Citizenship / Naturalization in Iceland
One documented route of this kind in Iceland, with its conditions, documents, official government fees and process.
Citizenship / naturalisation
Naturalisation generally requires about 4 years of residence with a permanent residence permit, an Icelandic language test, criminal records from all countries of residence since age 15, and proof of self-support. Nordic citizens may use a 3-year notification route.
- Processing time
- Long backlog; processing applications received around November 2024 as of 27 May 2026 (roughly 18 months)
- Validity
- Permanent (citizenship)
- Language requirement
- Pass the Icelandic citizenship language test (or qualify for an exemption)
- Permanent residence
- PR is typically held before applying
- Citizenship
- General applicants: 7 years continuous residence. Married to an Icelandic citizen (spouse held citizenship for 5+ years): 4 years. Cohabiting with an Icelandic citizen (partner held citizenship for 5+ years): 5 years. Nordic citizens: 4 years. Refugees / humanitarian status holders: 5 years. Stateless persons: 5 years. Former Icelandic citizens who lost citizenship by acquiring foreign nationality: 1 year. All categories require no more than 90 days abroad per 12-month period during the qualifying residence period.
Requirements
- Hold PR (or be exempt) and meet the required residence period (generally 4 years)
- Pass the Icelandic citizenship language test or qualify for exemption
- Criminal-record certificates from every country of residence since age 15
- Proof of self-support (259,951 ISK/month individual / 415,922 ISK couple; no municipal assistance in prior 3 years)
- No tax arrears / clean record
Required Documents
- Passport copies required
- Icelandic language test pass certificate (or exemption proof) required
- Criminal-record certificates from every country of residence since age 15 required
- Proof of self-support and no municipal assistance in prior 3 years required
- Proof of no tax arrears / clean record required
- Spouse/child documentation where relevant
Official fees
- Citizenship application (adult) 60,000 ISK
- Citizenship application (child) 30,000 ISK
- Nordic notification (adult) 30,000 ISK
- Nordic notification (child) 15,000 ISK
Process Steps
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1
Confirm eligibility
Confirm you hold PR (or are exempt) and meet the residence period.
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2
Pass language test
Sit and pass the Icelandic citizenship language test.
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3
Gather criminal records
Obtain criminal records from all countries lived in since age 15.
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4
Gather financial evidence
Assemble financial and clean-record evidence.
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5
Pay the fee
Pay the applicable fee by bank transfer.
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6
Submit electronically
Submit the electronic application via island.is.
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7
Await decision
Await the decision (note the long backlog).