Working in Iceland — guides for internationals
Practical, plain-English guides for foreigners moving to Iceland for work. No Icelandic required to read them — or, for many jobs, to land them. Start with a guide below, then browse open jobs in Iceland.
How to get a job in Iceland without speaking Icelandic
A practical guide to finding work in Iceland in English. Which jobs need no Icelandic, where to look, and how to apply as a foreigner — step by step.
Kennitala & work permits: working in Iceland as a foreigner
What a kennitala is, who needs a work permit in Iceland, and the difference between EEA/EFTA and non-EEA workers. A plain-English starter guide for foreigners.
Writing a CV that works in Iceland (European style)
How to write a CV for jobs in Iceland: European format, length, what to include and what to leave out. Practical tips for foreigners applying in English.
Which Icelandic industries hire English speakers
The Icelandic industries most open to English speakers and foreigners — tourism, logistics, construction, care, cleaning and tech. Where newcomers find work.
Job interviews in Iceland: what to expect
How job interviews work in Iceland — informal but punctual, what employers ask foreigners, and how to prepare. A confidence-building guide in plain English.
Cost of living & salaries in Reykjavík for newcomers
What newcomers should know about the cost of living and pay in Reykjavík, Iceland — housing, transport, daily costs and how wages and unions work, in plain English.
Your Rights as a Worker in Iceland: What Every Employee Is Entitled To
A plain-English guide to your rights as a worker in Iceland — wage agreements, contracts, holiday and sick pay, working hours, and where to turn for help. The same rights apply to foreigners.
Trade Unions in Iceland Explained (Stéttarfélag): A Guide for Foreign Workers
What an Icelandic trade union (stéttarfélag) is and why it matters if you work in Iceland as a foreigner. Learn about dues, your rights, member benefits, and how unions help underpaid workers.
How to Get a Kennitala in Iceland: A Step-by-Step Guide for Newcomers
New to Iceland? Learn what a kennitala is, why you need one for work, banking and daily life, and the general steps EEA and non-EEA newcomers take to get set up.
Opening a Bank Account in Iceland as a Foreigner: A Newcomer's Guide
A clear, friendly guide to opening a bank account in Iceland as a foreigner — why you need one, getting your kennitala first, the main banks, what to bring, and using electronic ID.
Avoiding Job Scams and Worker Exploitation in Iceland: A Guide for Foreign Workers
Learn how to spot job scams and worker exploitation in Iceland, protect yourself with written contracts and payslips, and know who to contact for help.
Getting a Tax Card and How Income Tax Works in Iceland: A Guide for Foreign Workers
A clear, friendly guide to the Icelandic tax card (skattkort), the personal tax credit, and how income tax works for foreign workers in Iceland.