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Sofia
Sep 21, 2022·0 min read
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Moving to Iceland

Planning to move to Iceland? Did you know that the central part of the island is so rugged in winter and so much like the lunar landscape that NASA practised lunar landings here with its astronauts?

Iceland is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. The country is constantly crowded with tourists from all over the world who want to see its geysers and fjords, cliffs and glaciers. Iceland is definitely worth putting on the list of countries to visit.

Iceland is an island country located in Scandinavia. It is 103,000 km2 and home to over 370,000 people. In recent years, moving to Iceland became more popular among those, seeking a balanced lifestyle close to nature. The country is one of the richest nations in the world. The official language is Icelandic, but almost all speak English fluently.

The capital of Iceland is Reykjavík. The mild climate is due to the warm currents of the Gulf Stream. The economy is based on industrial fishing. Widely developed tourism and manufacturing industry. There are numerous available jobs in the service and tourism sectors. Now, let’s find out how to move to Iceland and things to be aware of before the move.

How to Immigrate to Iceland

Moving to Iceland from EEA/EFTA countries is a very easy and straightforward process. However, citizens of non-EEA/EFTA will encounter a greater challenge associated with the bureaucracy and immigration requirements.

Education
Employment
Family Reunion
Business Owners

Education

Receiving an education is one of the easiest ways to move to Iceland. You can study in English, then get a work permit or get married. People of all ages are entitled to come on a student visa. Universities in Iceland are more affordable in comparison to other EU countries. International students must apply between 10 December - 1 February.

Employment

Moving to Iceland for work is the most common immigration method used by foreigners. We recommend landing a job prior to moving to Iceland. Although the unemployment rate is low and there are plenty of available positions, the hiring process for foreigners is quite lengthy.

Once a foreigner has been employed, the employer is obliged to draw up and conclude an employment contract with him. The agreement must specify the names of both parties, the place of employment, a brief list of responsibilities, wage data and other conditions. For legal employment, a type D work visa is issued.

Family Reunion

To move to Iceland through family reunification, children must be minors and parents must be over 66 years old. It is necessary to prove kinship, and it is enough to have only 1 parent with citizenship.

It is easier to move if the husband and wife are legally married. Reunification of common-law spouses is also possible, but the status must be proven. If the immigration service suspects that the marriage is fictitious, they may not grant a national visa but will offer a long-term visa.

Business Owners

Opening a company in Iceland does not entitle you to a residence permit. However, foreigners are issued a multi-visa that allows them to legally reside in the country for a long period of time.

Certain types of business are prohibited for foreign citizens. They can not open a business that deals with the development of natural energy resources, fishing in local waters, and air transportation. EU citizens who want to invest in the local economy can choose any direction of commercial activity.

First, merchants must submit a business plan to the Ministry of Commerce. If the project is approved there, a permit will be issued. Then it will be possible to register and open an enterprise in Iceland.After a minimum of 3 years with a temporary resident permit, you will be eligible to apply for permanent residency in Iceland.

First Steps upon arrival in Iceland

Once you have landed, there are quite a few things better to be done during your thirst week. Write down these steps to ensure you do not forget anything.

  1. Apply for a Personal Identification Number - Kennitala.

    Anyone who plans to move to Iceland must obtain Kennitala. It is a personal ID number consisting of 10 digits, required to access a broad variety of services, such as opening a bank account, registering a legal address, and getting a home phone number.

    Citizens from EEA/EFTA countries moving to Iceland must apply at the Icelandic National Registry, other citizens must apply at the Directorate of Immigration. We recommend applying for it as soon as you have arrived.

  2. Open a Bank Account.

    To open a bank account in Iceland you must first obtain an ID number - Kennitala. If you have one you can get an Icelandic electronic ID and open a bank account online. Otherwise, you can come to any local bank with your Kennitala, passport and residence permit to apply in person.

  3. Driving License & Auto Insurance.

    If you are planning to drive in Iceland after the move, you are required to apply for an International Driving Permit in your home country. A driving license issued by EEA, UK or Japan can be exchanged for an Icelandic after 6 months of permanent residence without having to retake the driving test.

    Citizens of other countries can use their driving licenses for up to a month after registration with a legal domicile. Foreigners can apply for an Icelandic driving license at the District Commissioner or Police Commissioner after 6 months of permanent residence in Iceland. These citizens are required to retake the theoretical and practical tests.

Healthcare in Iceland

The government of Iceland devotes considerable attention to the advancement of the healthcare system in the state. The financial budget is funded by taxes levied on residents by state and municipal governmental organizations.

Iceland has a universal healthcare system that provides fully or partly covered healthcare services for Icelandic residents and ex-pats living and working for more than 6 months. Prior to that, foreigners moving to Iceland for more than 3 months must apply for private health insurance until they are eligible to become a member of the Icelandic social insurance system.

The amount of the patient monthly contribution will depend on:

  • Age
  • Presence of Disability
  • Regularity of medication intake

Underage children automatically become members of the social insurance system free of charge.

Moving to Ausrtalia - Private Health Care
Public

Medicare or public healthcare system is available to Australian and New Zealand citizens, permanent residents of Australia and temporary residents of foreign countries with which there is a reciprocal health care agreement. Eligible expats can apply for Medicare by filling up this form and submitting it to the closes Medicare office.

Medical care is mostly free, and services are generally unlimited. Treatment in public hospitals is free, as is treatment by general practitioners, and life-saving drugs from the benefits list is sold at a discount. Retirees are eligible for significant discounts or free treatment. Public health care does not cover vision, dental and retirement facilities services.

The biggest cons of public healthcare in Australia are long waiting periods, ambulance services are not covered and a lack of insurance policies.

Moving to Australia - Private Health Care
Private

There are several different private health insurance programs in Australia.Private insurance schemes usually cover inpatient/outpatient treatment, additional medical expenses as well as the cost of emergency medical services. The private insurance plan enables one to choose a medical institution and a doctor to visit independently.

Additional medical expenses include a dentist, ophthalmologist, cost of hearing aids, glasses and other medical equipment. The cost of the insurance will depend on the level of coverage, territory of residence and personal characteristics.

Earning and Spending in Iceland

Income in Iceland
Taxation System
Cost of Living

In Iceland, a high standard of life corresponds to salaries that the state offers. Anyone working in Iceland even as a cleaner or a dishwasher will not sleep hungry. In 2020, the average salary in Iceland was estimated to be about ISK 731,000 ($ 5,324 USD) per month or about ISK 442,000 ($3,223 USD) net wage working at a full-time position. The minimum monthly salary is about ISK 380,000 ($2,794 USD).

The taxation system in Iceland is progressive and relatively high. The more you earn, the more you pay. Residents with incomes above the minimum limit must also pay municipal taxes, such as radio and television, to fund the elderly. 4% of one's monthly salary goes to a future pension.

The monthly personal income tax rate in Iceland in 2022:

  • Income from ISK 0 to 370,482 - 31.45%
  • Income from ISK 370,483 to 1,040,106/ - 37,95%
  • Income ISK 1,040,106 and up - 46.25%

Moving to Iceland alone, expect your monthly expenses without rent to be on average ISK 155,000 ($1140 USD). A family of 4 is estimated to spend on average ISK 568,700 ($4183 USD) per month without rent. When moving to Iceland, we recommend saving up at least 3-4 months of average monthly expenses to feel secure and avoid stress.

Renting vs. Housing in Iceland

Renting

Before moving to Iceland consider renting a room, apartment or house to get familiar with the area and settle for the one that fits you best. Renting in Iceland is rather difficult as almost 80% of the real estate is privately owned. Do your accommodation research prior to the move, unless your employer offers to assist you with it.

One-bedroom apartments rent in Iceland will cost about ISK 150,000 - 185,000 ( $1,115 - $1,360 USD) per month, depending on the proximity to the center. The rent of a three-bedroom apartment will cost from 231,800 - 267,00 ($1,706 - $1970 USD) per month. Rent prices in the capital city Reykjavik are significantly higher than in other less populated cities.

Housing

The process of buying a house in Iceland does not differ from the established norms in European countries. If the money for the property is transferred in full without the use of a mortgage, the buyer will not need to pay any additional fees but the realtor’s commission.

If you want to buy an apartment, you should start your search with major cities such as Reykjavik or Keflavik. The average price for a house in Iceland ranges between ISK 534,000 - 700,000 ( $4,606 - $6,365 USD) per square meter.

Visitors can get a loan for the purchase of an object worth more than €100,000 ( $101,880 USD). Owning real estate in Iceland does not guarantee a residence permit, but is a strong argument for obtaining it.

Before going out for a transaction and transferring the money will go to the local land registry, which is called the District Court of Iceland, for an extract from the registry showing basic information about the property purchased, including the absence or presence of encumbrances. Foreigners buying property in Iceland must first get approval from the Ministry of Justice.

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We had never used movers before and did a lot of research before deciding on Hercules Moving Company. The Calgary movers showed up early and were ready to go on time. They worked quickly and diligently and moved our entire house in 6 hours. I was very grateful for not having to do the heavy lifting ourselves and that everything was moved without damage and in good time. I would definitely use them again!
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I called Hercules movers because I needed to transfer furniture from the office in Ottawa to the warehouse in a short time. In response, the moving specialist offered me several payment options, packing materials to purchase and available time slots to choose. Four movers and a truck were required for the relocation, which successfully appeared on the day of the move. Office movers transported everything quickly, nevertheless without the rush. I didn’t assume that all furniture pieces will be received so fast.
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RaisingtheRoof
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Excellent experience with movers of Hercules Moving Company. They moved a baby grand piano for us. The 3 movers were careful, efficient, and respectful of our premises. They also understand the nature of the furniture (piano) they were moving.
Private Customer
Hercules is by far the most efficient, customer friendly and experienced Edmonton movers I have dealt with. They took such good care of furniture and personal belongings and made a stressful move seem effortless. I would not hesitate to use them again. For a five star, hassle free service, with great care and attention, I would recommend Hercules.
My daughter moved to Ottawa and I sent her one bedroom stuff to Ottawa. It was so easy working with them. I was communicating with Mr. Lukas until the end. There were no changes on the estimate that they gave. Everything went as he promised. The movers were on time to pickup and they dropped off as promised. Two guys came and did a wonderful job. No much talk but very friendly and have good manners. They covered all the necessary items with blankets and moved very carefully. My daughter was very impressed about their work. Excellent job for a reasonable price. Thanks Lukas and other guys who did the moving.
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