Family Reunification – Parent of Child Under 18 (Dvalarleyfi foreldris barns yngra en 18 ára)

This permit is a specialized category of family reunification intended for parents of children under 18 who are already residing in Iceland. It is rooted in the Foreign Nationals Act, specifically addressing cases where a parent's presence is necessary for the child's well-being, such as when the child is an Icelandic citizen or a foreign national with a valid residence permit. It fills the gap for situations where the child is the primary resident and the parent needs a legal pathway to provide care, support, or maintain family contact within the Icelandic jurisdiction.

This permit is for parents who have custody of a child under 18 living in Iceland. It is highly distinctive because it is granted based on the specific needs of the child rather than the parent's own employment or independent status. It is often used in exceptional circumstances, such as when the custodial parent in Iceland is unable to care for the child alone, or to ensure the child does not have to move abroad. Applicants must prove their custody rights and demonstrate that their presence is essential for the child's continued residence and welfare in Iceland.