Iceland

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.

Healthcare in Iceland

The system in Iceland is predominantly public, funded through taxes and administered by the Ministry of Welfare. It is known for providing high-quality healthcare services to its residents. The system is universal, meaning all legal residents have access to healthcare services, with a focus on preventive care and general well-being. Private healthcare exists but is less common, mainly offering specialized services not covered by the public system. The cost of public healthcare is relatively low due to government subsidies, while private healthcare costs can be higher and are usually covered by private insurance or out-of-pocket payments. Expats and digital nomads can access public healthcare once they become legal residents, which typically involves living in Iceland for six months and registering with the National Registry.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Iceland is considered high, particularly in the capital city of Reykjavik. Goods and services tend to be expensive due to the country's remote location and the cost of importing many items.

Weather

Iceland has a subarctic oceanic climate in the south and a tundra climate in the north. The weather is characterized by cold winters and cool summers, with temperatures often moderated by the North Atlantic Current. Precipitation is more common in the southern part of the island, and the weather can change rapidly, with strong winds and storms not uncommon.

Educational System in Iceland

The educational system in Iceland is known for its high quality and is designed to cater to the needs of all children. Education is compulsory and free for children between the ages of 6 and 16. The system is divided into four levels: playschool, compulsory, upper-secondary, and higher education. Playschool, or leikskóli, is non-compulsory preschool education for children up to the age of six. Compulsory education, or grunnskóli, is from ages 6 to 16 and is similar to elementary and middle school, consisting of 10 grades. After completing compulsory education, students can attend upper-secondary school, or framhaldsskóli, which is similar to high school in other countries and typically lasts four years. Upper-secondary education prepares students for either vocational professions or higher education. Students graduate with a stúdentspróf, which is equivalent to a high school diploma and is required for university admission. The Icelandic educational system emphasizes egalitarianism and inclusivity, with special support for students with disabilities. The curriculum focuses on preparing students for active participation in a democratic society, with an emphasis on creativity, critical thinking, and independence. The school year in Iceland typically starts in late August or early September and ends in May or June.

The university system in Iceland consists of seven higher education institutions, with the University of Iceland in Reykjavik being the largest and oldest. University education in Iceland is characterized by a high standard of teaching and research, with courses often taught in Icelandic, although an increasing number of programs are available in English to accommodate international students. Bachelor's degrees typically take three years to complete, while master's programs usually take two years, and doctoral degrees can take three to four years. The academic year is divided into two semesters: the fall semester from September to December and the spring semester from January to May. Universities in Iceland offer a range of programs in various fields, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, health sciences, and engineering. Admission requirements for universities in Iceland generally include a stúdentspróf or equivalent secondary education diploma, and for certain programs, there may be additional prerequisites. International students are welcomed and supported with various services, including orientation programs and Icelandic language courses. The cost of university education for Icelandic and EEA/EU students is generally low, with a nominal registration fee each semester. However, non-EEA/EU students may be subject to higher tuition fees. Living expenses in Iceland can be high, so students should budget accordingly.