Iceland•EuropeResidence Permit Based on Special Ties to Iceland
At a Glance
Processing Time
90-180 days
Application Fee
20,000 ISK
Stay Duration
Up to 2 years
Renewable
Yes
Job Offer
Not Required
Dependents
Allowed
PR Pathway
Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency — the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.Remote Work
Not Required
Overview
Residence permit for individuals with special connections to Iceland not covered by other categories. Not available to students, volunteers, au pairs, victims of trafficking, or working holiday participants. Case-by-case evaluation.
The Special Ties Residence Permit is a flexible category designed for individuals who have meaningful connections to Iceland but don't fit into standard visa categories. Special ties may include long-term residence history in Iceland, property ownership, cultural or professional connections, or other circumstances demonstrating genuine attachment to Iceland.
Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
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Requirements
Financial
Minimum Income
2,970,864 ISK
per year
Personal
Criminal Record Policy
case_by_case
Excluded Nationalities
Citizens of the following countries are not eligible: AT, BE, BG, HR, CY, CZ, DK, EE, FI, FR, DE, GR, HU, IE, IT, LV, LT, LU, MT, NL, PL, PT, RO, SK, SI, ES, SE, CH, LI, NO
Documentation
Applicant Documents
Valid passport
At least 6 months validity
Documentation of special ties
Property ownership, long-term residence history, community involvement
Criminal background check
From country of residence
Health insurance
Valid in Iceland
Proof of accommodation
Property or rental in Iceland
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Advantages
- Flexible eligibility criteria
- Case-specific consideration
- Can lead to permanent residency
- Renewable
- Allows dependents
Considerations
- No clear eligibility criteria
- Subjective evaluation
- Longer processing times
- Not guaranteed approval
- Requires strong justification
Application Process
Document special ties
Gather evidence of connections to Iceland (e.g., property, long-term relationships, community involvement)
Prepare application
Complete special ties application with supporting documentation
Submit to Directorate
Send application to Directorate of Immigration
Pay fee
ISK 20,000
Case review
Immigration officials evaluate special ties claim
Receive decision
Approval based on case-specific merits
Application Forms
Special Ties Residence Permit Application
Ready to Apply?
Check your eligibility first to see how well you match this visa