Iceland’s residence bill reaches Parliament with a proposed 4-year specialist exception
The bill distributed on 3 November sets out exceptions to the proposed 6-year general threshold and treatment of public arrears. It is not current law.
Althingi records the distribution on 3 November of government bill 334, case 295, introduced by the Justice Minister. This is a parliamentary step following cabinet approval on 27 October, not parliamentary passage.[1]
The bill would raise the general permanent-residence qualifying period from 4 to 6 years. It also proposes an exception for specialists with at least 4 continuous years on the relevant specialist-work residence permit, an indefinite employment contract, and average income over the last 2 years at least equal to the official average total earnings of full-time workers. Its public-tax, charge and fine arrears condition would accept proof of payment or a binding payment arrangement being honoured.[2]
Clause 28 would generally apply the amendments to residence and permanent-residence applications undecided at commencement, with specified transitions for existing permits. These remain proposed provisions, not operative requirements or a single rule for every pending case.[2]
Official sources
This article provides general information. Individual applications are subject to the applicable rules and the competent authority’s assessment.