Nordic countries are famous for their majestic landscapes, efficient government systems, and high standard of living.
In fact, countries like Iceland have transformed from being more than tourist hotspots to prime nations for citizenship.
A person can become a citizen of Iceland by law, birth, naturalization, declaration, or adoption.
These are the only five legal ways to become a citizen of Iceland. However, each method requires different steps and processes, as well as distinct documentation.
This article explores the methods one can use to become a citizen of Iceland and how easy it is to become a citizen of the country.
It also explores requirements for prospective citizens of Iceland as well as the financial costs of becoming a citizen of the country.
Also, see What Plate Boundary Runs Under Iceland? to learn more.
Is It Easy To Become a Citizen of Iceland?
Navigating citizenships can be tricky, especially since different countries have distinct laws guiding the process as well as significantly different steps for various individuals.
However, one of the most common questions about becoming a citizen is usually concerning the complexity of the process.
So, is it easy to become a citizen of Iceland?
Well, it’s not easy to become a citizen of Iceland since the country, like other Nordic nations, has stringent laws concerning the citizenship process. [1]
However, these laws are pretty straightforward, and almost anyone can become a citizen if they follow the proper steps.
Still, like every country, it’s pretty easy to become a citizen of Iceland if the applicant is a descendant of a citizen.
The next section of this article explores what steps one needs to take to become a citizen of Iceland:
- Law
- Descent
- Naturalization
- Declaration
- Adoption
How To Become a Citizen of Iceland by Law
Icelandic law clearly defines who qualifies for citizenship by legislation—any foreign national. [2]
However, it’s best to note that this citizenship method only applies to those who wouldn’t be allowed to apply otherwise.
Therefore, it’s usually reserved for exceptional cases or individuals with no alternative.
Here’s how to become a citizen of Iceland by law:
Send an application to the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration concerning citizenship by legislation. This step is essential since the Directorate will inform applicants if they qualify for citizenship and send comments to the Icelandic parliament, Althing. [3]
Submit an application for citizenship to the Icelandic Parliament. The Althing is the only body with the power to grant citizenship this way. It will require comments from the Directorate of Immigration and the police chief in the applicant’s community.
The parliament will deliberate on the submission and give a response in a short period. This citizenship method isn’t popular because it’s usually reserved for refugees and asylum seekers.
Bobby Fischer is a notable example of a foreign national who became a citizen of Iceland by legislation.
How To Become a Citizen of Iceland by Descent
A popular way to become an Icelandic citizen is through relationships.
Almost every country in the world allows parents to transfer their citizenship to their children, but there are usually a few technicalities surrounding the process. Of course, Iceland is no different.
An individual can become a citizen of Iceland by descent if:
- One of the parents is an Icelandic citizen.
- One of their parents is a lawful resident of Iceland and was once an Icelandic national.
Today, any parent can transfer their citizenship status to their children without restrictions. However, Iceland’s laws used to allow only fathers to pass on their citizenship until July 1982. [4]
The State later amended this legislation to allow mothers the same right.
Still, this way of obtaining citizenship isn’t limited to married parents.
If an applicant’s parents aren’t married, as long as one of them is a citizen, it shouldn’t be a problem.
How To Become a Citizen of Iceland by Naturalization
Naturalization is the process of becoming a citizen of a country after meeting specific requirements as a lawful permanent resident.
In Iceland, these requirements vary for different cases, but all prospective citizens must have been permanent residents for some time before they are granted full citizenship status.
An individual can become a citizen of Iceland by naturalization if:
- They’ve been permanent residents of the country for seven years.
- They’re citizens of another Nordic country and have been permanent residents of Iceland for four years.
- They’ve been married for at least four years to an individual who has been an Icelandic citizen for at least five years. However, they still have to have been permanent residents of Iceland for at least three years.
- They’ve been cohabitating with an Icelandic citizen for at least four years. This individual must have been a citizen for at least five years, but prospective citizens must have been permanent residents of Iceland for at least five years.
- They’ve been permanent residents of Iceland for two years and have parents who have been Icelandic citizens for at least five years.
- They’ve been permanent residents for one year and previously held Icelandic citizenship.
- They’re recognized refugees who have been permanent residents of Iceland for five years.
- They’re stateless, were born in Iceland, and have been permanent residents for three years.
The law also mandates all of these individuals must be upstanding members of their community and are capable of supporting themselves at the time of application. [5]
How To Become a Citizen of Iceland by Declaration
The declaration is a more straightforward process than naturalization but requires that prospective citizens meet specific requirements.
They might also need additional documents to qualify, but these are easy to obtain.
An individual can become a citizen of Iceland by declaration if:
- They’re between 18 and 20 years old and have been living in Iceland since they were 11.
- They’ve been permanent residents of Iceland for two years, are former Icelandic citizens (by birth), and were residents of the State until they were 18 years old.
- They’re citizens of another Nordic country and have been permanent residents of Iceland for seven years.
- They’re former Icelandic citizens with Nordic citizenship and are permanent residents of Iceland.
Prospective applicants must contact the Directorate of Immigration to apply for citizenship by declaration [6].
How To Become a Citizen of Iceland by Adoption
Another way an individual can become a citizen of Iceland is by adoption. The adoption process may be done inside or outside the country.
Of course, the prospective parents must be full citizens of Iceland to transfer their citizenship to the child.
Here are the requirements to become a citizen of Iceland by adoption:
- The child must be less than 12 years old and be adopted in Iceland. The citizenship process is usually a part of the adoption process, and parents do not need to send new submissions to the Directorate of Immigration.
- The child must be less than 12 years old and be adopted outside of Iceland but with an application of citizenship. The parents must file this application and direct it to the Directorate of Immigration.
The adopted children will then have full citizenship and enjoy the full benefits of being citizens of Iceland.
References:
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