Au Pair DestinationsIcelandAu Pair in Iceland: Visa Information

Au Pair in Iceland: Visa Information

Non-EEA/EFTA citizens aged 18–25 who wish to work as an Au Pair in Iceland must apply for a residence permit from the Directorate of Immigration. The application requires a valid passport, a signed Au Pair contract, a clear police record, health insurance with coverage of at least 2,000,000 ISK, and proof of the Host Family's financial means. The application must be submitted in its original form on paper (it can be sent by regular mail to the Directorate of Immigration or delivered to the drop box in the Directorate’s reception).
 
EU/EEA/EFTA citizens and Swiss nationals do not require a residence permit to work as an Au Pair in Iceland.
 
Iceland’s Au Pair program allows young people aged 18-25 to live with a Host Family, support with childcare, learn Icelandic, and participate in cultural exchange. Non-EU citizens require a residence permit to work as an Au Pair in Iceland. EU/EEA citizens do not require a permit for stays of up to three months, but must register if they intend to stay longer. The residence permit must be approved before arrival for all Non-EEA/EFTA citizens.
 
Note: The Au Pair residence permit only allows Au Pair duties, it does not allow other types of work.

Requirements for EU/EEA/EFTA and Non-EEA Citizens

EU/EEA/EFTA Citizens

Au Pairs from the Nordic countries do not need a residence permit to work as an Au Pair in Iceland. Candidates from all other EEA countries who are staying up to 3 months in Iceland also do not need a residence permit nor a visa. If you stay longer, you must register with Register Iceland after your initial three-month period.

Required documents for registration:

Non-EEA Citizens

Non-EEA applicants must apply for an Au Pair Residence Permit with the Directorate of Immigration in Iceland BEFORE entering the country. 

Steps for Non-EEA applicants:

  1. Apply for the Au Pair Residence Permit
  2. Wait for approval
  3. If required, obtain an entry visa (D-visa) AFTER the residence permit is approved
  4. Travel to Iceland
  5. Complete arrival procedures and receive your residence permit card
 
More information can be found here:

Required Documents for the Au Pair Residence Permit

The following documents must be submitted to apply for the Au Pair residence permit:

1. Valid Passport

Applicants need:
  • A color copy of a valid passport (must be valid for at least 90 days after the expiry date of the permit applied for.)
  • Two passport photos (should be 35x45 mm) 

2. Au Pair Contract

When applying for the permit, you must also submit a copy of the contract between you, the Au Pair, and your Host Family to the Directorate of Immigration. Both parties need to sign the Au Pair contract. 

3. Clear Criminal Record

To become an Au Pair in Iceland, candidates will need to present a clear criminal record. Usually, they can request this document at the local police station.

4. Health Insurance Confirmation

Applicants must submit a confirmation of a health insurance that is valid in Iceland for at least 6 months. It should cover at least ISK 2,000,000 and must be granted by an insurance company with a license to operate in Iceland. You can find a list of Icelandic insurance companies on the Financial Supervisory Authority's website (under 'Vátryggingafélög' – Insurance Companies).

5. Proof of Financial Support

The Host Family must prove they have enough money to cover the Au Pair’s needs according to Icelandic regulations. Check here to see what secure support options are available.

6. Payment Receipt

First, you need to pay the processing fee by bank transfer and submit the payment receipt with your application for confirmation. See the information on how to pay the processing fee.
 
Tip: Always contact the Icelandic Embassy or the Directorate of Immigration to confirm the latest requirements.

What to Do When You Arrive in Iceland (EEA/EU vs. Non-EEA)

Different rules apply depending on whether you are an EU/EEA/EFTA citizen or a non-EEA citizen. Below is a clear overview of what each group needs to do after arriving in Iceland.

EU/EEA/EFTA Citizens

EU/EEA/EFTA Au Pairs do not need a residence permit, but they still have certain obligations after arrival:

1. Register Your Stay (within 3 months)

EEA citizens staying longer than 3 months must register in Iceland’s Registers Iceland (Þjóðskrá) system.

2. Housing Confirmation

Your Host Family must confirm that you live at their address (standard procedure for anyone registering in Iceland).

3. Health Insurance

You must have valid insurance until you are covered by Iceland’s national system.

4. Medical Examination

While the 'medical examination requirement' is usually part of the process for non-EEA citizens, Iceland also requires Au Pairs from EU/EEA countries to undergo a tuberculosis screening, depending on their country of origin.

Non-EEA Citizens (Residence Permit Holders)

If you are a non-EEA citizen, you must complete all of the following steps after your arrival:

1. Registration by the Host Family

Your Host Family must register your arrival with the Directorate of Immigration or the local district commissioner (Sýslumaður).

2. Photo for the Residence Permit Card

Once you are in Iceland, you must appear in person for your photo to be taken for your residence permit card.

3. Medical Examination

Non-EEA Au Pairs must undergo a medical examination within two weeks of arriving in Iceland. This is required by the Health Security and Communicable Diseases Act.

4. Submit Medical Results

The medical certificate must be submitted to the Directorate of Immigration.

5. Receive Your Residence Permit Card

Once all documents have been submitted, the residence permit card is usually issued within approximately 10 days.

Important Restrictions

  • The Au Pair residence permit is not a work permit
  • Au Pairs may only perform Au Pair duties for their Host Family
  • The stay is limited to a maximum of 12 months
  • The permit cannot be extended for a second family or additional period


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