Selfoss

Selfoss is a growing town in the southern part of Iceland, situated along the banks of the Ölfusá River. It is known for its friendly community, scenic landscapes, and as a hub for commerce and services in the region. The town offers a mix of residential areas, local businesses, and public amenities, including schools, a hospital, and recreational facilities. Selfoss serves as a convenient base for exploring the natural wonders of Iceland, such as the nearby Golden Circle route, which includes the famous Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall, and Þingvellir National Park. The architecture in Selfoss is a blend of modern and traditional Icelandic styles, with many buildings reflecting the simplicity and functionality characteristic of Nordic design. The town is surrounded by vast open spaces, agricultural land, and natural beauty, providing residents and visitors with opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and horseback riding. Despite its relatively small size, Selfoss has a vibrant community spirit and hosts various cultural events throughout the year, contributing to its appeal as a pleasant and lively place to live or visit.

BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions
Get Quote

BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions (BCBS) offers global health plans for international assignments or trips lasting 6 months or longer. With access to over 1.7M medical providers in 190 countries around the world, BCBS provides members with solutions and industry-leading digital services - ensuring top-quality coverage to people who live, work, study and travel internationally.

BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions

BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions (BCBS) offers global health plans for international assignments or trips lasting 6 months or longer. With access to over 1.7M medical providers in 190 countries around the world, BCBS provides members with solutions and industry-leading digital services - ensuring top-quality coverage to people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Visa & Residency

Obtaining a residency in Iceland involves several steps and the difficulty can vary depending on the type of visa and individual circumstances. The Directorate of (Útlendingastofnun) is the authority responsible for issuing residence permits in Iceland. The most common types of residence permits for expats include the Residence Permit for Work, Residence Permit for Athletes, and Residence Permit for Students. To apply for a Residence Permit for Work, an applicant must have a job offer from an Icelandic employer. The employer must demonstrate that the position could not be filled by a person from the EEA/EFTA. The application must include various documents, such as a criminal record certificate, a health insurance certificate, and proof of accommodation. For athletes, the Residence Permit for Athletes is available, which requires an employment contract with a sports club registered in Iceland and recognized by the Icelandic Sports and Olympic Committee. Students who wish to study at an Icelandic educational institution can apply for a Residence Permit for Students, provided they have been accepted into a program and can show proof of financial support and health insurance. The process can be considered average in terms of difficulty, but it requires careful attention to detail and complete documentation. Applications can be submitted online or through paper forms, and fees apply. Processing times can vary, but it generally takes around 90 days for a decision. It is important to apply well in advance of the intended move date to allow for any potential delays. For digital nomads, there is no specific visa category, but they can apply for a regular residence permit that allows them to live in Iceland for up to six months. This would require showing sufficient financial means, health insurance, and a detailed plan of their stay. Overall, while the process is bureaucratic and requires various documents, it is manageable with proper preparation and understanding of the requirements.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Selfoss is considered high, as is common throughout Iceland, due to factors such as the cost of imported goods, housing, and general expenses.

Weather

The weather in Selfoss is typically cool and temperate, with mild summers and cold winters, and it can experience all four seasons in a single day.

Healthcare in Selfoss

Selfoss is served by Heilbrigðisstofnun Suðurlands (South Iceland Health Care) which provides a range of healthcare services including general medical care, emergency services, and outpatient services. The healthcare center is equipped to handle various medical needs and is an important facility for the residents of Selfoss and the surrounding region.

❮

❯