Unless you are an EU or EEA citizen, you will need to apply for an Iceland student visa (D Visa.) It’s granted to applicants who wish to study in Icelandic educational institutions for more than three months.
If you’re ready to embark on your journey at the “Land of Fire and Ice,” then read on its student visa application process below.
What documents do you need to apply for a student visa in Iceland?
The requirements set out by the Icelandic Directorate need to be in either English or Nordic.
As for non-EU students, the documents needed are:
Accomplished form for residence permit application
Here, you need to detail your:
- Name
- Address
- Passport information
- Names of spouse or partner and children
- Names of your parents
- Language skills and educational level
- Details of your program in Iceland
- Criminal record details
Download the form here and make sure to fill it up completely.
Copy of passport bio-page
Passport-sized photos
You will need a colored, 35 by 45 mm photo (at least 600 dpi, two pieces) to attach to your application form.
Ensure that your photos meet these other requirements:
- Taken within the last six months
- White background
- Straight head position
- Eyes and ears visible
- No smiling (neutral expression)
- Headgear is not allowed, except if for religious purposes
- Beard is permitted only if it’s part of the student’s everyday look
Proof of registration
The student must be registered in a full-time program of at least 30 ECTS per semester. In most cases, the applicant may only get this once the registration fee has been paid.
Proof of secure financial support
Currently, the Icelandic Directorate requires individual applicants to have funding amounting to ISK 189,875 ($1485) per month. This should be accessible for at least six months.
An original stamped bank statement (with bank balance) may demonstrate proof of such support for your student visa in Iceland. It could come from more than one sponsor.
Note: the bank’s currency should be registered in the Central Bank of Iceland.
Sponsors receiving support payments (disability, unemployment) may provide proof of these as well.
As for students with scholarships or student loans, proof of these funding sources should be submitted with the rest of the documents.
Criminal record certificates
This record must cover the student’s history for the last five years to get a student visa inIceland. The document must:
- Come from all countries where the student has lived in the previous five years
- Be released within the last six months
- For US students/residents, the certificate should come with fingerprint registration
- Be certified or apostilled by the Icelandic embassy or ministry for foreign affairs
Health insurance
The student must have insurance that will cover them at least for the first six months in Iceland. The requirements are as follows:
- Have a total coverage amount of ISK 2,000,000 ($15,660)
- Be purchased from a company that is licensed in Iceland
After six months, the student will be automatically covered by the country’s national insurance system.
Note: It’s cheaper to buy insurance from Icelandic companies.
EU and EEA citizens, on the other hand, must complete these requirements:
- Completed application form
- Valid passport or legal travel document
- Acceptance letter or confirmation of admission
- Payment receipt for registration fees (except for exchange students)
- Financial support documentation (bank statement with a photocopy of parents’ or guardians’ IDs)
- Proof of medical insurance
On the other hand, Nordic citizens only need to prepare proof of insurance before entering Iceland.
Check Also: Programs in Europe for International Students
How much money do you need for an Icelandic Student Visa?
The visa cost and the visa renewal will cost you ISK 6000 or $50 per application.
Steps on Applying for a Student Visa in Iceland
Here’s what you need to do to get an Iceland student visa.
1. Complete the requirements.
Make sure that you have all the documents above complete and ready.
2. Send your application to the Directorate.
You should address your application packet to the Directorate of Immigration. The address can be found in the visa application link found at the beginning of this article.
It’s essential to send your documents before June 1 (Autumn semester) or November 1 (Spring semester.)
3. Wait for the visa/permit to be granted.
The processing time of the student visa for Iceland ranges from 15 to 60 days.
4. Fly to Iceland and resume the residence permit application process.
Within two weeks of your arrival in Iceland, you will need to do the following:
Make sure to complete this form before proceeding to the next step.
- Register with the Directorate of Immigration
Head to the Immigration office, which is located at Dalvegur 18, 201 Kópavogur. You don’t need to set an appointment for this. You can walk in every Monday to Thursday, from 9 am to 2 pm. It’s also open every Friday from 9 am to 12 pm.
Make sure to bring your passport, travel documents, and housing permit with you. You will need to submit these to the Immigration office.
For EU/EEA and Nordic students, the registration may be completed at the service desks of their respective universities.
5. Undergo a medical exam as needed.
Students who need to undergo a physical exam will have to visit the Communicable Disease Control Health Clinic, located at Þönglabakki 1, 109 Reykjavík. It is open daily from 8 am – 4 pm. Make sure to set up an appointment before you go to the clinic.
If it is impossible for you to go to this clinic, you may schedule an exam with any accredited primary health care center in Iceland.
6. Wait for your Icelandic ID/permit.
Once your application has been approved, you may expect to receive your permit by mail within ten days.
Do remember that this is only valid for one year. You can renew it at least four weeks before it expires.
We hope that this article on getting a student visa in Iceland was helpful. If you are interested in studying in Europe, make sure to check out Available Programs in Europe for International Students.
