Iceland ended its remote work visa in May 2026
If your paycheck comes from a U.S. job, Iceland has no permit built for you right now. Here are the stays that still work, and what each one costs.
The 180-day visa for people working remotely from Iceland was repealed under the country's new Visa Act. Its replacement is aimed at family visits and visiting artists, not laptop jobs.
What changed
What happened to Iceland's long-term visa for remote workers
Since 2020, Iceland let non-Europeans earning at least ISK 1,000,000 a month from abroad (about $8,300) stay up to 180 days. Visa Act No. 37/2026 repealed that visa in May 2026, and the Directorate of Immigration no longer lists its form or its fee.
Staying longer than a vacation, by the numbers (September 2026)
90 days
Visa-free stay for Americans
tourism or business
180 days
Longest short-term permit
once per 12 months
ISK 12,200
Short-term permit fee
about $100, not refunded
ISK 259,951
Monthly funds, one person
about $2,160; couple ISK 415,922
The replacement
The new short-term permit is for family and artists
The short-term residence permit also asks for health coverage of at least ISK 2,000,000 (about $16,600). The Directorate lists two purposes: visiting close family, or coming as an artist, scientist or athlete. Remote work isn't on that list, and you can't plan to settle in Iceland.
Older guides haven't caught up
Several relocation sites we checked, and one Icelandic-language page on Ísland.is, still describe the remote work visa and its ISK 1,000,000 income floor. The English page is gone and the Directorate's forms and fees lists dropped it. Go by the Directorate of Immigration before you pay any fee.
Where that leaves a remote worker
Visit for up to 90 days
No visa needed for tourism or business. No Icelandic source says whether remote work is allowed on that stay, so check before you plan a working trip.
Use a European passport
If you qualify for EU citizenship through ancestry, you register with Registers Iceland instead of applying for a residence permit.
Get hired in Iceland
Work permits need an Icelandic employer. The expert route needs recognized university-level or technical training. ISK 80,000 (about $660).
Enroll in a degree
Full-time university study qualifies for a student permit. ISK 70,000 (about $580).
Join a partner
If your spouse has the right to live in Iceland, you can apply to join them. ISK 110,000 (about $910).
Pick another base
Spain, Portugal and Croatia are among the European countries we cover that have nomad visas. The Expatsi Test compares them.
A shorter trip
Planning a 90-day stay instead
Three things to sort out before you fly.
Taxes
Iceland only taxes you as a full resident after more than 183 days in a 12-month period. The U.S. still taxes you, and the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion needs 330 full days abroad in 12 months, which one trip won't reach.
Health coverage
Non-Europeans only join Icelandic public insurance after six months of legal residence, so bring a private policy that works there.
Entry
Your passport needs three months of validity past your Schengen exit. The State Department says ETIAS travel authorization starts in the last three months of 2026.
People who can help you plan around it
Sovereign Roots
Citizenship by Ancestry
Citizenship-by-descent consultants for Canada and Europe. They check whether your family history qualifies you for a second passport.
Hunter Schultz
Healthcare Coach
A healthcare coach who helps you plan care and coverage for time abroad, including stays where public insurance doesn't apply.
ExpatInsure
Global Health Insurance
An international health insurance partner that finds private coverage for time abroad.
MyExpatTaxes
U.S. Expat Tax Service
Tax filing for Americans abroad. They prepare the U.S. return you still owe, including foreign tax credits and the exclusion.
Suzanne Severance
Solo Nomad Coach
A full-time solo nomad since 2022 who coaches people on slow travel, with or without a remote job.
Iceland remote work visa: common questions
How long can an American stay in Iceland without a visa?
Up to 90 days for tourism or business, according to the U.S. State Department. Your passport needs at least three months of validity beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area.
Can Americans get a working holiday visa for Iceland?
No. Iceland's Working Holiday and Youth Mobility permit is open to citizens of Andorra, Canada, Chile, Japan and the United Kingdom. The United States isn't on the list.
What replaced Iceland's remote work visa?
A short-term residence permit for stays of more than 90 days and up to 180. The Directorate of Immigration lists it for visiting close family or coming as an artist, scientist or athlete, not for remote work. It costs ISK 12,200 (about $100) and can only be issued once in any 12 months.
How long does a first Iceland residence permit take?
Up to 8 to 10 months, according to the Directorate of Immigration's waiting-time page in September 2026. Incomplete applications take longer, and the fee isn't refunded once you apply.
Can I live in Iceland if I also have an EU passport?
Yes. EU and other EEA citizens don't apply for a residence permit. They register legal domicile with Registers Iceland, which is required once you stay six months or longer.
Can I work remotely for a U.S. company while visiting Iceland?
Iceland's government doesn't say either way for visa-free visitors, as of September 2026. Before you plan a working trip, ask the Directorate of Immigration or an immigration lawyer.
What did Iceland's remote work visa require?
Foreign income of ISK 1,000,000 a month, or ISK 1,300,000 with a spouse or partner, for a stay of up to 180 days. The fee was ISK 12,200, and holders didn't get an Icelandic ID number (kennitala). It was repealed in May 2026.
Does Iceland still have a digital nomad visa?
No. Iceland's long-term visa for remote workers was repealed in May 2026 by Visa Act No. 37/2026. As of September 2026, the Directorate of Immigration no longer lists an application form or fee for it.
Find a country that wants remote workers
Take the free Expatsi Test and see which countries fit your income, your work and the life you want.
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