How Can International Students Get PR in Iceland in 2025?

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Can international students get PR in Iceland

Are you an international student seeking permanent residency in Iceland? You must be asking yourself- can International students get PR in Iceland? The answer is, yes.  Iceland issues permanent residence to International students. In fact, it is the easiest PR that you can get!Read this blog to learn about the steps to get a PR in Iceland as a student, the PR eligibility, requirements, application process, fees, and processing time.

Can International Students Get PR in Iceland?An Overview 

Yes. International students can get a PR in Iceland. However, they cannot get a PR directly after graduation. You have to stay in the country for 4 years on a residence permit. After staying continuously for 4 year period you can apply for permanent residence. A continuous stay means you should not stay abroad for more than 90 days(in total in a year )while you hold a residence permit. This period is counted from the date of issuance of the permit.

How Can an Indian Student Settle in Iceland?

Can International Students Get PR in Iceland? Yes. Indian students can get a PR if they stay in the country for 4 years. To settle in Iceland they can follow the steps below-

Get a Study Permit 

Long-term studies in Iceland require you to get a residence permit for studies. You need to get this residence permit to complete your education. You can enrol at the top universities, apply for a visa, and get a residence permit for 1 year. The time you spend in Iceland on a residence permit for studies is counted for PR.

Renew your Residence Permit

Next, ensure that you are renewing your residence permit. The residence permit can be renewed for up to 3 years! That is, from the date of graduation. During this time, you can seek employment in the area of expertise. To renew a student permit-

  1. You must be enrolled as a full-time student (30 ECTS per semester)
  2. Demonstrate satisfactory academic performance 

Get a Work Permit 

Iceland issues three types of residence permits for work that are eligible for PR. They are- 

  1. Residence permit for work requiring expert knowledge
  2. Residence permit due to shortage of labour
  3. Residence permit for athletes

The work permit is valid for up to 2 years of stay. You can renew this permit for 4 more years! That means you can stay for a total of 4 years! 

Stay for 4 Years & Get a PR

The Iceland  PR condition is that you must stay in the country continuously for 4 years. This means you don’t have to get a work permit to get a PR. A student permit is sufficient for PR. However, you must ensure that you haven’t left the country for more than 90 days in total each year. 

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How Do You Qualify for Permanent Residency in Iceland?

Can international students get PR in Iceland? Yes. International students can get a PR in Iceland. To qualify for a PR you must have held any of the residence permits. The residence permits that are eligible for an Iceland PR are provided below:

  1. Residence permit for students, with restrictions
  2. Residence permit due to shortage of labour
  3. Residence permit for work requiring expert knowledge
  4. Residence permit for athletes
  5. Residence permit for family reunification
  6. Residence permit based on special ties to Iceland
  7. Residence permit on humanitarian grounds
  8. Residence permit on grounds of international protection
  9. Residence permit for missionaries
  10. Residence permit based on special ties to Iceland

Moreover, you must have stayed in the country for at least 4 years and must be above the age of 18.

Conditions for Iceland PR based on Student Permit 

Generally, a student permit cannot be the basis for PR. Unless you fall under any of the following categories. Therefore, you must fulfil any of the following conditions along with holding a residence permit for studies to get a PR. They are as follows.

  1. You have held a student permit for at least 2 years 
  2. You must have stayed continuously for 4 years in Iceland 
  3. Additionally, you have taken steps to renew your residence permit before the expiry of your current residence permit
  4. You have not stayed outside Iceland for more than 90 days in total in a year.

Iceland Permanent Residence Requirements for Indians 

Can international students get PR in Iceland? Yes. International students can get a PR in Iceland if they meet all of these requirements. 

Requirements for an Iceland PRDescription 
AgeYou must be above the age of 18
You must have a valid residence permit For example, Residence permits for students, with restrictions
You must have stayed in Iceland continuously Stayed in Iceland on a residence permit for 4 years without leaving Iceland 
Take up an Icelandic language course The Ministry of Education and Children must have recognised the course. You must have 80% attendance and complete 150 lessons.
Have sufficient funds Demonstrate that you have the financial means to support yourself for the duration of your stay..
Does not have a criminal record You must not have an open case against you

What are the Financial Requirements for Iceland’s Permanent Residency Status?

Can international students get PR in Iceland? Yes. One of the main requirements they have to meet is to have sufficient funds to cover theri expenses. The amount of funds you need to get a PR is as follows-

Particulars Amount Required for an Iceland PR
Individual 217.799 ISK 
Married Couples 348.476 ISK 

You can prove that you have this income by showcasing your self-employment income or employment contract.

Understand the Cost of Living in Iceland: Updated Prices, Other Countries Comparison

What are the Documents Required to Apply for Iceland PR?

Can international students get PR in Iceland? Yes. To get a PR, you need to submit the necessary documents.

Documents for Iceland PR ApplicationDescription
A valid passport Passport, and passport copies
Proof that you can support yourself Employment or self-employment contract,  tax statement for the last six months
Certificate of an Icelandic-language courseProof that you have completed 150 lessons with 80% attendance
Power of attorney – optionalIf someone else is receiving your application details you need to give power of attorney

How to Apply for Permanent Residency in Iceland?

Want to know how can an international students get PR in Iceland? Follow these steps to get a PR in the country. 

  1. Visit the official website- Visit the Directorate of Immigration’s official website. Under the section for immigration and visa choose permanent residence permit. 
  2. Download the Application form– Go to the apply option (in blue colour), and view the application form (Visa D-108). Download the form and fill it out the same.
  3. Obtain an electronic certificate– You must have received an electronic certificate to complete the application process online.
  4. Apply for the PR– The application form can be submitted through this website itself.
  5. Application fee– You will have to pay the PR application fee 
  6. Wait for processing– The application will be processed at this stage
  7. Get a decision– After the processing time is complete a decision will be on your application.

How Long Does it Take to Get PR in Iceland?

Can international students get PR in Iceland? Yes. To get an Iceland PR you have to stay in the country continuously for 4 years. You can get a temporary residence permit and stay for this period. For example, get a Residence permit for students, with restrictions. After this period a permanent residency application can be submitted. The application processing time is as follows-

Particulars Processing Time
Iceland PR application processing 8 to 10 months 

Note- Your processing time can be longer if you haven’t filled the application form, you have to attend an interview, you have requested an exemption from the permit requirements, or if additional documents are required.

What is the Icealnd PR Application Fee?

Can international students get PR in Iceland? Yes. To get a PR for Iceland the application charges are applicable. The fees for Iceland PR are as follows-

Particulars Fees
Iceland PR application fees22.000 ISK

The Iceland PR application does not have to be reapplied when it expires. You are only required to make a photo appointment. The fee for the new card is 8.000 ISK.

How Long is the Iceland PR Valid For?

Can international students get PR in Iceland? Yes. You can get a PR as an international student. After you have obtained your PR, it is valid for the following period-

Particulars Validity
Iceland PR validity period5 years 

After spending 5 years in Iceland on a permanent residence permit you can reapply. The reapplication can be done when your PR card expires. However, you don’t have to go through the application process again. You just have to make a photo appointment and pay the fees for the new card.

Can International Students work in Iceland?

Yes. As an international student, you are permitted to work in Iceland. However, you can only work for a specified period. A student work permit is issued for the purpose. The student work permit allows you to work for

Particulars Work Permit 
Student work permit22,5 hours per week (60%)
When work is part of your studies, or you are taking up work as a part of the curriculum No restriction 

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What are the Benefits of Permanent Residency in Iceland?

Can international students get PR in Iceland? Yes. International students can get a PR in Iceland. The benefits of getting a PR are as follows-

  1. Get the right to work and study in Iceland for an indefinite period 
  2. Get access to public benefits like public healthcare, and education. You can also get the access to education and healthcare at the same rate as a citizen 
  3. Freedom to travel outside Iceland without any restrictions
  4. You can also travel to the entire Schengen area without getting a separate visa 
  5. Access to long-term safety and security in the country
  6. Bring family members to reunite with you. For example, spouses, children below the age of 18, and parents above the age of 65.
  7. Pathway to citizenship in Iceland 

Watch this Video to Understand the Pros and Cons of Living in Iceland as a foreigner 

PROS and CONS of Living in ICELAND as a foreigner
Credit:Credit: @PetrHerold

How Long Does it Take to Get Citizenship in Iceland?

Can international students get PR in Iceland? Yes. An international student can get a PR, and stay in Iceland for 5 years. The PR is also renewable. PR is a pathway to citizenship. Therefore, after you have stayed in the country for 7 years you can apply for Iceland citizenship. The conditions for the same are provided below:

  1. You must have held permanent residency in the past 
  2. You must have a passport to prove your identity
  3. Moreover, you must have cleared the Icelandic language test
  4. Not be in arrears
  5. Can financially support yourself 
  6. Do not have criminal charges held against you

Children below the age of `18 can get a PR if they are unmarried, staying in Iceland, and are in the custody of a parent with Icelandic citizenship.

FAQs

How can I get PR in Iceland after studying?

To get a PR in Iceland after completing your studies you need to renew your study permit. You can renew your study permit for up to 3 years to look for a job. Thereafter you can apply for a PR. Iceland only requires you to stay in the country for 4 years to get a PR.

Is Iceland easy to migrate to?

Yes. Iceland is one of the easiest countries to migrate to. This is because you can get a PR by staying only for 4 years. You can use your residence permit for studies as the basis to get your PR. For example, if you are a doctoral student, and have held residence permit for studies in the past you can easily get a PR.

Is Iceland expensive to live in?

Yes. Iceland is an expensive country to stay. The prices of groceries, eating out and houses are very expensive. The cost of living in Iceland is 27.4% higher than USA!

Is getting a job in Iceland easy?

Getting a job in Iceland is difficult due to the small labour market. However, you can get job easily if you are applying for in-demand professions, For example, data analyst, doctor, civil engineer, hospitality staff, IT specialist, project manager and more.

How much bank balance is required for Iceland student visa?

To study in Iceland you need to have a minimum bank balance, Your bank balance must reflect that you have 247.572 ISK per month of stay. If you are a married couple you need 396.115 ISK per month. Additional family members over the age of 18 need 123.786 ISK per month.

What is the iceland student visa success rate?

The Iceland student visa success rate is around 70%. This means most of the student visas are approved. If you meet the student visa requirements you will get the visa. Iceland has approved around  97.8% of applicants for a Schengen visa.

We hope you now have the answer to your question- Can international students get PR in Iceland? Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or visit our visa page for more such articles. You can also connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey! 

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