Icelandic citizenship by marriage

Icelandic citizenship by marriage refers to the process through which a foreign individual can acquire Icelandic citizenship by marrying an Icelandic citizen. By marrying an Icelandic citizen, you may become eligible to apply for and potentially obtain Icelandic citizenship, granting you the same rights and privileges as any other Icelandic citizen.

However, it’s important to note that marriage alone does not automatically grant citizenship.

How to get citizenship by marriage in Iceland

Obtaining Icelandic citizenship through marriage follows a specific set of procedures and requirements. Here is an overview of the process:

1. Residence Requirement. As the spouse of an Icelandic citizen, you must meet the residency requirement. You need to have resided in Iceland for at least three years before applying for citizenship.
2. Legal Marriage. You must have a legally recognized marriage to an Icelandic citizen. A cohabitation agreement or registered partnership is not sufficient for citizenship eligibility.
3. Language Proficiency. You need to demonstrate proficiency in the Icelandic language. The Icelandic Directorate of Immigration requires applicants to pass an Icelandic language examination, known as the “Nemandapróf í íslensku fyrir útlendinga,” unless you are exempted due to certain circumstances, such as being over a certain age or having a disability.
4. Good Character. You must have a clean criminal record and be considered of good character. Any criminal convictions or serious offenses may impact your application.
5. Financial Stability. The Icelandic Directorate of Immigration assesses your financial stability to ensure that you will not become a burden on the Icelandic welfare system. You may need to provide proof of sufficient funds or employment.
6. Application Process. To apply for Icelandic citizenship, you need to submit the required documents to the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration. The application typically includes forms, proof of identity, marriage certificate, proof of residency, language proficiency certificate, and any other supporting documentation.

Documentation and Application

To apply for Icelandic citizenship by marriage, you will need to gather and submit several documents. Here are some of the typical documents required:

1. Application Form. Obtain the application form for Icelandic citizenship from the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration.
2. Proof of Identity.
3. Marriage Certificate.
4. Proof of Residence. This may include residence permits, rental agreements, utility bills, or any other documents that establish your residency in Iceland during the required period.
5. Language Proficiency Certificate. If you are not exempted from the Icelandic language examination, provide a certificate confirming your proficiency in the Icelandic language. This certificate is obtained by passing the “Nemandapróf í íslensku fyrir útlendinga.”
6. Good Conduct Certificate. This document should verify that you have a clean criminal record and are of good character.
7. Financial Documentation. Prepare financial documents to demonstrate your stability and ability to support yourself. This may include bank statements, employment contracts, tax returns, or any other evidence of your financial situation.
8. Passport-sized Photos. Provide recent passport-sized photographs according to the specifications outlined by the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration.

Dual Citizenship

The Icelandic government does not require individuals to renounce their existing citizenship when becoming Icelandic citizens, which means that you can hold Icelandic citizenship along with the citizenship of another country.