Residence permits for students are issued to foreigners over the age of 18 who intend to study in Iceland at a university level or other studies meeting university admission requirements. The applicant must be registered for full time studies.

Fall semester
Application and all supporting documents must be received by the Directorate of Immigration no later than July 1st, in order to grant the permit before semester starts.

Spring semester
Application and all supporting documents must be received by the Directorate of Immigration no later than November 1st, in order to grant the permit before semester starts.

Residence permits for most students are granted for six months, or one semester at a time. Permits for doctorate students are issued for one year at a time. It is the applicant’s responsibility to apply for a renewal of the permit at least four weeks before it expires.

Applications are made through the Directorate of Immigration