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Short-Term Residence Permit for Extended Close-Family Visit

IcelandShort stays and visits

Explore the five recorded questions, answers and sources for this pathway.

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For the relevant traveller scope, is a visa, electronic authorisation, visa on arrival or no advance visa normally required?

For stays over 90 days a short-term residence permit is needed. Visa-required nationals cannot apply from inside Iceland. Visa-exempt nationals may apply while in Iceland but must leave before their 90-day Schengen visa-free period ends.

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Limits of the record
  • Which nationalities need a visa is not listed on the page.

What short-visit purposes does this route cover?

An extended visit by a close family member (marital spouse, parent, child or sibling), without intending to settle and where no other residence permit category applies. Applicants under 18 need a parent or guardian applying with them.

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What maximum stay, rolling-period rule, validity and entry rules apply?

Maximum stay 180 days; a continuous stay may not exceed 180 days, with time in other Schengen states counted. It can be granted only once in any 12-month period and cannot be renewed. Visa-exempt holders may stay in Schengen up to 90 days after expiry. No legal domicile registration.

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What important funds, accommodation, invitation, insurance, onward-travel or passport evidence may be required?

Passport valid 90 days beyond the permit; documents on purpose of stay; means of at least ISK 259,951 per month (certified original bank statement); health and accident insurance for the whole stay with ISK 2,000,000 minimum coverage; a return ticket or funds for return; a criminal record certificate if requested. Purpose evidence can include a host invitation letter and a birth certificate or other proof of family relations; a spouse or a parent of a minor with enough means may support the applicant.

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Where/how is permission obtained when required, and under what important circumstances can a stay be extended or changed?

Submit a paper application with documents to the Directorate of Immigration after paying ISK 12,200; decisions can take up to six months. It cannot be used to extend a stay already in Iceland and cannot be renewed. Refusals can be appealed within 15 days to the Immigration and Asylum Appeals Board.

See recorded sources

These are the answers currently recorded in the catalogue. A missing or partial answer is not an eligibility decision.

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