GetEUCitizenship How to Get Icelandic citizenship

Icelandic citizenship refers to the legal status and rights granted to individuals who are recognized as citizens of Iceland. It means being a member of the Icelandic nation and having a formal relationship with the Icelandic state.

Benefits of Icelandic citizenship

Obtaining Icelandic citizenship can provide various benefits. Here are some of the advantages that come with Icelandic citizenship:

Travel and Residence: As an Icelandic citizen, you have the right to live and work in Iceland indefinitely without the need for a residence permit or visa. You can also enjoy the freedom to travel within the Schengen Area, which includes many European countries, without visa restrictions.
Social Welfare: Icelandic citizens have access to a comprehensive social welfare system, including healthcare, education, and various social benefits.
Political Participation: Icelandic citizens have the right to participate in the country’s political processes.
Education: Icelandic citizens can benefit from free or subsidized education at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
Employment Opportunities: Icelandic citizens have equal employment rights and opportunities in Iceland.
Dual Citizenship: Iceland generally allows dual citizenship, meaning you can retain your previous citizenship while obtaining Icelandic citizenship.
Consular Protection: As an Icelandic citizen, you can seek assistance and protection from Icelandic diplomatic missions (embassies and consulates) when you are abroad.

How to Get Icelandic citizenship

There are several ways to acquire Icelandic citizenship. Here are the common routes:

Naturalization: To be eligible for naturalization, you need to have legal residence in Iceland for at least seven years.
Marriage to an Icelandic Citizen: If you are married to an Icelandic citizen, you can apply for citizenship after three years of legal cohabitation in Iceland.
Descent: If you have an Icelandic parent, you may be eligible for citizenship by descent.
Adoption: If you were adopted by Icelandic citizens, you may be eligible for citizenship, too.
Special Circumstances: In some exceptional cases, individuals can be granted Icelandic citizenship due to special circumstances, such as significant contributions to Icelandic society, exceptional talent, or humanitarian reasons.

Icelandic citizenship by descent

Icelandic citizenship by descent is a legal process that allows individuals to acquire Icelandic citizenship based ...

Icelandic citizenship by investment

Iceland does not have a formal citizenship-by-investment program. Obtaining Icelandic citizenship typically ...

Icelandic citizenship by naturalizaion

Icelandic citizenship by naturalization refers to the process of becoming a citizen of Iceland through the standard ...

Icelandic citizenship by marriage

Icelandic citizenship by marriage refers to the process through which a foreign individual can acquire Icelandic ...

Icelandic citizenship by birth

Icelandic citizenship by birth is determined by the principle of jus sanguinis, which means that citizenship is ...

FAQ

What are the benefits of Icelandic citizenship?

Icelandic citizenship comes with several benefits, including the right to live and work in Iceland without a residence permit, the ability to travel within the Schengen Area without visa restrictions, access to social welfare benefits and healthcare, the right to participate in political processes, and more.

Do I need to know the Icelandic language to become a citizen?

Yes, language proficiency is typically required to become an Icelandic citizen. You need to demonstrate a satisfactory level of proficiency in the Icelandic language. This is usually assessed through a language examination administered by the University of Iceland or other approved institutions.

Do I need to renounce my current citizenship to become an Icelandic citizen?

In most cases, you are not required to renounce your current citizenship to become an Icelandic citizen. Iceland allows dual citizenship, so you can typically retain your existing citizenship while acquiring Icelandic citizenship.

How long does it take to become an Icelandic citizen?

In general, for naturalization, you need to have legal residence in Iceland for at least seven years. However, there are different requirements for other pathways to citizenship, such as through marriage or descent.

ICELANDIC CITIZENSHIP