Application Process for Work and Residence Permit

Below you can see how the process works, when you apply for a work permit in Iceland.  This is a translation of a chart made available in Icelandic at the Department of Employment web site.  See the following words for clarification:

Work Permit = Permit to work in Iceland
Residence Permit = Permit to Reside in Iceland
Employer = Your future Employer, once you have found a job in Iceland
State Unemployment Offices = "Svæðisvinnumiðlun" State operated employment agencies.
EES = European Economic Area.  Foreigners from these countries have preference for jobs.
Trade or National Union = The relevant Trade or National union, for which the job falls under.
Directorate of Immigration = "Útlendingaeftirlitið" The branch of the Icelandic government that handles the affairs of foreign nationals.
Directorate of Labour - "Vinnumálastofnun" The branch of the Icelandic government that handles the affairs of employment.


Application Process for Time limited work permit and residence permit

Employer advertises the vacancy at the state unemployment offices or the EES job agency.

Employer obtains and completes an application form on behalf of the foreign national and submits it to the relevant Trade or National  Union for comments.

The Trade or National Union will provide their negative or positive comments within 14 days.

Employer submits the application and comments from the Trade or National Union to the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration.

Directorate of Immigration grants a residence permit and passes application to the Directorate of Labour.

 Directorate of Immigration declines the application for residence permit - Application sent back to Employer.

Directorate of Labour grants the work permit, once the State Employment Agency confirms that it has been unable to employ an Icelandic citizen or EES citizen for the role.  Notice sent to Employer and foreigners address if known.  Copy sent to Directorate of Immigration.

Directorate of Labour declines the application for work permit - Application sent back to Employer.

Directorate of Immigration issues a license in the name of the foreigner, with proof of work and residence permit.

Employer collects the licenses from the Directorate of Immigration and pay's a processing fee of ISK 500,- (ca AUD$10.-)

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