Thinking about moving to Iceland? Great choice. With a high standard of living, strong worker protections, and a tight labour market, Africans and Nigerians with the right plan can land on their feet. Below is an up-to-date, SEO-optimized roadmap covering visas, jobs in Iceland, health insurance, housing, and registration—with special notes for Nigerians.
1) Get your travel documents in order
Before anything else, make sure your passport has enough runway. The EU/Schengen rule is that non-EU nationals must have a passport valid for at least three months beyond the planned exit date and issued within the last 10 years. Many travellers aim for six months validity to avoid airline issues.
2) Line up a job offer or school admission
For non-EEA citizens (including Nigerians), the usual pathway is either employment or study.
Work: Iceland uses residence permits tied to employment rather than a standalone “work visa.” In most cases, the residence permit based on work must be granted before you travel and you must not start work until the permit is issued. Employers typically help submit the application to the Directorate of Immigration (Útlendingastofnun / UTL) and the Directorate of Labour. Expect processing times of a few months.
Study: If you’re admitted to an Icelandic institution, you’ll apply for a student residence permit. Deadlines are usually June 1 (autumn) and Nov 1 (spring). If you require a visa to enter Iceland, you may only travel after your residence-permit application has been approved. After approval, you’ll complete steps on arrival such as photos, any required medical exam (certain nationalities), and proof of housing.
Where the jobs are (good for Nigerian CVs)
Iceland’s small economy still shows consistent demand in several fields. Confirmed skills shortages include healthcare (nurses/doctors), construction/engineering, IT, and tourism/hospitality. That aligns well with in-demand jobs in Iceland often advertised for foreign talent.
If you’re a nurse or other licensed health professional, plan ahead: you’ll need an Icelandic licence from the Directorate of Health before practising. Hospitals such as Landspítali explicitly state licensing requirements for foreign applicants.
Where to look for openings
The government’s Work in Iceland portal lists reputable job boards: Alfred.is, Job.is, Störf.is, public-sector listings, and more. EURES also aggregates roles (many in English). Start here: work.iceland.is → Job Hunting.
3) Apply for the right visa or permit
This is the step that trips many people up, so read carefully.
Short stays (up to 90 days): For tourism or short business, apply for a Schengen C-visa via Iceland’s official channel. Iceland uses VFS Global in many countries; you apply in the country where you legally reside.
Long-term stays for work/study: You generally apply for a residence permit (not a C-visa). The permit normally must be approved before you travel if you’re visa-required. After approval, if an entry (D) visa is needed, an embassy will issue it so you can enter and pick up your residence card.
Remote workers (not seeking residence): Iceland also offers a long-term visa for remote work (90–180 days) for non-EEA nationals who are visa-exempt. It doesn’t allow working for Icelandic employers and isn’t a route to residence.
Nigeria-specific tip: If your documents were issued in Nigeria, check legalisation/translation requirements early and prepare a police clearance. Documents not in English/Icelandic must be translated by a certified translator. Licensing bodies and immigration may ask for detailed syllabi (for regulated professions).
4) Secure accommodation (even temporary)
Housing is tight, especially in Reykjavík. Employers and universities sometimes help; otherwise browse legitimate portals such as Leiga.is for rentals. For some permits you’ll need to show a housing certificate during the on-arrival steps.
5) Arrange health insurance for the first 6 months
New residents are not covered by Iceland’s public system immediately. Buy private medical-cost insurance for at least six months to cover the gap; after you register a legal domicile and complete six months of residence, you become eligible for Icelandic Health Insurance.
6) Register in Iceland soon after arrival
Once you land with the proper permission:
Register your legal domicile with Registers Iceland (Þjóðskrá) and obtain your national ID (kennitala). Any change of address must be reported within 7 days—and this 7-day rule is broadly stated on official portals. Getting registered unlocks access to services, banking, and ultimately public health insurance.
If you’re staying over six months, registration of domicile is mandatory. Don’t skip it—your rights depend on it.
7) Tackle the “first-weeks” admin
After you have your kennitala, open a bank account, request a tax card (Skatturinn), join the relevant union, and confirm your health-insurance timeline. The government’s Work in Iceland guide (“Paperwork” and “Job Hunting”) and Registers Iceland pages are your best checklists.
Practical tips that help Africans/Nigerians succeed
Budget realistically. Iceland is expensive. Plan enough cash to cover rent deposits, initial insurance, and settling-in costs while you wait for your first salary.
Make your CV “Iceland-ready.” Recruiters respond to concise, skills-first CVs. Highlight regulated credentials (e.g., nursing licence) and attach certified translations. Health professionals should start their licensing process in parallel with job search.
Grow your network early. Iceland is small; referrals matter. Monitor employer sites directly and message HR contacts on LinkedIn. The Work in Iceland job-hunting page explains why this approach works locally.
Learn basic Icelandic. English is common at work, but Icelandic speeds up integration and widens job options (especially in healthcare, construction sites, and public-facing roles). Start with Icelandic Online—a free University of Iceland platform—with options from beginner to advanced.
Understand your route.
– Tourist/visitor: Schengen C-visa via VFS in your country of residence.
– Worker: Residence permit based on employment approved before travel (for most non-EEA). Don’t start work until the permit is issued.
– Student: Student residence permit and travel only after approval if you’re visa-required.
Know the job landscape. Healthcare, IT, construction/engineering, and tourism/hospitality are proven areas with recurring demand; tailor your search accordingly and use Alfred.is, Job.is, EURES, and Störf.is.
Final word
Relocating to Iceland as a Nigerian or other African professional is absolutely doable with the right sequencing: offer/admission → permit approval → housing/insurance → registration. Prioritise compliance, language basics, and networking, and lean on official portals—UTL/Directorate of Immigration, Registers Iceland, Work in Iceland, and your university—for the most current steps and forms.
