Iceland Relaxes Work Permit Rules for International Students

Iceland has confirmed new rules allowing international students with valid residence permits to work in the country without obtaining a separate work permit.

Key points

• Canada Intends to Grant Permanent Residency to Up to 622, 000 Residents in 2027.
• According to the Directorate of Immigration, the changes follow amendments to the Icelandic Act on Foreign Nationals and the Foreign Nationals' Right to Work Act.
• Under the revised rules, international students can work up to 60% of full-time employment during the academic year.
• Students must complete at least 75% of a full-time academic course load each academic year to demonstrate satisfactory progress.
• Foreign nationals who have completed doctoral degrees in Iceland can additionally renew a specialist residence permit for up to 12 months to seek employment related to their qualifications.

According to the Directorate of Immigration, the changes follow amendments to the Icelandic Act on Foreign Nationals and the Foreign Nationals' Right to Work Act. It were approved by Parliament on June 18, 2026. European Country Proposes Work Permit Changes to Protect Foreign Workers.

Under the revised rules, international students can work up to 60% of full-time employment during the academic year. The limit applies to their total working hours throughout all employers, including those working multiple jobs.

While completing internships or workplace training programs, or after graduating from an Icelandic university and remaining in the country to seek employment, students can exceed this limit during official academic breaks.

Foreign nationals who have completed doctoral degrees in Iceland can additionally renew a specialist residence permit for up to 12 months to seek employment related to their qualifications. They do not need a work permit to obtain this residence permit.

In practice, the new regulations additionally introduce stricter monitoring of students' employment and academic progress.

International students must provide their employment details whenever they renew their residence permits. Immigration authorities can request employment records at any time and contact employers or public institutions to verify compliance.

Students who exceed the permitted working hours could have their right to work reviewed or revoked.

Furthermore, students must complete at least 75% of a full-time academic course load each academic year to demonstrate satisfactory progress. Previously, this requirement applied only during the first residence permit renewal, but it will now be assessed at every renewal. Stay Connected with ProPakistani. Obtain the latest international news and global stories wherever you prefer. Follow on Google Discover. Follow on Google News Join WhatsApp. See more ProPakistani stories in Google Search and Top Stories.

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