Moving away from Iceland

When moving away from Iceland, there are a few things you must do to wrap up your residency. Here is a checklist to get you started.

• Notify Registers Iceland that you will be moving abroad.Transfers of legal domicile from Iceland must be registered within 7 days.
• Consider whether you can transfer your insurance and/or pension rights. Also keep other personal rights and obligations in mind.
• Check if your passport is valid and if not, apply for a new one in time.
• Research the rules that apply to residence and work permits in the country you are moving to.
• Make sure all tax claims are fully paid.
• Don’t rush to close your bank account in Iceland, you might need it for some time.
• Make sure your mail will be delivered to you after you leave. The best way is to have a representative in Iceland that it can be delivered to. Familiarise yourself with the services that the Icelandic mail service / Pósturinn
• Remember to unsubscribe from membership agreements before leaving.

Managing things is easier when you’re still in the country as opposed to depending on emails and international phone calls. You may need to visit an institution, a company or to meet people in person, sign papers etc.

When you emigrate abroad and cease to have legal residence in Iceland, you must notify Registers Iceland before leaving. Registers Iceland needs information about the address in the new country among other things.

When emigrating to one of the other Nordic countries, you must register with the appropriate authorities in the municipality which you are moving to.

There are number of rights that can be transferred between the countries. You will need to show personal identification documents or a passport and provide your Icelandic identity number.

On the Info Norden website you will find information and links related to moving away from Iceland to another Nordic country.

Your personal rights and obligations may change after moving from Iceland. Your new home may require different personal identification documents and certificates. Ensure that you apply for permits and certificates, if needed, for example related to the following:

• Employment
• Housing
• Healthcare
• Social security
• Education (Your own and/or that of your children)
• Taxes and other public levies
• Driving licence

Iceland has made an agreement with other countries regarding mutual rights and obligations of citizens that emigrate between countries.

Information on the website of Health Insurance Iceland.