Work Permits
A community-curated guide by Iranian-Icelandic Community
Who Needs a Work Permit
EEA/EU/Swiss citizens do not need a work permit to work in Iceland. Citizens of other countries must obtain a work permit before starting employment. Work permits are issued by the Directorate of Immigration (www.utl.is). A job offer is usually required. Processing takes 1–3 months on average.
Types of Work Permits
Work permits are tied to a specific employer. If you change jobs, you must apply for a new or amended permit. Common types: standard work permit, specialist worker permit, seasonal permit, and permits for international protection holders. Employers must demonstrate that an Icelandic or EEA worker was not available.
Rights at Work
All workers in Iceland have the same rights regardless of nationality: minimum wage (around 400,000 ISK/month in 2025), vacation pay, sick leave, and safe working conditions. The Directorate of Labour (www.vmst.is) enforces equal wage laws. Unregistered work is illegal and leaves workers without any legal protection.