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Iceland

Capital: Reykjavik

Last verified: 2026-02-20

Fees, fines, and deadlines are approximate and may change. Always verify with official sources.

Key Registrations & Procedures

Residence Registration (Kennitala)

Registers Iceland (Þjóðskrá)

Deadline: Register within 1 week of arrival if staying over 3 months
Processing Time: Kennitala (ID number) issued within 2–4 weeks by post.
💰Fees: Free
📅Appointment: Walk-in at Registers Iceland or apply online.
Required Documents:
  • Valid passport
  • Proof of address — rental contract or letter from landlord
  • Employment contract or proof of sufficient means
  • Completed registration form (available at skra.is)
Where to Do It:

Registers Iceland (Þjóðskrá), Borgartún 21, 105 Reykjavík. Can also register at district commissioners (Sýslumaður) outside Reykjavík.

If You Don't Do It:

May not be able to access Icelandic healthcare, banking, phone services, or employment without a kennitala. Fines may apply for late registration.

Regional Variations: Reykjavík main office handles most registrations. District commissioners in other areas.
Visit Official Website

Tax Registration

Directorate of Internal Revenue (Ríkisskattstjóri)

Deadline: Register when starting employment — employer usually handles
Processing Time: Immediate upon employer registration
💰Fees: Free
📅Appointment: No appointment needed.
Required Documents:
  • Kennitala (Icelandic ID number)
  • Employment contract
  • Bank account details (Icelandic bank account)
Where to Do It:

Online via rsk.is or at RSK offices. Employer handles most registrations via PAYE system.

If You Don't Do It:

Without tax registration, maximum tax rate is withheld. Can be reclaimed in annual return.

Regional Variations: Same nationwide.
Visit Official Website

Health Insurance Registration

Icelandic Health Insurance (Sjúkratryggingar Íslands)

Deadline: 6-month waiting period from date of legal residence registration. EHIC covers you during the waiting period.
Processing Time: Automatically enrolled after 6 months of continuous legal residence.
💰Fees: Free (funded through taxes)
📅Appointment: No appointment needed — automatic enrollment.
Required Documents:
  • Kennitala
  • Proof of 6 months continuous residence
  • During waiting period: European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from home country
Where to Do It:

Automatic enrollment by Sjúkratryggingar Íslands after 6 months. Office: Vínlandsleið 16, 113 Reykjavík.

If You Don't Do It:

During the 6-month waiting period, you must use your EHIC or have private insurance. Without coverage, you pay full cost for medical treatment.

Regional Variations: Same rules nationwide.
Visit Official Website