+1 (866) 315-4170
International: +1 (516) 355-5300Moving To Iceland
Home to the stunning Northern Lights phenomena, Iceland is a country located in Northern Europe. Its capital and largest city is Reykjavik. Iceland is known for its stunning natural beauty, including active volcanoes, hot springs, glaciers, and waterfalls.
The country also has a rich cultural heritage, with a Viking past and a unique language. Iceland’s economy is mainly based on fishing, tourism, and hydropower. It is recognized as one of the world’s happiest countries and has a high standard of living.
If you are planning to make Iceland your home, then learn all about international relocation with this handy moving guide.
The International Sea & Air Shipping Advantages
Moving your base to another geography can come packed with lots of challenges. When you are moving to Iceland from the USA you are relocating between two continents. Naturally, careful planning is the key to a successful relocation.
There are certain steps that you need to follow to transition smoothly to your new life in the new country. First of all, you should consider hiring an international moving company who has good exposure in handling global relocations. We, at International Sea & Air Shipping, have years of experience in providing high-quality international moving services. Our experienced and qualified moving professionals can handle your international relocation to Iceland from the USA without any hassles.
You can look forward to timely moving services at an affordable cost with us at International Sea & Air Shipping. Our moving services include, packing household goods, choosing the right container, and freight services, moving your car and pet, and more. We ensure all these moving services are done on time to avoid any last-minute hazards.
So, get in touch with our team today for your move to Iceland from the USA, and take advantage of our free moving quotes.
About Iceland
Being the only one country with no standing army, Iceland is a European island country in the North Atlantic Ocean. The settlement on Iceland dates back to 874 AD with Norwegian Chieftain, Ingolfur Arnarson, being the first permanent Norwegian settler on Iceland. According to the Freedom of Press, Iceland has one of the most free presses in the world.
In terms of area, Iceland is the world’s 18th largest and Europe’s second largest island. One of the youngest islands in the world, the Surtsey is part of Iceland. The Gulf Stream warms Iceland, which has a temperate climate.
Having its roots in Norse traditions, the culture of Iceland is rich and varied. Icelandic literature is most popular with some of its best-known classical works like Icelander’s sagas. The literature of Iceland was influenced by Scandinavian. Glima, a form of wrestling is the main traditional sport of Iceland.
Hydroelectric power and geothermal power are abundant in Iceland which lacks natural resources. Fishing is one of the main sectors contributing to the economy of Iceland.
Customs Regulations for Iceland
NOTE – Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, International sea & air shipping cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate.
Call our International Moving Specialists @ 1 (866) 315-4170
Moving to Iceland from USA – important information
While moving to another country can be a significant change, Iceland offers many advantages, including a high standard of living, a strong economy, and friendly locals.
The cost of living in Iceland is approximately €1,700 to €2,300 per month, depending on your lifestyle and location. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and two years of work experience to qualify for a work visa, which allows you to work and live in Iceland for up to three years.
In addition, you also need to know the basics of the local language, cultural differences and other legal information to make this transition as smooth as possible.
Let us discuss these in a few more details in the following sections.
Visa & residency permits for moving to Iceland from the USA
There are various types of visas available when you want to move to Iceland from the USA. Some of these includes the following –
- Work visa
- Study visa
- Family reunification visa
- Tourist visa
Work Visa
Work visas require a job offer from an Icelandic employer and typically involve a work permit. The process typically involves finding a job with a company in Iceland that is willing to sponsor your visa. You will need to have a valid passport and meet the requirements for the specific type of visa you are applying for. It’s also important to note that the rules for work visas and residence visas can be complex and change regularly, so be sure to check with the destination country’s immigration authority for the most up-to-date information.
Study Visa
Study visas are for students enrolled in an Icelandic educational program. To apply for a study visa to move to Iceland from the USA, the first step involves finding a suitable educational institution or research program in Iceland, as you will need to have a place of study before applying for a visa. It’s also important to check the visa requirements, which may include evidence of your financial resources and proof of language proficiency, as well as a full application and any supporting documents.
Family Reunification Visa
Family reunification visas require proof of a relationship with an Icelandic citizen or permanent resident. A family reunification visa is a type of non-immigrant visa that allows individuals from the United States to travel to Iceland to reunite with their family members. The visa is typically issued for a period of up to six months and allows the traveller to visit their family and engage in limited work or business activities. To be eligible for a family reunification visa, both the traveller and their family member(s) must meet certain requirements, including having a valid relationship and demonstrating financial support.
The application process for a visa to move to Iceland involves submitting an application to the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration and providing all required documentation.
General costs to move to Iceland from the USA
Apart from the airfare costs you will need to pay for the residency permits as well, when you move to Iceland from the USA. Take a look at the prices, but be advised that these can change anytime. You will need to check on the Government website for the current costs.
Both temporary and permanent residency permits are priced at 15,000 ISK. This is approximately $116.
Relocating to Iceland necessitates acquiring a national ID number known as a Kennitala, with a cost of around $62 or 8,000 ISK.
Moving to Iceland may appear to be a costly affair as the cost of living in this Nordic country is on the higher side. Consumer goods, dining out, and groceries all come with higher price tags.
On a positive note, the average monthly rent tends to be lower. However, as in the United States, the choice of location in Iceland significantly influences the overall living expenses.
Top place to live in Iceland
Iceland is a dream country for expats to move to given its natural beauty, and high quality of life. Here is a list of some of the top perks that you will receive once you move to Iceland from the USA –
Stunning natural beauty
Iceland has breathtaking landscapes, including glaciers, waterfalls, and hot springs.
Clean and healthy environment
Iceland is known for its pure air and water.
Low Cost of Living
Although this depends on lifestyle largely, Iceland has a lower cost of living than many US cities, particularly when it comes to housing and healthcare.
Strong economy
Iceland’s economy is growing, with a GDP per capita higher than that of many US states.
Cultural activities
Iceland has a rich cultural scene, with a vibrant music and art scene, as well as many historical and archaeological sites.