Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

Whether you can travel lawfully as a business visitor or require work authorization depends on the types of activities you will be conducting during your time in Iceland. In case you are unsure if your activities constitute business or work, please seek advice from your immigration counsel.

Traveling for Business

What sorts of activities can I pursue as a business visitor?

Business visitors traveling to Iceland may engage in the activities below. This list is not comprehensive and other activities may qualify as business.

• Attend business meetings
• Attend conferences
• Develop professional business contacts
• Negotiate contracts

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Iceland?

European Union, US and many other select nationals do not require a visa to enter Iceland to conduct business activities and are eligible for a visa waiver. Iceland is a member of the Schengen Area, a free-travel zone comprised of 26 European countries. If your nationality is not found on the list of visa-waivered nationals for the Schengen Area, you must obtain a Schengen C Visa prior to travel. Both visa-waivered nationals and those who require a visa are authorized to travel to Iceland and throughout the Schengen area. However, travelers cannot spend more than 90 days within any 180-day period in the entire Schengen Area.

Working in Iceland

What sorts of activities require a work permit?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Icelandic law. This list is not comprehensive and many other professional activities are considered work in Iceland, even if conducted for a short duration.

• Hands-on technical work
• Repairs and maintenance
• Project planning and implementation
• Marketing
• Consulting

If I am traveling to Iceland for work, what type of work permit do I need?

Whether you require a work permit depends on your qualifications, whether your employer has an entity in Iceland, and the nature of your work. A common Icelandic work permit is the Temporary Work Permit (highly-skilled work permit).

Are there any nationals who are exempt from work permit requirements?

Nationals from the EU and European Economic Area do not require a work permit to work in Iceland. Registrations or other formalities may be required before these nationals can work or reside in Iceland.

What else should I know?

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection or work authorization entail careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.