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EEA citizens moving to Iceland must register their residence and obtain a Kennitala (personal identification number), register for tax, and register for health insurance with Sjukratryggingar Islands. Iceland is part of the EEA but not the EU, and has its own registration system managed by Registers Iceland (Thjodskra Islands). This guide covers all three key procedures with required documents, fees, processing times, and office locations in Reykjavik and other regions.

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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 (Thjodskra)

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 (Thjodskra), 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 (Rikisskattstjori)

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 (Sjukratryggingar Islands)

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 Sjukratryggingar Islands 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