Refugee Status Residence Permit

If you receive international protection in Iceland you will be given a residence permit valid for three years.

International protection is granted on the basis of Article 37(1) and Article 40(1) of the Foreign Nationals Act . A residence permit on grounds of international protection is granted on the basis of Article 73 of the

International protection is granted to those who have reason to fear persecution in their home country because of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership of a particular social group.

Anyone who wants to apply for international protection in Iceland must be present in Iceland, either at the country's border or within it. The application must be submitted in person. It does not need to be in a specific format, and it is sufficient for the applicant to state their request verbally.

You can apply for protection with the police at Keflavík Airport upon arrival in the country. Individuals who are already in the country can apply for protection at the reception centre for applicants for international protection at Egilsgata 3 in Reykjavík. It is open during daytime working hours. Individuals located outside the capital area can apply for protection at the nearest police station.

Applications for international protection sent to Iceland from individuals who are abroad will not be processed.

their biometric data are recorded in the European Eurodac database.

Applications for international protection are not all processed in the same way. Some applications are processed under an accelerated procedure and result in a refusal, while others result in a decision to transfer the applicant to another State under the Asylum and Migration Management Regulation (AMMR). Only some applications are examined on their merits to determine whether the applicant qualifies for international protection.

the applicant is invited to an interview where they can explain their circumstances and the reasons for seeking protection.

If the applicant does not meet the requirements for either international protection or a residence permit on humanitarian grounds, the application will be refused. The decision may be appealed to the Immigration and Asylum Appeals Board.

You can work in Iceland without a work permit.

A spouse, who you married or cohabited with before you were granted protection in Iceland. Your children younger than 18 years old, who were born before you were granted protection in Iceland. Your parents, if they are 67 years or older

may be appealed to the Immigration and Asylum Appeals Board in accordance with the Foreign Nationals Act.

Service provider Directorate of Immigration