Iceland

Iceland labour-shortage work residence

Policy overviewReviewed 2026-09-04

For non-EEA nationals with an Icelandic employment contract where the employer cannot recruit in Iceland or the applicable European labour market.

Core requirements

Job offerRequired

A job offer, contract or employer arrangement meeting the route rules is required.

QualificationConditional

Skill, qualification or professional-recognition evidence is required when the role, employer or law requires it.

assessmentRequired

Any nationality, sector, salary, recruitment, labour-market or other authority assessment in force when applying must be met.

Official sources

Work permit due to labour shortageDirectorate of Immigration of Iceland · Reviewed 2026-09-04

General educational information only, not personalized immigration or legal advice. Requirements can change; confirm them with the responsible government authority before acting. Next scheduled review: 2026-12-04.