The Directorate of Immigration has announced that, with the entry into force of the new Visa Act (No. 37/2026), responsibility for visa processing has been fully transferred from the Directorate to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
In addition to issuing visas to Iceland, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs will from now on process applications for visa extensions and handle the issuance of visas for seafarers. Inquiries regarding visa extensions and seafarer visas should henceforth be sent to visa@utn.is.
At the same time, the provision in the Foreign Nationals Act concerning long-term visas has been repealed, and a new provision on short-term residence permits has entered into force. Foreign nationals wishing to stay in Iceland for longer than 90 days may apply for such a permit with the Directorate of Immigration, provided that the purpose of their stay does not fall under existing residence permit categories and that they do not intend to settle permanently in Iceland.
Further information on the requirements for short-term residence permits and the application process will be published on the Directorate of Immigration’s website as soon as it is available.
Erickson Insights and Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.