When you picture digital nomads, the first image that pops to mind is of swaying palm trees, laptops on the beach, and year-round sunshine.
While Iceland may not interest the sun-seeking remote workers around the world, it attracts a nature-loving crowd of digital nomads who prefer a more adventurous and rugged lifestyle.
Like many other countries that began attracting remote workers after the COVID-19 pandemic, Iceland is still growing as a digital nomad scene.
However, there is plenty to attract travelers, from spectacular geysers to azure lagoons, volcanoes, and thundering waterfalls.
But, can you simply move to Iceland, no questions asked?
In this guide, we’ll be exploring digital nomad visas in Iceland to fill you in on everything you need to know before hopping on a plane.
We’ll cover visa requirements, cost of living, and the best places to live so that you can make an informed decision before moving to Iceland as a digital nomad.
Wondering if you need a visa for Iceland? Check on iVisa.
Visas In Iceland
Iceland is part of the Schengen Zone, meaning that residents from any of the other 25 nations can stay in the country for 90 days without obtaining a visa.
This makes it easy for digital nomads in Iceland to test out the country for several weeks or months to see whether they want to live there for longer.
Those who are not from Schengen countries can also stay in Iceland for 90 days within a 180-day period but will need to obtain a tourist visa in order to do so.
If you decide you wish to settle in the European country, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit, which has several conditions and is suitable for those who come to Iceland for work, study or to reunify a family.
Alternatively, the Iceland digital nomad visa can provide remote workers and entrepreneurs with another option.
Digital Nomad Visa
The Iceland digital nomad visa is also known as a long-term remote work visa and is valid for 180 days.
In order to qualify for this permit and reside in the country for 6 months, you’ll need to meet a variety of requirements.
You’ll need to be a resident of a country that holds a visa-free agreement with Iceland to qualify for the visa.
Your business must be established outside of Iceland and you must provide proof that the main purpose for your stay is to work remotely.
There is a minimum earning requirement of US$7,763 per month, which is one of the highest earning conditions of any digital nomad visa in the world.
When applying for your Iceland digital nomad visa, you’ll need to pay ISK1,200, which is approximately US$107.
Best Places To Live In Iceland For Digital Nomads
Iceland is an excellent destination for nature-loving digital nomads who are searching for a diverse country to settle in.
Here are some of the best places in Iceland for digital nomads.
Reykjavík
Reykjavík is undoubtedly the best city in Iceland for digital nomads.
In close proximity to numerous natural attractions, such as the Blue Lagoon, while still providing the amenities you expect from a major city, Reykjavík serves digital nomads well.
Over 60% of all digital nomads living in Iceland choose to make Reykjavík their base as there is plenty to do in the coastal city, accommodation is of high quality with plenty of Reykjavik hotels to choose from, and WiFi is high speed.
If you want to be right in the action, you should consider finding an apartment in the Midborg neighborhood. This is the main city center where everything you need is on your doorstep.
However, alongside this convenience, you’ll also find apartments here are more expensive than those elsewhere.
Those looking for a more budget-friendly alternative can explore Hlidar, which is just a 15-minute walk from the center of Reykjavík.
Digital nomad families will prefer the child-friendly neighborhood of Laugardalur where you’ll find parks and outdoor areas for your kids to run free.
Digital nomads in Reykjavíkcan work from a number of different coworking spaces.
It’s worth noting that this is the only city in Iceland to provide digital nomads conveniences, such as several coworking spots.
So if working away from your apartment and meeting like-minded individuals is important to you, then you should definitely choose the capital city as your base.
Below, you’ll find a selection of the best coworking spaces in Reykjavík:
- MINØR Coworking
- FRAKTAL
- Innovation House
There are coworking spaces in Reykjavík for every type of entrepreneur and digital nomad, so you’ll be sure to find somewhere that matches your needs.
Akureyri
Another of Iceland’s best cities for digital nomads is Akureyri. This northern city is famed for its exceptional art and culture scene and is a gateway to the wilderness of the north section of Iceland.
While Akureyri is classed as a city, it is more like a large town, which is fairly walkable, meaning you can live in any of its main neighborhoods and still be within easy reach of everything you need.
There is also a free city bus service, which can help nomads get around.
If safety is one of your main concerns, you’ve no need to worry. Akureyri is a very safe place to live.
While coworking spots are yet to catch on properly in this part of the country, there is one option for coworking spaces in Akureyri:
- Hafnarstræti 67
Kópavogur
Just outside of Reykjavík lies the town of Kópavogur, which is known for its abundance of outdoor activities and its family-friendly feel.
Close enough to the city to allow you to feel connected to the community and make use of Reykjavík’s coworking spaces, Kópavogur is great for those who prefer a quieter environment and more green space.
When it comes to accommodation, those who appreciate attractions and nightlife should consider the area around Hamraborg, while those who are seeking a more tranquil spot to work remotely will prefer the neighborhoods surrounding Heiðmörk or Vatnsendi.
While there are no dedicated coworking spaces in Kópavogur, the town is located a short bus journey from the capital city where you’ll find several different places to hang out and get your work done.
Hafnarfjörður
If you’re looking to step away from city life and connect with nature more, you may wish to choose the fishing village of Hafnarfjörður for your Iceland experience.
While this townlet is smaller than others on the list, it can still provide all the basic needs that a remote worker has, such as reliable WiFi.
You can also fill your free time with hiking, exploring artisanal boutiques, and discovering the Aurora Borealis.
As this is a small destination, you can live anywhere in Hafnarfjörður and have great access to all your basic needs.
From here, you can also make regular trips to the city of Reykjavík, less than 20 kilometers away, for any amenities the village can’t provide, such as coworking spaces.
Cost Of Living In Iceland
Iceland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe and the requirement of earning at least US$7,763 to qualify for the country’s digital nomad visa means that those on a budget should look elsewhere.
This northern country is overall around 20% more expensive than the U.S. so you should factor this in when considering your move.
You can expect to pay upwards of US$1,300 in most destinations across Iceland, while you’ll typically pay at least US$2,000 for an apartment in Reykjavík city center.
Alternatively, hostel dorms generally start around US$30 per night, which is a more budget-friendly option for those looking to control their spending habits and works out to around US$900 per month.
A quick fast-food meal tends to cost around US$15, while a sit-down meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs approximately US$18.
If you’re looking for a better experience, you’ll pay around US$60 for a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant.
Final Thoughts On Digital Nomads In Iceland
Iceland has a lot to offer digital nomads in terms of bountiful nature, great nightlife, and easy amenities.
However, it is significantly more expensive than other European destinations, which makes it inaccessible for lower-paid remote workers and entrepreneurs to spend more time here than a tourist visa allows.
Iceland’s digital nomad visa is also limited to 6 months, which is shorter than many other permits of the same nature meaning those looking to lay roots for a year or two should look elsewhere.
Overall, high-earning digital nomads who like to move around every few months will find Iceland to be an excellent country to suit their needs.
Not sure if Iceland is the right destination for you? Read one of the following guides:
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