application and/or supporting documents are submitted later, it is not considered to be a renewal, but a first permit. 

Students who have a digital certificate can apply for a residence permit renewal and pay the processing fee using an online application form

Documents:

• Checklists
• Application for a residence permit
• Copy of passport
• Support for the residency period
• Confirmation of study progress (available at the Service Desk in University Centre)
• Confirmation of enrollment in full studies (30 ECTS per semester). It is important to include information on whether the student is enrolled for one or two semesters.

Students must follow the instructions at the Directorate of Immigration website www.utl.is 

Note: Students must bring their passport to the Directorate of Immigration. Students may stay in Iceland while the application for renewal is being processed.

All changes to housing arrangements must be notified to Registers Iceland and the Directorate of Immigration. Students who have an Icekey (i. íslykill) or digital certificates must file form A-251 online. Students who are unable to do this online must go to Registers Iceland and file the form in person. Students must also submit a new Housing Certificate, at the Directorate of Immigration.

Further information on change of address at Registers Iceland - see Moving within Iceland

Requirements before leaving Iceland

Before leaving Iceland students must notify Registers Iceland. Students who have an Icekey (i. Íslykill) or digital certificates must file form A-251 online. Students who are unable to do this online must go to Registers Iceland and file the form in person.

Further information on moving from Iceland

All students who have received income in Iceland, including salaries, grants, or other forms of remuneration, must file a tax return to the Directorate of Internal Revenue (RSK) annually and no later than one week before leaving the country. See further information or contact the RSK directly for more detailed information. Exemptions may apply. More details.

A transcript of records will be sent by email to the exchange student's University of Iceland email address and one to their home university.