In your digital nomadic lifestyle, if you wanna embrace the beauty of volcanoes, auroras, glaciers and lands surrounded by lush green valleys and mountains. Look no further and choose Iceland as your next nomadic destination and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.
It’s true that Iceland has unpredictable and harsh weather. But still, it offers endless opportunities for a digital nomad. Iceland has also the fastest-growing community of freelancers and self-employed persons. So you must give it a go.
Moreover, on your Iceland digital nomad visa, you can stay there for six months without paying a single penny for tax! Iceland is also famous for being the most expensive place for digital nomads than other European countries but trying new things is what life is all about. So if you’re able to swing it financially, it’s an experience of a lifetime.
What is a Digital Nomad Visa?
A Digital nomad visa gives wings to remote workers, freelancers and entrepreneurs to explore various parts of the world. More than 50 countries around the world have launched this remote pass. Hence if you’re a remote worker it’s a great opportunity for you to live in your dream country.
After getting the visa you can legally live in that state for up to six months. Experiencing a new land and its culture adds creativity to the mind and helps in building meaningful collaborations along the way. So check out the details about this digital nomad permit.
Is Iceland a good country for Digital Nomads?
Iceland is a hub of the natural wonders of the world. There is hardly any spot in Iceland where you won’t be surprised by its beauty. Auroras are where most travelers and digital nomads find peace at night. Iceland is a remote area which is why its population is low. But still, you’ll find the best WiFi availability in Iceland.
Moreover, numerous hotels and cafes in Reykjavik offer a free internet connection. There isn’t even a language barrier as most of the population can speak and understand English. The people are friendly and you’ll find a bulk of adventures to do in Iceland. Furthermore many digital nomads choose to live in Iceland as it’s also ranked among the safest destinations.
But this place has some drawbacks too, on the top is its harsh climate. The winters in Iceland are unpredictable and they get harsh most of the time. Hence if you’re not able to tolerate working in harsh weather conditions then Iceland may not be for you. Moreover, due to the large presence of active volcanoes in its region, there is also a threat of natural disasters.
The Iceland Digital Nomad Visa has one of the shortest duration. Though Iceland is a good country for nomadism, it won’t suit you if you’re not ready for sudden climate changes and high living expenses.
Documents Required for Iceland Digital Nomad Visa
Here are the documents that you must have while applying for Iceland digital nomad visa:
- The Iceland remote pass requires your national passport copy along with a passport-size photograph.
- Download the application form and fill it out according to the requirements.
- Moreover, you must have the documents of your health insurance.
- While applying for an Iceland remote permit you have to give proof of your spotless criminal record.
- Proof of payment receipt of Iceland digital nomad visa application.
- Most importantly you have to show evidence that you’re self-employed or worked as a freelancer previously in your permanent residential country.
- A letter of confirmation from your employer is also required in which there must be a clear explanation of your stay in Iceland.
- You have to show your income proof to confirm whether you meet the income eligibility criteria.
- If you’re bringing your spouse with you then your marriage certificate is also required. For this, you have to pay an additional fee of around $2,000.
Eligibility Criteria for Iceland Digital Nomad Visa
Before applying you must know about being eligible for Iceland digital nomad visa. Here are the details:
- Iceland digital nomad visa is only issued to Non-Europeans.
- If you haven’t got any visa from Iceland for the past 1 year then you’re eligible to apply for this remote visa.
- Your monthly income must be $7,763 but if you’re willing to take your spouse with you then you have to meet the income criteria of $10,130.
- Your sole purpose for coming to Iceland on a digital nomad visa must be remote working with foreign countries/clients or you must be a self-employed person.
- Moreover, if your country doesn’t have any travel-free visa agreements with Iceland then you’re not eligible to apply for Iceland remote permit. Here is the list of countries having an agreement with Iceland.
Iceland Digital Nomad Visa Cost
The cost of an Iceland digital nomads visa is $96. Moreover, if you’re applying with your spouse or other family members then you have to pay a separate fee for each application form.
Iceland Digital Nomad Visa Income Tax
While living as a remote worker or digital nomad in Iceland you don’t have to pay any tax. But still, you have to pay the tax in your country.
How to apply for Iceland Digital Nomad Visa?
Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for Iceland digital nomad visa:
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Fee Submission
You have to submit the fee through bank transfer for Iceland remote permit application. You can find the details of the bank on the website “Directorate of Immigration“.
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Gather Documents
Now gather all your important documents required for Iceland’s digital nomad visa and download your application form via their website. Take out its print.
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Submission of Documents
After filling out the application form along with the necessary documents. You have to send these to the Iceland Directorate of Immigration through postage. Also, attach the fee submission receipt with your documents.
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Travel to Iceland
It will take at least a month to get their reply via email. After getting a positive response from the immigration authority, travel to Iceland and directly contact the immigration authorities so that they can issue you an Iceland remote visa.
Benefits of Working as a Digital Nomad in Iceland
You’ll enjoy living in Iceland as a digital nomad, here are some benefits that remote workers get while working from Iceland.
- You’ll not have any problems in Iceland while making connections and asking for help. Because Iceland has one of the happiest people in the world. Moreover, they are kind towards tourists.
- Despite having harsh weather conditions at times, Iceland is the fastest growing country in tech hence it has one of the fastest internet connections in the world. Thus remote workers don’t feel any problem with internet connection.
- The best part is that you don’t have to pay any tax in Iceland being a digital nomad or self-employed.
- Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world. There are hardly any crime scenarios in that country.
- Moreover you’ll enjoy high-quality life style and will get a closer look at the vibrant culture of this incredible nation.
- There are many strong communities of remote workers and digital nomads. Hence you’ll get an opportunity to connect with professionals in your field.
Best Cities for Digital Nomads in Iceland
Embrace the beauty and joy of the following cities especially recommended to digital nomads in Iceland:
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Reykjavík
Reykjavík is the capital of Iceland and is a hub of natural wonders. Despite its harsh climate, you’ll still enjoy it a lot there. The city isn’t very populated and hence there is peace all around. Reykjavík is one of the most expensive places to live in the world.
You’ll get an apartment minimum of $1500 rent per month. Moreover, an Airbnb will cost you around $2000-$3000 per month. Due to weather conditions, the locals eat seafood and lamb meat. But you can also try on other dishes as well. A few suggestions for visiting Reykjavík are Blue Lagoon and Black Beach.
If you’re thinking of touring around the whole city you can go by taxi which will cost you $3 and if you rent a car it will cost you $200 per day. Hence if you really wanna enrich your soul with the natural wonders of the world then Reykjavík is an ideal choice for you. The cost of living including food, accommodation and transportation per month is $3180.
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Egilsstadir
Egilsstadir is a small newly formed town in Iceland. It is not much farther than Reykjavík.
Despite being a small place you’ll still find many restaurants, cafes and fabulous activities in Egilsstadir. This place is surrounded by a breathtaking valley and is ideal for the renovation of your soul.
You may find hotels with good facilities. But for accommodation, I’ll suggest you rent an Airbnb cottage and they’ll cost you around $2,765 rent per month. You can also rent apartments in Egilsstadir like Lyngas Guesthouse and Ormurinn are one of the best choices. But they are too expensive.
Moreover, the food is homemade and affordable in most of the cafes of Egilsstadir. The cost of one meal is almost $17. The seafood of these cafes is also famous all around the town. Most importantly, the speed of the internet is 60 Mbps and its cost is $50 per month.
Egilsstadir is a place that will take you closer to nature. You’ll see giant mountains and hot springs surrounding the valley. Don’t forget to visit the famous Hallormsstadur National Forest where you can meet many species of plants, animals and birds.
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Akureyri
Akureyri is one of the friendliest places in Iceland. You’ll feel at home among the people of Akureyri. Here you’ll experience the adventurous nomadic lifestyle. The best thing is that Akureyri is cheaper than Reykjavík.
The cost of accommodation per month is $1360. Moreover, the bill for monthly internet service is around $57. The cafes have tantalizing and pocket-friendly meals. Unlike other places of Iceland in Akureyri, you’ll find architecture and art museums to visit. These places reflect the true culture of Iceland.
Ice climbing and hiking are adventurous activities to do. If you haven’t done it before then don’t need to worry because you’ll have experienced guides with you. Northern Lights grab the attention of the people at night and Akureyri is one of the best spots in Iceland to enjoy the peace and beauty of Auroras. You’ll never forget your time spent in such a beautiful piece of nature. Furthermore, the cost of living in Akureyri is around $4343.
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Vik
Vik is another place enveloped by the coastal area. People usually love this place for fishing. The best thing about Vik is that its weather isn’t harsh like other areas of Iceland. Moreover, oceans and beaches enhance the peace and beauty of this place.
For accommodation “Guest House Kenra” is the ideal choice, its monthly rent starts from $2187. You can spend your time near the beautiful Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. The nightlife in Vik is vibrant but the coworking spaces are few. Furthermore, the total cost of living for a digital nomad is around $4000.
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Selfoss
Selfoss has lush green beauty surrounding its landscape. The Olfus River that passes by makes it more enchanting. As a remote worker or digital nomad, you must choose to stay in “Solvangur Farm” in Selfoss.
Solvangur is famous for its horse riding. Moreover many hotels in Selfoss give free Wi-Fi access. Vatnsholt would be a great choice for accommodation; it gives a free internet connection and charges $107 for one night stay.
If you’re into books you can visit the famous Bokasafn Library. Moreover, the best place for hiking and looking for the beauty of Selfoss is “Thingvellier”. For food recommendations, I’d suggest visiting “Pylsuvagninn” where you can unleash the taste of traditional Icelandic food. The total cost of living including accommodation, transport and food for a digital nomad in Selfoss is more than $4000.
Best Co-working Spaces for Remote Workers in Iceland
Following is the list of best co-working spaces that Iceland offers to digital nomads or remote workers.
- Innovation House, Reykjavík.
- The Blue Bank, Thingeyri.
- Skurin, Flateyri Island.
- Regus, Reykjavík.
- Urban Farm, Akureyri.
- Snorragata 3, Siglufjördur.
- Fjord People, Ísafjörður.
Iceland Digital Nomad Visa Rejection Reasons
Due to some reasons, sometimes the digital nomad visa may get rejected by the immigration authority. Moreover, if we talk specifically about rejection reasons for Iceland digital nomad visa it includes:
- The main reason is insufficient or lack of proof of your income.
- If by mistake you have attached the wrong documents with your application then your Iceland remote visa application gets rejected.
- Moreover, when there is no clear explanation of your visit to Iceland it gets refused.
- As Iceland is the safest country in the world so if they see any past crime associations with you then they’ll not issue you the self-employment visa.
How to appeal for Iceland Digital Nomad Visa Refusal?
In case if “The Directorate of Immigration” rejects your visa application so follow the below-mentioned steps to appeal for Iceland digital nomad visa:
- Write an appeal letter within 15 days of rejection.
- According to the rules and regulations of the Iceland visa appeal letter, you must have to mention reference no., nationality and visa rejection date.
- Now start writing by adding a little introduction.
- In the next paragraph give strong arguments why your visa application shouldn’t be rejected.
- Attach all the supporting documents which are the core reasons for rejection.
- Moreover, don’t write too long a letter as it may seem unprofessional. So keep it concise and straightforward.
- At the end close the letter by giving your email, contact number and signature.
- You can submit your appeal through their email “postur@knu.is.”
Iceland Digital Nomad Visa Rejection Rate
You might be wondering if your Iceland digital nomad visa gets rejected. But stop thinking about rejection anymore. Because Iceland stands among those countries that have a low visa rejection rate of about 1.3% to 2%.
FAQS
1. What is the cost of living in Iceland for digital nomads?
Iceland is the most expensive country for digital nomads. It has a high cost of living which is around $4,000.
2. What is the internet speed in Iceland?
Iceland has the world’s fastest internet connection with a speed of 216 Mbps.
3. How long is the processing time for Iceland digital nomad visa?
It takes about at least a month to get a response from Iceland’s Directorate of Immigration about your digital nomad visa application.
4. More European countries with Digital Nomad Visa.
Here are some best European countries for digital nomads:
5. Can your family join you on Iceland digital nomad visa?
Yes, your family (your spouse and children) can join you for nomadism in Iceland. There are separate application forms for them and you have to pay a separate fee for each member.
Conclusion
Iceland may seem a difficult and expensive trip for your nomadism. But you’ll admire unleashing the beauty of the natural wonders of the world. So if you can afford it, don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit such an incredible piece of nature once in your life.
