Asylum and Refugee Rights 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?
Iceland provides international protection to those fleeing persecution:
- How to apply: In person at the Directorate of Immigration, to police (including at Keflavík Airport), or at the reception centre at Egilsgata 3, Reykjavík.
- Non-penalisation: You will not be penalised for entering Iceland illegally if you arrived directly from a region where you feared persecution and present yourself promptly.
Types of protection:
- Refugee status (1951 Convention) — 3-year permit.
- Subsidiary protection (death penalty, torture, armed conflict) — 2-year permit.
- Humanitarian grounds — 1-year renewable permit.
Rights during the process: Free legal aid, assigned housing, healthcare (including 3 free mental health appointments), weekly financial support, right to apply for a work permit, and school enrolment for children aged 6–16.
Appeal: 15 days to appeal to the Immigration and Asylum Appeals Board (5 days for "safe country" applicants). Free legal aid for the appeal. Deportation is paused during the appeal.
When does it apply?
- You are in Iceland and fear persecution, torture, or serious harm if returned to your home country.
What to Do If You Are Seeking Asylum or International Protection in Iceland
- Apply in person at the Directorate of Immigration, police, or the reception centre.
- You will receive a free lawyer to assist you throughout the process.
- If your application is rejected, appeal within 15 days — you have the right to remain during the appeal.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't delay — apply as soon as possible after arrival.
- Don't miss the appeal deadline — 15 days (or 5 days for safe country nationals) is very short.
Common Questions
Where do I apply for asylum in Iceland?
In person at the Directorate of Immigration, to police (including at Keflavík Airport), or at the reception centre at Egilsgata 3, Reykjavík. You will not be penalised for entering Iceland illegally if you arrived directly from a region where you feared persecution and present yourself promptly.
What types of protection does Iceland grant?
Three: refugee status under the 1951 Convention (3-year permit), subsidiary protection for risk of death penalty, torture, or armed conflict (2-year permit), and humanitarian grounds (1-year renewable). During the process you receive free legal aid, assigned housing, healthcare including 3 free mental-health appointments, weekly financial support, and school enrolment for children aged 6-16.
How long do I have to appeal an Icelandic asylum rejection?
15 days to appeal to the Immigration and Asylum Appeals Board — only 5 days for 'safe country' applicants. Free legal aid is provided for the appeal, and deportation is paused during the appeal. Missing the deadline is fatal. Do not delay applying in the first place — apply as soon as possible after arrival.
When does it apply — asylum and refugee rights?
You are in Iceland and fear persecution, torture, or serious harm if returned to your home country.
What should I do if I want to apply for asylum or refugee protection in Iceland?
Apply in person at the Directorate of Immigration, police, or the reception centre.You will receive a free lawyer to assist you throughout the process.If your application is rejected, appeal within 15 days — you have the right to remain during the appeal.
What should you NOT do — asylum and refugee rights?
Don't delay — apply as soon as possible after arrival.Don't miss the appeal deadline — 15 days (or 5 days for safe country nationals) is very short.