Register into Iceland

The Icelandic ID number is the key to Iceland. All individuals living in Iceland are registered in a national registration database managed by Registers Iceland.

Everyone receives an individual-based number, some by birth others when they move to Iceland. The ID number is based on six digits, date of birth plus four randomly chosen digits. 

The Icelandic ID number is essential to living and working in Iceland. Everyone needs an ID number to get access to social security, public health care, to open a bank account, to receive an individual tax credit and for many more services.

The Icelandic ID number is called "kennitala" in Icelandic.

Legal domicile is where a person has a permanent residence, keeps a home and stays during leisure time. Social security rights in Iceland do only accummulate when domicile has been moved to Iceland.

Different procedures apply to EU/EEA citizens and those coming from non-EU/EEA states.

Obtain an Icelandic ID Number and register a legal Domicile in Iceland

Nordic citizens follow the instructions of Registers Iceland for those holding Nordic passports.

EU/EEA citizens apply for an Icelandic ID number online at Registers Iceland before they arrive in Iceland. Once the application has been submitted the International Staff Services must confirm the employment by validating the application on behalf of the employer.

Please take into consideration that the ID number will not be ready until one has registered in person upon arrival at Registers Iceland. EU/EEA citizens must register their legal domicile in person at Registers Iceland within 7 days of their arrival in Iceland and present their passport.

The ID number will be obtained when one registers formally at the Register Iceland. Social security rights in Iceland do only accumulate when domicile has been moved to Iceland

Non-European citizens go through the Directorate of Immigration (DOI) and their ID number is issued simultaneously, sometimes sooner, with the resident permit card. Upon arrival, please go as soon as possible to the DOI to register into Iceland.  A picture will be taken and supposedly a medical examination is required, depending on the citizenship.

The DOI issues the residence permit card, that contains the ID number and the length of the permit. The card is sent to the home address the applicant gave up when registering at the DOI.

Residence Permit Issued
Upon arrival, the applicant should make sure to go as soon as possible to the Directorate of Immigration (DOI) to register into Iceland. Passport will be needed.

Directorate of Immigration
Dalvegur 18
201 Kópavogur

The below three things need to be pursued before the residence card can be issued.

• Photo taken
• Submit the form: Notification of a residence in Iceland
• Medical examination (not required for all citizens)

After registering at the DOI the next step is to make an appointment at the Centre for Communicable Diseases for those citizens who are required to have a medical examination.

When the applicant has been photographed and the medical exam certificate has been submitted to the Directorate of Immigration, the residence permit is issued and a residence permit card is ordered. The issuing time of the residence permit card takes on average around 10 days and is sent by snail mail to the address in Iceland stated by the applicant in his/her application.

If the applicant has not been photographed and/or had a medical examination within two months of his/her arrival in Iceland, the residence permit will not be issued and the applicant’s stay in Iceland will be deemed illegal.

Medical Examination
Those who need a medical examination need to make an appointment at Immigration Health Check, the only specific clinic that provides check-ups for residence permits.

Immigration health check
Domus medica, Egilsgata 3, 101 Reykjavík (map)
tel +354 513-5130
email to: gs@hg.is