The advantages and disadvantages of living in Iceland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\nAdvantages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Unique flora and fauna<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The country is considered to be the safest in the world<\/a>, ranking first in the Global Peace Index for the 14th consecutive year<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Living in a country that is considered one of the happiest in the world! According to the latest World Happiness Report<\/a>, Iceland ranks third among the countries where people are happiest<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A dynamic job market, with an employment rate of 80% (higher than the OECD average of 70.3%)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A significant historical heritage and a very rich culture, particularly with Norse mythology and Icelandic folklore<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A relatively young country, where the average age of residents is around 38<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Disadvantages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- The Icelandic language is quite difficult to learn for both French and English speakers. However, it should be noted that the majority of inhabitants speak English well<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The weather is very often unstable<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It is light all the time for part of the year… between May and August, the sun never completely sets, which can be surprising<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The cost of living in Iceland is one of the highest in Europe<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Administrative procedures for moving to Iceland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Iceland is not part of the European Union, but it belongs to the Schengen area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For EU nationals:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
EU citizens, like all citizens of an EU member country, can reside in the country for up to 90 days without a visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond this period, an application for long-term residence must be submitted to the national registry office<\/a>. The procedure can be completed online. Several supporting documents are required, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- A copy of your valid passport<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A recent passport photo<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A document relating to your professional situation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Proof of residence<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Proof of marital status<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Applications are usually processed within 10 working days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For third-country nationals:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A visa is required for both short-term and long-term stays. To apply, visit the Immigration Department website and go to the relevant section: https:\/\/island.is\/en\/o\/directorate-of-immigration<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nOnce you have obtained your long-term residence permit, you will automatically be assigned a kennitala<\/em><\/strong>. This is a unique 10-digit personal code, similar to a National Insurance number in the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOnce you have it, you can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Open a bank account<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Get a phone line<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Register your accommodation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Be recognised as a tax resident in Iceland<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n Looking for health coverage abroad?<\/span>\n \n \n \n
Discover today our plans in just a few clics.<\/h2>\n \n <\/div>\n\n \n \nget a free quote<\/a><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nFinding accommodation in Iceland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Icelandic property market is quite tight, especially in Reykjavik. Supply is struggling to keep up with demand, which is driving up house prices. To rent, a small flat in the city centre costs an average of \u20ac1,900<\/strong> per month. If you want to buy, expect to pay around \u20ac6,500<\/strong> per square metre.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTo find the ideal place to live, you can visit Iceland before you move or search online using classified ad websites such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Igloo<\/a> (formerly Leiga.is<\/em>)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- MBL<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Visir<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
You can also use a local estate agent, but this will obviously involve additional costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe cost of living in Iceland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Iceland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, just behind Switzerland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- If you plan to live alone in Iceland, you will need an average budget of \u20ac3,100 per month, including rent.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If you are planning to move with your family, bear in mind that a family of four needs \u20ac7,600 per month to live comfortably in the country.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
This high cost of living is due to several factors, including Iceland’s geographical isolation. A large proportion of products are imported, which tends to increase the cost of basic foodstuffs and raw materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The population is also small, with fewer than 400,000 inhabitants. This means that the market is limited, which pushes shops and businesses to increase the price of their services to be more profitable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are interested in this topic, check out our comprehensive guide to the cost of living in Iceland, where we detail each expense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Iceland?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The average monthly salary in Iceland is around 902,000 Icelandic kronur<\/strong>, or \u20ac6,300<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThis allows a single person to live comfortably in the country with a standard lifestyle. A family will, of course, need a higher income.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nGetting around<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\nBuses are the main form of public transport in the country, particularly the comprehensive network operated by the national company, Str\u00e6t\u00f3. You can easily plan your journeys on their website: https:\/\/www.straeto.is\/en<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nWe also recommend downloading the Klappi\u00f0 app to buy tickets and organise your journeys more easily: https:\/\/www.klappid.is\/en\/buy-tickets\/klappid-app<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nFor long-distance travel, flights are the most convenient option, particularly those offered by Icelandair.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n![\"Ice](\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/ice-bergs-jokulsarlon-glacial-lake-iceland-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nYou can also travel by car, which is the ideal way to get out of the city at the weekend or to explore Iceland’s regions. However, be aware that the road network can sometimes be … unusual!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Signage is limited,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- And not all roads are paved, so there may be potholes and gravel.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Living in Iceland like a true Icelander<\/h2>\n\n\n\nWith your family<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Iceland is a family-friendly country with a strong education system, a high level of safety and many outdoor activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most schools are public, although there are private schools, particularly in Reykjavik. Here is a ranking of the best schools in the country offering bilingual education (Icelandic and English):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Hamrahlid College<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The International School of Iceland<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The International Department of Landakotskoli<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
For parents of young children, there is a childcare service called “dagforeldri” or \u201cdagmamma\u201d, meaning “day parents”. It is also worth noting that all childcare services are subsidised by the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the swimming pool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If there’s one thing you can’t miss in Icelandic social life, it’s the swimming pool! All citizens love to relax almost daily in “sundlaug” (swimming pools) or in natural hot springs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can find all the public swimming pools available in Reykjavik by neighbourhood on this official website: https:\/\/reykjavik.is\/en\/swimming-pools<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dealing with unpredictable weather<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
As you will have realised, the weather in Iceland is unpredictable. The island has a harsh climate that can change several times in the course of a single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The average temperature in summer rarely exceeds 20\u00b0C and averages between -5 and 5\u00b0C in winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We recommend that you always have a backup plan for your outings in case the weather changes suddenly!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nWork and taxes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Icelandic job market<\/a> is fairly dynamic, with a low unemployment rate<\/a> of 2.8% in June 2025. Some sectors recruit more skilled expats than others, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Healthcare<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Construction<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Finance<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Energy<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- New technologies<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tourism<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Officially, the working week is generally 40 hours spread over 5 days. However, since 2015, many Icelandic companies have been experimenting with a 4-day week, with 36 to 37 hours of work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Advantages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Unique flora and fauna<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The country is considered to be the safest in the world<\/a>, ranking first in the Global Peace Index for the 14th consecutive year<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Living in a country that is considered one of the happiest in the world! According to the latest World Happiness Report<\/a>, Iceland ranks third among the countries where people are happiest<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A dynamic job market, with an employment rate of 80% (higher than the OECD average of 70.3%)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A significant historical heritage and a very rich culture, particularly with Norse mythology and Icelandic folklore<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A relatively young country, where the average age of residents is around 38<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Disadvantages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- The Icelandic language is quite difficult to learn for both French and English speakers. However, it should be noted that the majority of inhabitants speak English well<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The weather is very often unstable<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It is light all the time for part of the year… between May and August, the sun never completely sets, which can be surprising<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The cost of living in Iceland is one of the highest in Europe<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Administrative procedures for moving to Iceland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Iceland is not part of the European Union, but it belongs to the Schengen area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For EU nationals:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
EU citizens, like all citizens of an EU member country, can reside in the country for up to 90 days without a visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond this period, an application for long-term residence must be submitted to the national registry office<\/a>. The procedure can be completed online. Several supporting documents are required, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- A copy of your valid passport<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A recent passport photo<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A document relating to your professional situation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Proof of residence<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Proof of marital status<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Applications are usually processed within 10 working days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For third-country nationals:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A visa is required for both short-term and long-term stays. To apply, visit the Immigration Department website and go to the relevant section: https:\/\/island.is\/en\/o\/directorate-of-immigration<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nOnce you have obtained your long-term residence permit, you will automatically be assigned a kennitala<\/em><\/strong>. This is a unique 10-digit personal code, similar to a National Insurance number in the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOnce you have it, you can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Open a bank account<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Get a phone line<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Register your accommodation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Be recognised as a tax resident in Iceland<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n Looking for health coverage abroad?<\/span>\n \n \n \n
Discover today our plans in just a few clics.<\/h2>\n \n <\/div>\n\n \n \nget a free quote<\/a><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nFinding accommodation in Iceland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Icelandic property market is quite tight, especially in Reykjavik. Supply is struggling to keep up with demand, which is driving up house prices. To rent, a small flat in the city centre costs an average of \u20ac1,900<\/strong> per month. If you want to buy, expect to pay around \u20ac6,500<\/strong> per square metre.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTo find the ideal place to live, you can visit Iceland before you move or search online using classified ad websites such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Igloo<\/a> (formerly Leiga.is<\/em>)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- MBL<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Visir<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
You can also use a local estate agent, but this will obviously involve additional costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe cost of living in Iceland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Iceland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, just behind Switzerland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- If you plan to live alone in Iceland, you will need an average budget of \u20ac3,100 per month, including rent.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If you are planning to move with your family, bear in mind that a family of four needs \u20ac7,600 per month to live comfortably in the country.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
This high cost of living is due to several factors, including Iceland’s geographical isolation. A large proportion of products are imported, which tends to increase the cost of basic foodstuffs and raw materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The population is also small, with fewer than 400,000 inhabitants. This means that the market is limited, which pushes shops and businesses to increase the price of their services to be more profitable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are interested in this topic, check out our comprehensive guide to the cost of living in Iceland, where we detail each expense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Iceland?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The average monthly salary in Iceland is around 902,000 Icelandic kronur<\/strong>, or \u20ac6,300<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThis allows a single person to live comfortably in the country with a standard lifestyle. A family will, of course, need a higher income.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nGetting around<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\nBuses are the main form of public transport in the country, particularly the comprehensive network operated by the national company, Str\u00e6t\u00f3. You can easily plan your journeys on their website: https:\/\/www.straeto.is\/en<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nWe also recommend downloading the Klappi\u00f0 app to buy tickets and organise your journeys more easily: https:\/\/www.klappid.is\/en\/buy-tickets\/klappid-app<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nFor long-distance travel, flights are the most convenient option, particularly those offered by Icelandair.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nYou can also travel by car, which is the ideal way to get out of the city at the weekend or to explore Iceland’s regions. However, be aware that the road network can sometimes be … unusual!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Signage is limited,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- And not all roads are paved, so there may be potholes and gravel.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Living in Iceland like a true Icelander<\/h2>\n\n\n\nWith your family<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Iceland is a family-friendly country with a strong education system, a high level of safety and many outdoor activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most schools are public, although there are private schools, particularly in Reykjavik. Here is a ranking of the best schools in the country offering bilingual education (Icelandic and English):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Hamrahlid College<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The International School of Iceland<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The International Department of Landakotskoli<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
For parents of young children, there is a childcare service called “dagforeldri” or \u201cdagmamma\u201d, meaning “day parents”. It is also worth noting that all childcare services are subsidised by the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the swimming pool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If there’s one thing you can’t miss in Icelandic social life, it’s the swimming pool! All citizens love to relax almost daily in “sundlaug” (swimming pools) or in natural hot springs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can find all the public swimming pools available in Reykjavik by neighbourhood on this official website: https:\/\/reykjavik.is\/en\/swimming-pools<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dealing with unpredictable weather<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
As you will have realised, the weather in Iceland is unpredictable. The island has a harsh climate that can change several times in the course of a single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The average temperature in summer rarely exceeds 20\u00b0C and averages between -5 and 5\u00b0C in winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We recommend that you always have a backup plan for your outings in case the weather changes suddenly!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nWork and taxes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Icelandic job market<\/a> is fairly dynamic, with a low unemployment rate<\/a> of 2.8% in June 2025. Some sectors recruit more skilled expats than others, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Healthcare<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Construction<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Finance<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Energy<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- New technologies<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tourism<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Officially, the working week is generally 40 hours spread over 5 days. However, since 2015, many Icelandic companies have been experimenting with a 4-day week, with 36 to 37 hours of work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Disadvantages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- The Icelandic language is quite difficult to learn for both French and English speakers. However, it should be noted that the majority of inhabitants speak English well<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The weather is very often unstable<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It is light all the time for part of the year… between May and August, the sun never completely sets, which can be surprising<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The cost of living in Iceland is one of the highest in Europe<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Administrative procedures for moving to Iceland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Iceland is not part of the European Union, but it belongs to the Schengen area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For EU nationals:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
EU citizens, like all citizens of an EU member country, can reside in the country for up to 90 days without a visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond this period, an application for long-term residence must be submitted to the national registry office<\/a>. The procedure can be completed online. Several supporting documents are required, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- A copy of your valid passport<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A recent passport photo<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A document relating to your professional situation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Proof of residence<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Proof of marital status<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Applications are usually processed within 10 working days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For third-country nationals:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A visa is required for both short-term and long-term stays. To apply, visit the Immigration Department website and go to the relevant section: https:\/\/island.is\/en\/o\/directorate-of-immigration<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nOnce you have obtained your long-term residence permit, you will automatically be assigned a kennitala<\/em><\/strong>. This is a unique 10-digit personal code, similar to a National Insurance number in the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOnce you have it, you can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Open a bank account<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Get a phone line<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Register your accommodation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Be recognised as a tax resident in Iceland<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n Looking for health coverage abroad?<\/span>\n \n \n \n
Discover today our plans in just a few clics.<\/h2>\n \n <\/div>\n\n \n \nget a free quote<\/a><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nFinding accommodation in Iceland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Icelandic property market is quite tight, especially in Reykjavik. Supply is struggling to keep up with demand, which is driving up house prices. To rent, a small flat in the city centre costs an average of \u20ac1,900<\/strong> per month. If you want to buy, expect to pay around \u20ac6,500<\/strong> per square metre.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTo find the ideal place to live, you can visit Iceland before you move or search online using classified ad websites such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Igloo<\/a> (formerly Leiga.is<\/em>)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- MBL<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Visir<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
You can also use a local estate agent, but this will obviously involve additional costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe cost of living in Iceland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Iceland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, just behind Switzerland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- If you plan to live alone in Iceland, you will need an average budget of \u20ac3,100 per month, including rent.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If you are planning to move with your family, bear in mind that a family of four needs \u20ac7,600 per month to live comfortably in the country.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
This high cost of living is due to several factors, including Iceland’s geographical isolation. A large proportion of products are imported, which tends to increase the cost of basic foodstuffs and raw materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The population is also small, with fewer than 400,000 inhabitants. This means that the market is limited, which pushes shops and businesses to increase the price of their services to be more profitable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are interested in this topic, check out our comprehensive guide to the cost of living in Iceland, where we detail each expense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Iceland?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The average monthly salary in Iceland is around 902,000 Icelandic kronur<\/strong>, or \u20ac6,300<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThis allows a single person to live comfortably in the country with a standard lifestyle. A family will, of course, need a higher income.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nGetting around<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\nBuses are the main form of public transport in the country, particularly the comprehensive network operated by the national company, Str\u00e6t\u00f3. You can easily plan your journeys on their website: https:\/\/www.straeto.is\/en<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nWe also recommend downloading the Klappi\u00f0 app to buy tickets and organise your journeys more easily: https:\/\/www.klappid.is\/en\/buy-tickets\/klappid-app<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nFor long-distance travel, flights are the most convenient option, particularly those offered by Icelandair.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nYou can also travel by car, which is the ideal way to get out of the city at the weekend or to explore Iceland’s regions. However, be aware that the road network can sometimes be … unusual!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Signage is limited,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- And not all roads are paved, so there may be potholes and gravel.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Living in Iceland like a true Icelander<\/h2>\n\n\n\nWith your family<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Iceland is a family-friendly country with a strong education system, a high level of safety and many outdoor activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most schools are public, although there are private schools, particularly in Reykjavik. Here is a ranking of the best schools in the country offering bilingual education (Icelandic and English):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Hamrahlid College<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The International School of Iceland<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The International Department of Landakotskoli<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
For parents of young children, there is a childcare service called “dagforeldri” or \u201cdagmamma\u201d, meaning “day parents”. It is also worth noting that all childcare services are subsidised by the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the swimming pool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If there’s one thing you can’t miss in Icelandic social life, it’s the swimming pool! All citizens love to relax almost daily in “sundlaug” (swimming pools) or in natural hot springs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can find all the public swimming pools available in Reykjavik by neighbourhood on this official website: https:\/\/reykjavik.is\/en\/swimming-pools<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dealing with unpredictable weather<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
As you will have realised, the weather in Iceland is unpredictable. The island has a harsh climate that can change several times in the course of a single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The average temperature in summer rarely exceeds 20\u00b0C and averages between -5 and 5\u00b0C in winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We recommend that you always have a backup plan for your outings in case the weather changes suddenly!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nWork and taxes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Icelandic job market<\/a> is fairly dynamic, with a low unemployment rate<\/a> of 2.8% in June 2025. Some sectors recruit more skilled expats than others, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Healthcare<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Construction<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Finance<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Energy<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- New technologies<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tourism<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Officially, the working week is generally 40 hours spread over 5 days. However, since 2015, many Icelandic companies have been experimenting with a 4-day week, with 36 to 37 hours of work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Administrative procedures for moving to Iceland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Iceland is not part of the European Union, but it belongs to the Schengen area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For EU nationals:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
EU citizens, like all citizens of an EU member country, can reside in the country for up to 90 days without a visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond this period, an application for long-term residence must be submitted to the national registry office<\/a>. The procedure can be completed online. Several supporting documents are required, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applications are usually processed within 10 working days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A visa is required for both short-term and long-term stays. To apply, visit the Immigration Department website and go to the relevant section: https:\/\/island.is\/en\/o\/directorate-of-immigration<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you have obtained your long-term residence permit, you will automatically be assigned a kennitala<\/em><\/strong>. This is a unique 10-digit personal code, similar to a National Insurance number in the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you have it, you can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Icelandic property market is quite tight, especially in Reykjavik. Supply is struggling to keep up with demand, which is driving up house prices. To rent, a small flat in the city centre costs an average of \u20ac1,900<\/strong> per month. If you want to buy, expect to pay around \u20ac6,500<\/strong> per square metre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To find the ideal place to live, you can visit Iceland before you move or search online using classified ad websites such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also use a local estate agent, but this will obviously involve additional costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Iceland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, just behind Switzerland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This high cost of living is due to several factors, including Iceland’s geographical isolation. A large proportion of products are imported, which tends to increase the cost of basic foodstuffs and raw materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The population is also small, with fewer than 400,000 inhabitants. This means that the market is limited, which pushes shops and businesses to increase the price of their services to be more profitable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are interested in this topic, check out our comprehensive guide to the cost of living in Iceland, where we detail each expense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The average monthly salary in Iceland is around 902,000 Icelandic kronur<\/strong>, or \u20ac6,300<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This allows a single person to live comfortably in the country with a standard lifestyle. A family will, of course, need a higher income.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Buses are the main form of public transport in the country, particularly the comprehensive network operated by the national company, Str\u00e6t\u00f3. You can easily plan your journeys on their website: https:\/\/www.straeto.is\/en<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n We also recommend downloading the Klappi\u00f0 app to buy tickets and organise your journeys more easily: https:\/\/www.klappid.is\/en\/buy-tickets\/klappid-app<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n For long-distance travel, flights are the most convenient option, particularly those offered by Icelandair.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n You can also travel by car, which is the ideal way to get out of the city at the weekend or to explore Iceland’s regions. However, be aware that the road network can sometimes be … unusual!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Iceland is a family-friendly country with a strong education system, a high level of safety and many outdoor activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most schools are public, although there are private schools, particularly in Reykjavik. Here is a ranking of the best schools in the country offering bilingual education (Icelandic and English):<\/p>\n\n\n\n For parents of young children, there is a childcare service called “dagforeldri” or \u201cdagmamma\u201d, meaning “day parents”. It is also worth noting that all childcare services are subsidised by the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If there’s one thing you can’t miss in Icelandic social life, it’s the swimming pool! All citizens love to relax almost daily in “sundlaug” (swimming pools) or in natural hot springs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can find all the public swimming pools available in Reykjavik by neighbourhood on this official website: https:\/\/reykjavik.is\/en\/swimming-pools<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you will have realised, the weather in Iceland is unpredictable. The island has a harsh climate that can change several times in the course of a single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The average temperature in summer rarely exceeds 20\u00b0C and averages between -5 and 5\u00b0C in winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We recommend that you always have a backup plan for your outings in case the weather changes suddenly!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Icelandic job market<\/a> is fairly dynamic, with a low unemployment rate<\/a> of 2.8% in June 2025. Some sectors recruit more skilled expats than others, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Officially, the working week is generally 40 hours spread over 5 days. However, since 2015, many Icelandic companies have been experimenting with a 4-day week, with 36 to 37 hours of work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
For third-country nationals:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Discover today our plans in just a few clics.<\/h2>\n \n <\/div>\n\n
Finding accommodation in Iceland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The cost of living in Iceland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Iceland?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Getting around<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Living in Iceland like a true Icelander<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
With your family<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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At the swimming pool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Dealing with unpredictable weather<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Work and taxes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Young](\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/young-handsome-physician-medical-robe-with-stethoscope-1-1024x683.jpg\")
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