Citizenship 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?
This page focuses on Icelandic citizenship by descent and dual citizenship. For the residency-based naturalisation route (7-year general rule, language test, fees), see naturalisation under Act 100/1952.
Citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis): Under Lög nr. 100/1952, a child born anywhere in the world to an Icelandic citizen parent acquires Icelandic citizenship automatically at birth. This applies to children born to either an Icelandic mother or an Icelandic father (the Act was amended in 1982 to equalise the maternal and paternal lines). Children born abroad to an Icelandic parent who themselves was born abroad may need to apply to retain citizenship before age 22 — the Directorate of Immigration (Útlendingastofnun) may permit retention if an application is made before age 22, and there is an exemption for those who have lived 7 years in another Nordic country. Verify the current rule with Útlendingastofnun before relying on automatic descent across multiple foreign-born generations.
Dual citizenship: Iceland permits dual citizenship since the 1 July 2003 reform to the Nationality Act. You are not required to renounce a previous nationality when naturalising, and Icelandic citizens by birth do not lose their Icelandic citizenship by acquiring a foreign nationality. Children born before 1 July 2003 who lost Icelandic citizenship under the old rules can apply to recover it under transitional provisions.
Restoration of former citizenship: Former Icelandic citizens may regain citizenship after 1 year of legal domicile under § 8(2) of the Act — a much shorter window than the general 7-year rule.
Related: If you are seeking citizenship through residence rather than descent, see naturalisation under Act 100/1952. EEA/Nordic citizens looking for residence (not citizenship) should see EEA family residence cards.
When does it apply?
- You have been legally resident in Iceland for the required period and wish to become a citizen.
What to Do If You Want to Apply for Icelandic Citizenship
- Pass the Icelandic language proficiency test (administered periodically by Mímir).
- Apply through the Ministry of Justice or the Althingi naturalization process.
- Ensure you have no outstanding tax debts or criminal convictions.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't let gaps in residency reset your count — continuous legal domicile is required.
- Don't skip the language test — it is a requirement (exemptions are rare).
Common Questions
How long must I live in Iceland for citizenship?
Generally 7 years of continuous legal domicile. Nordic citizens need 4 years. Spouses of Icelandic citizens need 3 years of residence after marriage (spouse must have been a citizen for 5+ years) or 4 years of cohabitation. Former citizens need 1 year. Stateless persons and refugees need 5 years.
Do I have to pass a test for Icelandic citizenship?
Yes, an Icelandic language proficiency test administered periodically by Mímir. Exemptions are rare. Additional requirements include age of majority, self-sufficiency (no reliance on public assistance), good character, and no outstanding tax debts. Applications go through the Ministry of Justice and the Althingi naturalisation process.
Does Iceland allow dual citizenship?
Yes. You are not required to renounce your previous nationality. Do not let gaps in residency reset your count — continuous legal domicile is required. Clear any tax debts and have no recent criminal convictions before applying.
When does it apply — citizenship?
You have been legally resident in Iceland for the required period and wish to become a citizen.
What should I do to apply for Icelandic citizenship through naturalization?
Pass the Icelandic language proficiency test (administered periodically by Mímir).Apply through the Ministry of Justice or the Althingi naturalization process.Ensure you have no outstanding tax debts or criminal convictions.
What should you NOT do — citizenship?
Don't let gaps in residency reset your count — continuous legal domicile is required.Don't skip the language test — it is a requirement (exemptions are rare).