Child Support (Meðlag) in Iceland
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Icelandic Acts of the Althingi, statutory instruments, and official guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Parents are legally obliged to support their child until age 18:
- Minimum child support (meðlag): ISK 48,131 per month (as of January 2025). This amount is adjusted annually by Alþingi — check the current rate at island.is.
- The minimum equals the child support allowance (barnalífeyrir).
- Two tiers: Basic support (minimum) and increased support (aukið meðlag).
- Increased support may be requested from the District Commissioner based on the paying parent's income, earning capacity, the child's special needs, and other factors.
Tryggingastofnun (Social Insurance Administration) acts as intermediary for basic support — it prepays child support to the custodial parent and then collects from the liable parent.
When does it apply?
- Parents are separated or divorced and the child lives primarily with one parent.
- The obligation applies until the child reaches age 18.
What to Do If the Other Parent Is Not Paying Child Support in Iceland
- If the other parent is not paying, contact Tryggingastofnun (TR) — they can prepay basic support to you and collect from the other parent.
- To request increased support, apply to the District Commissioner.
- The custodial parent can initiate enforcement proceedings against non-payment.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't withhold access to the child because of unpaid support — custody and support are separate legal issues.
- Don't stop paying support unilaterally — apply to the District Commissioner for a modification if your circumstances change.
Common Questions
How much is child support in Iceland?
The minimum child support (meðlag) is ISK 48,131 per month as of January 2025 — adjusted annually by Alþingi. Check the current rate at island.is. This minimum equals the child support allowance (barnalífeyrir). Increased support (aukið meðlag) can be requested based on the paying parent's income, earning capacity, the child's special needs, and other factors.
How long does Icelandic child support last?
Parents are legally obliged to support their child until age 18 under the Children Act (Barnalög, Lög nr. 76/2003). The obligation applies when parents are separated or divorced and the child lives primarily with one parent. To request increased support rather than the minimum, apply to the District Commissioner.
What if the other parent won't pay child support in Iceland?
Contact Tryggingastofnun (Social Insurance Administration / TR). TR acts as an intermediary for basic support — it prepays child support to the custodial parent and then collects from the liable parent. The custodial parent can also initiate enforcement proceedings. Do not withhold access to the child because of unpaid support — custody and support are separate legal issues.
When does it apply — child support (meðlag)?
Parents are separated or divorced and the child lives primarily with one parent.The obligation applies until the child reaches age 18.
What should I do if my ex-partner refuses to pay child support (meðlag) in Iceland?
If the other parent is not paying, contact Tryggingastofnun (TR) — they can prepay basic support to you and collect from the other parent.To request increased support, apply to the District Commissioner.The custodial parent can initiate enforcement proceedings against non-payment.
What should you NOT do — child support (meðlag)?
Don't withhold access to the child because of unpaid support — custody and support are separate legal issues.Don't stop paying support unilaterally — apply to the District Commissioner for a modification if your circumstances change.