Iceland’s government has approved a proposed immigration reform bill that would introduce stricter requirements for permanent residency, family reunification, and residence permits for foreign nationals.
The proposal, introduced by the Minister of Justice, is described as the country’s biggest overhaul of its residence permit system in a decade. Under the proposed rules, the minimum residency period for permanent residency would increase from four years to six years, while applicants would also need to have no outstanding public debt and provide clear proof of identity.
The bill also proposes stricter family reunification requirements, including increasing the minimum cohabitation period from one year to two years. Both spouses would need to be at least 24 years old when the residence permit is granted, and applicants would have to provide suitable housing for their families.
Alongside tighter immigration rules, the legislation would introduce protections for foreign workers suspected of human trafficking or labour exploitation. Eligible individuals could receive temporary residence permits for up to 12 months to pursue their rights and seek alternative employment. The proposal would also abolish au pair residence permits for nationals from countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA).
The proposed reforms aim to align Iceland’s immigration framework with other Nordic countries while improving the clarity and consistency of its residence permit system.
