student work permit in iceland
If you are a student, there is a chance that you will have to do a work permit abroad at some point in your academic career. If this is the case, be sure that you read this article and make the most out of it.
What do you need to know before applying for a work permit in Iceland as a student. In this article, I will cover all aspects related to the application process which starts with the planning of your trip and ends when you get your passport with a work permit. What’s not included in the article is how to find or prepare a job in Iceland. That will be left up to you, since every situation is unique.
Students in Iceland are eligible for a work permit that lets them work in Iceland while they study. The program is called the “ student work permit,” and each year thousands of students ask how to get one. In this article you can learn all about the conditions, how to apply and find potential employers to apply with.
If you’re a student and want to come to Iceland, you’ll need a student work permit.
To get one of these, you’ll need to first apply for a residence permit in Iceland. You can do that through the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration (Ísland).
Once your residence permit has been approved, you can then apply for a student work permit. If you are an EU/EEA citizen or family member of an EU/EEA citizen and have received an offer from a university in Iceland, this process is much easier than if you’re not from the EU/EEA area.
If you’re not from the EU/EEA area, but are still able to study at an Icelandic university, it’s still possible to get a student work permit through Touriago!
Students and graduates from non-EU countries can work in Iceland with a student work permit. The permit is issued by the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration, and it allows you to work in Iceland for up to 9 months. The permit is valid from the date of your arrival until December 31st of that year.
To apply for a student work permit, you must submit an application form and other documents to the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration in Reykjavík. You must also submit proof that you have received full-time education at an educational institution or in vocational training in Iceland.
All work permit applications should be submitted to The Directorate of Immigration, which will then forward your application to the Directorate of Labour, where all work permit applications are processed and issued. To avoid processing delays of your application, please ensure that all the requested information and supporting documents are included in the original application package. Ensure that your documents are in order and that both you and your employer have signed your application.
TEMPORARY WORK PERMIT FOR A JOB THAT REQUIRES EXPERT KNOWLEDGE
As a foreign expert from outside the EEA, EFTA or Faroe Islands, you are required to apply for a work permit on these grounds in Iceland. The prerequisites to obtaining this work permit are:
- You have expert knowledge
- The potential employer was unable to find someone locally, or within the EEA, EFTA states, and the Faroe Islands with your education, skills, and expertise
- Your experience is essential to the company
- You have a signed contract with your potential employer
THE DOCUMENTS YOU WILL HAVE TO PROVIDE
- Your application for a temporary work permit for a job that requires expert knowledge. Please check that the application form is completely filled out and that the relevant Icelandic trade union has confirmed the terms and conditions of employment conform to Icelandic collective agreements in section IV of the application form. Please ensure that the application has been signed by you and your employer.
- A contract of employment between yourself and your employer that includes information about your job title, description, and the pension fund you will be contributing to. The terms and conditions of your employment must be similar to other experts in your sector.
- A certified copy of your diploma(s) in Icelandic or English.
- If your expert knowledge is based on extensive experience, you must include evidence on previous employment regarding your positions, duties, and employment duration. Please note that generally, at least seven years of relevant work experience matches a university degree.
- Information regarding your employer’s attempts to hire an Icelandic, EEA, EFTA, or Faroese national before hiring you is to be submitted by the employer.
- Confirmation that your employer will pay for your return travel to a specified country if your contract is cut short due to reasons beyond your control, or if you become disabled due to illness or accident.
When you apply to extend your expert work permit, only items 1 and 2 must be provided. Temporary work permits for a job that requires specialist knowledge can be the basis for an unrestricted work permit.
More details.
LEGAL PROFESSIONAL TITLE
If your job requires a legal professional title, you must also apply to have your qualifications accredited in Iceland by the relevant authorities.
If you are a professional in technical services or design, applications for the accreditation of your professional title should be submitted to the Ministry of Industries and Innovation:
- The application
- Information in English
- Useful information and appropriate links in Icelandic
If you are a medical professional, you will apply for this at the Directorate of Health. Here is a list of medical professional names that require a legal professional title, in Icelandic.
TAX DISCOUNT FOR FOREIGN EXPERTS
Only 75% of your income earned as a foreign expert is taxed for the first three years of work in Iceland as long as certain conditions are met.
Additional information about the tax incentive and the current provisions can be found on the Directorate of Internal Revenue webpage. You can apply for this tax discount through the Icelandic Centre for Research. Your application must be submitted no later than three months from the date you start working in Iceland.
Conclusion
Touriago.com is an informational website that helps students obtain a work permit in Iceland. Many schools in different countries around the world require their students to gain work experience as part of their curriculum. In order for students to get this valuable experience, they must obtain special work permits from their governments. This requires some things like a UIN number for students who are attending an Icelandic school and a tax identification number for anyone working in the country. Touriago.com will help students navigate this tenuous process.