Iceland lets high earners work remotely there for up to 180 days on a long-term visa: ISK 1,000,000 a month (about $7,200), or ISK 1,300,000 with a partner. It's a long stay, not residence: you don't get an ID number and can't settle.
Checked against the sources at the end on November 2, 2026. This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the official source before you apply.
At a glance
| Item | What to know |
|---|---|
| Visit first | 90 days in any 180 (Schengen) |
| Route for remote workers | Long-term visa for remote workers |
| Money you need to show | At least ISK 1,000,000 a month in foreign income (ISK 1,300,000 with a spouse or partner) |
| Length | Up to 180 days if you apply before entering; 90 days if you apply from inside Schengen |
| Government fees | ISK 12,200 |
| Timeline | Not published; apply well ahead |
| Where you apply | On paper by mail or in person to the Directorate of Immigration (Útlendingastofnun) in Kópavogur |
| Family | Spouse or partner and children under 18 can come as family members |
| Long-term residence | Not possible on this visa; it isn't residence |
| US taxes | Still due every year. See our US taxes and banking guide |
Who qualifies
Iceland lets high earners work remotely there for up to 180 days on a long-term visa: ISK 1,000,000 a month (about $7,200), or ISK 1,300,000 with a partner. It's a long stay, not residence: you don't get an ID number and can't settle.
- Remote employees of companies outside Iceland: yes.
- Freelancers and business owners: yes.
- Income: At least ISK 1,000,000 a month in foreign income (ISK 1,300,000 with a spouse or partner). That's about $8,240 a month.
Open question: Processing time isn't published.
Documents
Order US documents first: apostilles and FBI checks are the slowest part.
- Passport
- Application form and fee receipt
- Proof of employment with a foreign company or self-employment
- Proof of foreign income
- Health insurance valid in Iceland
Step by step from the US
- Check your numbers against the rule above, using the last 6 to 12 months of income.
- Order US documents: FBI background check, apostilles and translations where needed.
- Apply: On paper by mail or in person to the Directorate of Immigration (Útlendingastofnun) in Kópavogur.
- Buy health insurance that meets the requirement for your whole stay.
- Arrive and register your address and any residence card on time.
Taxes
- Stays under 183 days generally don't make you an Icelandic tax resident
- The US-Iceland tax treaty applies; no totalization agreement
- US citizens still file a US return every year. The foreign earned income exclusion is up to $132,900 for 2026; the foreign tax credit is the alternative. See our US taxes guide.
Common mistakes
- You can't get another remote-work visa for 12 months afterward
- You can't work for Icelandic employers
- Paper application only
Where to live in Iceland
Our city guides cover costs in dollars, neighborhoods, live weather and the time difference: Reykjavík · Akureyri · Hafnarfjörður · Selfoss.
Moving with a partner or kids? See Moving abroad with family.
Sources
Checked on November 2, 2026. Where sources disagree, we say so above.
- Island.is: Long-term visa for remote workers (official)
- Work in Iceland: Remote work visa FAQ (official)
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