How to move to Iceland: a step-by-step guide for foreigners
Moving to Iceland is very doable — thousands of people do it every year — but it goes far more smoothly when you take the steps in the right order. This guide walks you through moving to Iceland as a foreigner: whether you can live here, how to line up a job, and the practical admin (kennitala, housing, banking) that turns a plan into a life in Reykjavík or beyond.
Step 1: Check whether you can live and work here
Your starting point depends on your citizenship. If you are from an EEA/EFTA country (the EU plus Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland), you have the right to move to Iceland, look for work and settle — you simply register your residence after arriving. If you are from outside the EEA/EFTA, you will generally need a residence permit that allows work, and that is usually tied to a specific job offer. Sorting out which route applies to you first saves a lot of wasted effort.
Step 2: Line up work (ideally before you arrive)
A job makes everything else easier — and for non-EEA movers it is usually required. Iceland's economy is small and fast-growing, so employers hire from abroad year-round in tourism, construction, warehousing, cleaning, kitchens, care and tech. Many roles are done entirely in English. Browse open, English-friendly jobs on hy.is, build a free CV, and start applying: you can search and apply from anywhere before you move.
Step 3: Get your kennitala
Your kennitala is your Icelandic ID number, and almost everything official runs on it — getting paid, renting, banking, healthcare. Registering your residence after you arrive is how you get or confirm it. Do this early; it removes friction from every later step. See our dedicated guide on how to get a kennitala in Iceland.
Step 4: Find somewhere to live
Housing — especially in Reykjavík — is the tightest part of moving to Iceland, so start early and be ready to move fast. Expect to show ID/kennitala and often a deposit. Beware of rental scams (never pay before seeing a place and a real contract). Our guide on finding a place to rent in Iceland covers where to look and how to avoid the traps.
Step 5: Money — bank account, tax card, wages
To be paid correctly you will need a kennitala and a tax card so the right tax is withheld; your employer runs the payroll. Opening an Icelandic bank account is straightforward once you have your kennitala. Read up on the cost of living and typical salaries in Reykjavík so your budget is realistic before you commit.
Step 6: Settle in
Once the admin is done, life gets good. Iceland is safe, English is widely spoken, and there are active communities of foreigners who share tips and job leads. A few words of Icelandic help socially, and free or low-cost beginner courses are easy to find. Don't wait for everything to feel perfect before you start — momentum comes from applying for jobs and getting the first steps done.
Start today
The people who move to Iceland successfully are the ones who begin before they feel fully ready. Browse English-speaking jobs in Iceland now, save the ones that fit, and turn on email alerts so new roles reach you first — your move starts with the first application.