Emigrate to Iceland
Emigrate to Iceland: Find out the most important information for your stay here
Emigrating to Iceland means moving to one of the oldest parliamentary democracies in the world - the Althingi has existed for centuries. The country places great emphasis on social justice, equality and a strong welfare system that ensures education and healthcare for all. Political stability and a low corruption rate make Iceland one of the most transparent and safest countries in the world. Anyone wishing to emigrate to Iceland benefits from these stable and fair framework conditions.
Facts about Iceland
Capital City
Reykjavík
Population
389,444
Surface Area
39,817 mi² or 103,125 km²
Continent
Europe
Official Language
Icelandic
Currency
Icelandic króna (ISK)
Emigrating to Iceland: An overview of the political system
Emigrating to Iceland means moving to one of the oldest parliamentary democracies in the world - the Althingi has existed for centuries. The country places great emphasis on social justice, equality and a strong welfare system that ensures education and healthcare for all. Political stability and a low corruption rate make Iceland one of the most transparent and safest countries in the world. Anyone wishing to emigrate to Iceland benefits from these stable and fair framework conditions.
Climate in Iceland: Important information for emigrants
Emigrating to Iceland means adjusting to an oceanic climate with mild winters and cool summers. The weather is extremely changeable, with sudden changes in rain, snow and wind. While the south is wetter and milder, the north remains colder and drier. The highlands are uninhabited and characterized by a harsh, arctic climate.
Winters are long and dark with frequent snow and rain, while summers are cool and offer almost 24 hours of daylight. In the transition months of May and September, the weather can be unpredictable. Anyone wishing to emigrate to Iceland should prepare for these climatic peculiarities.
Healthcare system in Iceland: Important facts for emigrants
Emigrating to Iceland means access to a well-developed healthcare system that offers medical care to all residents. Emergency assistance is available to everyone, while legal residents are covered by the Icelandic Health Insurance (IHI). A co-payment system limits out-of-pocket costs, especially for children, the elderly and people with disabilities.
Medical care is high quality, with modern hospitals in the cities. The staff usually speak good English. If you want to emigrate to Iceland and need regular medication, you should bring the package insert with you. In an international comparison, Iceland performs very well in the healthcare sector.
Emigrating to Iceland: An overview of the economic situation and quality of life
Iceland´s gross domestic product per capita amounted to 20.088,86 US dollars in 2024. The Gini coefficient of wealth describes the distribution of wealth. The indicator is an established, internationally comparable measure of wealth inequality. It is measured on a scale from zero to one. The higher the value, the greater the inequality. The Gini coefficient in Iceland is expected to be around 0.35 in 2025 (source: Statista).
The Icelandic economy is resilient and has recovered well from previous crises. The dynamic labor market offers numerous opportunities, particularly in the tourism, technology and renewable energy sectors, even if some industries are seasonal. The cost of living, particularly in Reykjavík, is high - especially for housing, food and services. However, the comparatively high wages partially offset the costs.
National holiday
Sükhbaatar Day
Emigrate to Iceland - Entry Requirements
Entry is possible for German nationals with the following documents:
- Passport: Yes
- Temporary passport: Yes
- Identity card: Yes
- Provisional identity card: Yes
- Children's passport: Yes
Notes/minimum validity:
Travel documents must be valid for the duration of your stay in Iceland.
FAQs for emigrating to Iceland
Where can I find relevant information about my country of entry and the entry regulations that apply there?
We have compiled destination country information as well as entry requirements and customs information for many countries in the Relocation Service section of our website and are constantly expanding this section.
Can I use my own container that I already own for the move with DACHSER & KOLB?
For every removal, which we at DACHSER & KOLB always offer as a door-to-door (full service) removal, a container is rented for the duration of the removal. We therefore do not offer the option of using your own container.
Who is responsible for my move abroad and the services I need there?
As a FIDI member, we work abroad with selected, long-standing partners who work in accordance with our service standards.
Are my removal goods insured in the event of damage?
For every overseas move, we naturally cover transportation insurance at current value for the used household goods and personal belongings
What types of transportation do you offer for overseas relocation?
It is generally possible to carry out overseas removals via air freight or sea freight. In the case of sea freight, it is possible to ship the removal goods as additional cargo (“LCL shipment” with Liftvan) or with a container (FCL shipment in 20 feet, 40 feet or 40 feet high cube). We will be happy to discuss which option is best for you in a personal consultation.
When and how must the move be paid for and what is the payment deadline?
You will receive an invoice a few weeks after placing the order and pay the full amount directly in advance.
Do I have to pay taxes and customs duties on my removal goods?
Removal goods can be imported tax and duty-free into most countries if you have a valid residence permit. We will be happy to check the options for importing the removal goods for your desired destination country in a personal consultation.
Are you interested in moving to Iceland or another destination country?
Then do not hesitate and contact us today.
Alexander Brugger
Teamlead Customer Service & Sales - AIR&SEA
