Can I bring my pet to Iceland?

Yes, but Iceland has strict biosecurity controls to protect its isolated ecosystem. Pets must meet detailed requirements including microchipping, rabies vaccination, rabies titre testing (carried out 3 months before travel), and a waiting period. The process takes a minimum of 4–6 months from the start of the process. Contact the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST) well in advance.

How do I get from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík?

The Flybus coach service connects KEF Airport to the BSÍ bus terminal in central Reykjavík in 45–50 minutes, with door-to-door options for most Reykjavík accommodation. Cost: approximately ISK 3,500 single. Taxis are available but expensive (ISK 18,000–25,000 for the 50 km journey). Car rental desks are in the arrivals hall.

What is the kennitala and why is it important?

The kennitala is Iceland's national ID number — a 10-digit code issued to every resident. It is required for almost every administrative interaction: opening a bank account, registering for healthcare, paying taxes, signing a lease, and setting up utilities. Obtaining it promptly after registering your address is the single most important administrative step for new arrivals.

How do I register my domicile (lögheimili) in Iceland?

Register via Registers Iceland (Þjóðskrá) online at island.is or in person at a Þjóðskrá service point. You need a confirmed Icelandic address (rental agreement or letter from landlord). EU/EEA nationals register after 3 months; non-EEA nationals typically register upon arrival with their approved permit. The kennitala is issued after this registration is processed.

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🇮🇸 Iceland

Moving Guide

2–3 months

Permit Lead Time

Non-EEA applicants should apply 2–3 months before intended arrival

6 months

Healthcare Waiting Period

Arrange private insurance to cover the gap from day 1

Within 1–2 weeks

Kennitala (ID Number)

Required for banking, tax, healthcare, and housing — apply immediately

Icelandair / PLAY

International Flights

100+ routes from KEF; direct US flights (Boston, NYC, DC, Chicago)

€3,000–8,000

Shipping Costs

Container shipping to Iceland; 20ft container from Western Europe

Strict quarantine rules

Pet Import

Iceland has strict biosecurity; plan 6+ months ahead for pets

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🏙️Reykjavík 🏔️Akureyri

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Overview

Moving to Iceland requires careful planning around permit timelines (non-EEA nationals must have their residence permit approved before departure), the 6-month healthcare waiting period, and the logistics of getting to and setting up on a remote Atlantic island. Keflavík International Airport is well-connected, with direct flights to 100+ destinations including US gateway cities. Shipping personal effects to Iceland is expensive due to import duties and logistics; most expats ship only essential items and source furniture locally. The Icelandic bureaucratic process is largely digital and manageable, centred on the island.is and skatturinn.is portals.

Key Takeaways

Non-EEA nationals: apply for residence and work permit via the Directorate of Immigration — allow 4–12 weeks for processing
Day 1–3: Register domicile (lögheimili) with Registers Iceland (Þjóðskrá) — requires a confirmed Icelandic address; done online or in person
Major shipping routes: UK, Netherlands, and Denmark are the main departure ports for Iceland container shipments
SIM cards: available from Síminn, Vodafone Iceland, and Nova at KEF Airport arrivals and in central Reykjavík

Before You Arrive

The key to a smooth arrival in Iceland is completing administrative steps before you get on the plane — especially for non-EEA nationals whose residence permit must be approved in advance.

Non-EEA nationals: apply for residence and work permit via the Directorate of Immigration — allow 4–12 weeks for processing
Arrange private health insurance valid from day 1 of arrival (minimum ISK 2,000,000 coverage for non-EEA permit applications)
Line up short-term accommodation (Airbnb, serviced apartment, employer-arranged housing) before arrival
Open a bank account as soon as your kennitala is confirmed — required for receiving salary and paying rent
Research housing on Leiguskrá.is ahead of time; viewing trips before the move are strongly recommended
If bringing a pet: contact the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST) immediately — biosecurity rules are strict and processes take months
Budget for a large security deposit (2–3 months' rent) plus first month's rent payable before or on arrival

First Weeks — The Administrative Checklist

Iceland's administrative process for new arrivals is concentrated in the first 2–4 weeks and is largely manageable online. The kennitala is the master key — everything else follows from it.

Day 1–3: Register domicile (lögheimili) with Registers Iceland (Þjóðskrá) — requires a confirmed Icelandic address; done online or in person
Day 1–7: Obtain kennitala (national ID number) — issued automatically after domicile registration; usually arrives by post within 1–2 weeks
Day 7–14: Open a bank account (Landsbankinn, Íslandsbanki, or Arion Bank) — kennitala required
Day 7–14: Register with Icelandic Tax Authority (Skatturinn) and set up income tax card (skattakort)
Day 14–30: Apply for Icelandic Health Insurance via island.is — submit the day after domicile registration is confirmed
Month 1: Register for Icelandic language classes if desired (Mímir offers free courses for immigrants)
Month 6: Public healthcare coverage begins (assuming continuous legal residence since arrival)

Shipping and Logistics

Iceland's island geography and strict biosecurity rules make shipping personal effects more complex and expensive than moving within continental Europe. Many expats choose to ship only essential and sentimental items.

Major shipping routes: UK, Netherlands, and Denmark are the main departure ports for Iceland container shipments
20ft container from Western Europe: approximately €3,000–8,000 transit cost; transit time 5–10 days
Import duty: Iceland has general import duty plus VAT (24%) on goods above a de minimis threshold
Household goods: duty-free if you are establishing permanent residence and have owned items for 6+ months
Electronics and vehicles: specific import duties apply — research before shipping computers, cars, or motorbikes
Customs declaration (tollyfirlýsing): required for all sea freight; engage a licensed customs broker
Ikea Reykjavík: available for furniture — eliminates need to ship large/heavy furniture items

Getting Connected — Phone, Internet, Transport

Iceland's digital infrastructure is excellent, and getting set up with phone, internet, and local transport is straightforward within the first week.

SIM cards: available from Síminn, Vodafone Iceland, and Nova at KEF Airport arrivals and in central Reykjavík
Prepaid tourist SIMs available immediately; post-pay contracts require a kennitala
Home internet: Síanet, Síminn, and Vodafone offer fibre (200–1,000 Mbps); installation typically within 1–2 weeks
Strætó app: bus timetables, route planning, and payment for Reykjavík public transport
Driving licence: EU/EEA licences are recognised; non-EEA licences can be exchanged for an Icelandic licence within 6 months
Car purchase: Bílamarkaðurinn.is is Iceland's main used car marketplace

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