The Directorate of Immigration has announced that the next Icelandic language tests for applicants for Icelandic citizenship will be held from November 10 to November 25, 2025.
Registration is possible from September 17 to October 19 on the website of Mímir.is.
One of the conditions for obtaining Icelandic citizenship is to take and pass a test in Icelandic for applicants for citizenship. It is the Directorate of Education and School Services that prepares and reviews the tests, while Mímir conducts the tests.
The purpose of the test is to be an objective measure of whether applicants meet the requirements for Icelandic proficiency set out in the regulation on Icelandic language tests for applicants for Icelandic citizenship. According to the regulation, the Directorate of Immigration may exempt an applicant from the language test requirement, if it is considered unreasonable to make this a condition.
This may apply for example to individuals who are over 65 years of age; children who study in an Icelandic elementary school or are under the age of elementary school; individuals who have been confirmed by a certificate of a doctor or specialist that they cannot undergo a test for serious physical or mental reasons; and individuals who can confirm with an appropriate certificate from an Icelandic school or educational institution that they have skills that correspond to the requirements listed in the regulation.
An applicant who believes they qualify for an exemption must provide supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate or a certificate of school attendance or diploma. Written statements made by friends, family, employers or others are not sufficient to base an exemption. Applicants with good knowledge of Icelandic may find it unreasonable to have to take a test to demonstrate their knowledge of the language. Without the relevant certificates, however, this is not an unreasonable requirement within the meaning of the regulation.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.