How do you renew a residence permit in Iceland in 2026?

Open the renewal application on Ísland.is with rafræn skilríki. Attach the documents listed for your permit type, pay the fee, and keep passport spellings identical to your kennitala record. University and employer guidance often recommends filing one to two months early, and at least four weeks before expiry.

If the photo on file is more than four years old, ÚTL will ask you to book a photo appointment at the Directorate of Immigration in Kópavogur or at a district commissioner’s office outside the capital area. Bring your passport. After approval, a message tells you where to collect the new residence permit card.

Processing is capped at about 90 days after satisfactory documents arrive, and simpler complete files often move faster. If you continue in the same qualifying job and file before expiry, you can usually keep working while the renewal runs; late filings risk being treated like a first application and can break continuous residence toward permanent status.

ÚTL discourages Schengen travel on an expired card during renewal. Work permits tied to the job often renew in the same package: Get a work permit. Keep domicile and tax lines current so supporting papers match: Register your address and Paperwork after moving.