Au Pair in Iceland: Visa & Legal Steps

In this page, we gathered all the important documents and procedures you need to follow to become an Au Pair in Iceland. Your application and the steps you’ll have to follow depend on your nationality and whether you are an EU/EFTA or a non-EU/EFTA citizen.

Click here to learn more about the program requirements and regulations for both Au Pairs and Host Families in Iceland.

General Required Documentation

Before starting the procedure, make sure you have the documents that apply to your nationality. The exact list depends on whether you are an EU/EFTA or a non-EU/EFTA citizen.

Health Insurance

Proof of valid health insurance

Proof of Support

Documents showing that the Host Family can support the Au Pair during the stay

Au Pair Agreement

A signed Au Pair agreement with the Host Family

Valid Passport / ID

A valid identification document. For non-EU applicants, a passport is mandatory

Criminal Record Certificate

For non-EU/EFTA applicants, as part of the residence permit process

Application Form / Fee Payment

Proof that the residence permit fee has been paid. For non-EU/EFTA applicants only

Passport Copy / Passport Photo

Copy of passport and passport photo. For non-EU applicants only

Free Registration as Candidate Free Registration as Family

Visa Categories

To be an Au Pair in Iceland, the procedure depends mainly on your nationality.

Au Pairs from an EU/EFTA country Au Pairs from a non-EU/EFTA country

Au Pairs from an EU/EFTA country

EU/EFTA citizens do not need a residence permit to stay in Iceland as an Au Pair. However, if they stay in Iceland for more than three months, they must register with Registers Iceland.

Requirements

Valid passport or national ID card
Au Pair agreement with the Host Family
For stays over 3 months: registration with Registers Iceland

Legal Steps

Entry into Iceland
EU/EFTA citizens do not need a residence permit to enter and stay in Iceland as an Au Pair.
Registration with Registers Iceland

If the stay is longer than three months, the Au Pair must register with Registers Iceland. This registration includes legal domicile in Iceland and an Icelandic ID number.

Au Pairs from a non-EU/EFTA country

Non-EU/EFTA citizens usually need a residence permit for an Au Pair placement before moving to Iceland. The permit is intended for people aged 18 to 25 who will live with a Host Family and work as an Au Pair.

Requirements

Age 18 to 25
Valid passport
Signed Au Pair agreement
Valid health insurance
Proof of support from the Host Family
Other possible supporting documents required for the application

Legal Steps

Residence Permit Application

The Au Pair must apply for a residence permit for Au Pair placement. The application is processed by the Directorate of Immigration. Find all the information about the Residence Permit application here.
Submit Supporting Documents
The application must include the required supporting documents, such as the Au Pair agreement, proof of insurance, proof of support, passport copy, passport photo, and other documents required by the Directorate of Immigration.
Pay the Application Fee

The current fee for an Au Pair residence permit is 120,000 ISK.
Photo for residence card/travel documents

If required, the Au Pair must book an appointment to have a photo taken for the residence card and travel documents. The passport photo should be 35x45 mm.
Visa application

The residence permit allows the Au Pair to stay in Iceland, but some applicants must also complete the travel-document or visa steps required for entry to Iceland. Iceland is part of the Schengen area, so visa requirements depend on nationality. Click here to check if you need a visa to become an Au Pair in Iceland.
Registration of Legal Domicile After Arrival

After arrival, the Au Pair must register legal domicile in Iceland with Registers Iceland. This is important because health insurance coverage and the Icelandic ID number are linked to legal domicile registration.
Undergo a medical examination

Some Au Pairs will have to undergo a medical examination within two weeks after they arrive in Iceland. Click here and check if this applies to you.
Opening a Bank Account

After registering legal domicile and receiving an Icelandic ID number (kennitala), the Au Pair may need to open a local bank account to receive pocket money and manage everyday expenses in Icelandic króna (ISK).

Additional Information

A residence permit for Au Pair placement is granted for the length of the agreement, but not for longer than one year. It may be renewed once for one additional year.

For non-EU/EFTA Au Pairs, private insurance is required at first. After six months from legal domicile registration, the Au Pair may become covered by Icelandic health insurance.

If the agreement is terminated early, the Directorate of Immigration must be notified. The rules on travel costs depend on the reason for termination. In some cases, the Host Family must pay all travel costs; in other cases, the Host Family must pay at least half.