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From outside the EEA / EFTA region

Other reasons for moving to Iceland

Granting a residence permit on grounds of the applicant’s special ties to Iceland is permissible in exceptional instances.

A residence permit on grounds of legitimate and special purpose is intended for an individual, 18 years of age or older, who does not meet the requirements for other residence permits.

Residence permits can be granted for volunteers (18 years and older) and au pair placement (18 – 25 years old).

Special ties

Granting a residence permit on grounds of the applicant’s special ties to Iceland is permissible. A residence permit on these grounds is only granted in exceptional instances and consideration must be made in every instance as to whether an applicant may receive a residence permit.

Apply for residence permit based on special ties to Iceland

Legitimate and special purpose

A residence permit on grounds of legitimate and special purpose is intended for an individual, 18 years of age or older, who does not meet the requirements for other residence permits. The permit is granted in exceptional instances and only when special circumstances exist.

Apply for residence permit based on grounds of legitimate and special purpose

Au pair or volunteer

A residence permit on grounds of au pair placement is for an individual aged 18-25. Applicant´s date of birth is decisive, and an application submitted before the applicant´s 18 years birthday or after his/her 25 years birthday will be rejected. 

Residence permits for volunteers are for persons older than 18 who intend to work for non-governmental organizations (NGO) on charity and humanitarian issues. Such organizations must be non-profit organizations and tax exempt. The general assumption is that the organizations in question operate in a global context.

Apply for residence permit for volunteers

Apply for residence permit for au pairs

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