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Iceland · Family

Iceland International Protection through Family Reunification - Spouse

16 facts quoted from the official source

For a spouse or cohabiting partner whose relationship with a refugee or subsidiary-protection beneficiary in Iceland existed before the sponsor sought protection.

Route type
Family
Can bring
partner, de facto partner
from the official record
Requirements
6
each quoted below
Who qualifies

Who this route is for

Every item below is the government’s own wording, quoted from the official source. Whether you personally qualify depends on your full profile.

6 requirements quoted from the official source.

The conditions that decide it
  • Age At Marriage Or Cohabitation MinBoth partners must have been at least eighteen when the marriage or cohabitation began.
  • Qualifying RelationshipThe protection-through-family route covers married and cohabiting partners.
  • Sponsor StatusThe sponsor in Iceland must hold refugee status or subsidiary protection.
  • Both Attended Wedding RequiredBoth spouses must have attended the wedding.
  • Cohabitation Years Before Separation MinFor cohabiting partners, cohabitation must have lasted at least one year before separation.
  • Marriage Before Sponsor Protection Application RequiredFor a married couple, the marriage must predate the sponsor's Icelandic protection application.
What rules you out

1 exclusion quoted from the official source.

  • Union Of Convenience ProhibitedA marriage or cohabitation entered solely to obtain residence can be refused.
Also stated by the source
  • Eligibility summaryThe couple married before the spouse who is a refugee in Iceland applied for international protection in Iceland.
  • Official source basisThe couple married before the spouse who is a refugee in Iceland applied for international protection in Iceland.
  • Permanent Residence After YearsThe beneficiary may apply for permanent residence after four years on international-protection residence, subject to the general conditions.
  • Permit Years MaxThe family-protection residence permit may be granted for up to three years, but not beyond the sponsor's permit.
  • Report summaryThe couple married before the spouse who is a refugee in Iceland applied for international protection in Iceland.
  • Work Permit RequiredThe beneficiary may work in Iceland without a separate work permit.
Family

Who you can bring

partnerde facto partner
Costs & timelines

What the source prices

Fees
1 proven from the official source.
  • Application Fee IskThe current application fee is ISK 90,000.checked 2026-07-26
Validity
2 proven from the official source.
  • Renewal or extensionAn exemption from the prior-renewal condition may apply under the published subsidiary-protection rules.
  • Subsidiary Sponsor Prior Renewals MinA subsidiary-protection sponsor must ordinarily have renewed the permit once before this family-reunification application.
How it works

From here to a yes

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Apply with the official sourceThe application itself always happens with the government — the enacting authority linked below. The report points you straight at it.
FAQ

Straight answers

01Who qualifies for this route to Iceland?
The official source states: For a spouse or cohabiting partner whose relationship with a refugee or subsidiary-protection beneficiary in Iceland existed before the sponsor sought protection.
02Can I bring my family?
The official record lists: partner, de facto partner.

Every answer is quoted from the official island.is page for this route, last read 2026-07-26.

We checked 16 points against the official source; 16 are quoted on this page. The other 0 are either not addressed by the source or not yet backed by a quote — we would rather show you the edge of the record than fill it with a plausible guess.

See the 0 open points

Processing time is not published in the official source for this route. We publish a number only when the official text states that number.

The source

Where every quote comes from

Official government source island.isLast read 2026-07-26 Every quote on this page is from this Iceland government page.
Compiled from official sources · pending independent re-check · Last checked 2026-07-26 · Our methodology
 · Compiled by António Mira · How we verify · Not legal advice — rules change; confirm with the official source before deciding.
Same category, same country

Other family routes to Iceland

8 other family routes to Iceland.

Child Residence PermitInternational Protection through Family Reunification - ChildInternational Protection through Family Reunification - Parent of Unaccompanied Refugee ChildInternational Protection through Family Reunification - Sibling of Unaccompanied Refugee ChildLegitimate and Special Purpose Permit - Expectant Parent of Icelandic ChildParent Aged 67 or Older Residence Permit
Same category, elsewhere

Family routes in other countries

201 other countries publish at least one family route. Nearest first.

Norway42 family routes Ireland19 family routes Denmark16 family routes Jersey15 family routes Sweden12 family routes United Kingdom12 family routes

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