Moving to Iceland From US Guide

In the North Atlantic, a small island country dazzles the world with stunning glaciers, volcanoes and waterfalls. Iceland is a beautiful nation, and expats from the US and around the world move there to begin a new chapter of their lives. As of 2024, about 19% of the nation's population are immigrants. 

If the idea of endless natural beauty in an isolated nation appeals to you, Iceland may be the perfect destination. You'll need to do extensive planning, from logistics to learning about the culture, before you even start preparing your belongings for the move. 

You need a moving partner you can trust. Atlas International provides premier relocation services. We specialize in international relocations and have over 60 years of experience helping people achieve their cross-border dreams. 

Why Move to Iceland? Discover the Appeal

There's a lot to love about Iceland. Its progressive values tend to resonate well with US expats who don't want to leave their progressive values behind and are looking for a new perspective on life. Other reasons people choose Iceland for their new home include:

• Cultural richness: Iceland has a strong culture that's deeply rooted in literature, the arts and food. In Reykjavík, the country's capital, bookstores, art galleries, and music venues perpetuate this love of creativity. However, if you look further back, the culture is deeply ingrained with ancient Viking customs. Even the language, Icelandic, bears a striking resemblance to Old Norse.
• Safety: Iceland has very low crime rates and is known as one of the safest nations in the world. 
• Welcoming community: The community is generally welcoming of foreigners, making it a particularly suitable destination for American expats seeking a new community and experience.
• Unique climate: Despite its name, Iceland isn't constantly frozen. It has a relatively mild climate, with summer temperatures ranging from 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit and winters averaging 32 degrees Fahrenheit. While temperatures sometimes drop below freezing in the winter, they're often bearable despite its location in the north.
• Natural beauty: Iceland is the land of the midnight sun. From mid-May to mid-August, the sun is visible nearly 24 hours per day. Even in the middle of the night, the summer sun hovers on the horizon. Conversely, the winter solstice in Reykjavík experiences just over 4 hours of sunlight for an unforgettable experience. When the skies are dark and clear, the aurora sometimes dances in the sky, dazzling onlookers.

Navigating Your Move to Iceland

Your move to Iceland requires a lot of patience and paperwork. However, it's an achievable goal, even if you want to bring your belongings with you. By partnering with Atlas International, you'll receive insights and guidance from a relocation expert who's well-versed in the process of moving to Iceland.

Your Path to Iceland: Visa and Residency Requirements

If you're moving to Iceland from the US, you'll need a residence permit to stay longer than 90 days. Most people seek residence permits to work, study or reunite with approved family members.

To get a residence permit based on work, you must already have a job offer in Iceland. Usually, people with these permits have expert knowledge, are filling in during a labor shortage, have a service contract or are athletes. All applications must be submitted in paper form to the Directorate of Immigration, and you must pay the processing fee and submit the receipt for the payment with the application.

Residence permits for students allow international students to attend a university in Iceland. Like permits for work, applicants for student permits must submit the application in paper form to the Directorate of Immigration, and the processing fee must be paid prior to submission. Keep in mind that all applications and supporting documents must be received before June 1 for fall semester start dates or November 1 for spring semester start dates.

Residence permits may be granted to family members based on the type of relationship and the type of residency the member in Iceland has. For example, if your loved one is a permanent resident of Iceland, they have a right to reunite with their spouse, their minor children (under 18 years) and parents aged 67 or older. 

Budgeting Your Move: Costs to Consider

Before moving, you'll need to budget accordingly. You'll need funds to settle in Iceland and, if you're moving there for work, until you start receiving pay. Given that Iceland is a remote island nation, its general cost of living is around 30% higher than in the US. However, housing costs are nearly 20% lower. 

Beyond your settling funds, you'll need enough money set aside for residency applications and the move itself.

Choosing the Best Places to Live in Iceland

Iceland is a small nation with 107 cities and towns. The right one for you depends on what you hope to get out of your expat experience.

• Reykjavík: Reykjavík is the nation's capital and largest city. Around two-thirds of the country's population lives in this city on the southwest coast. While smaller than other European capital cities, it offers a vibrant experience with colorful houses, a thriving nightlife and the best job opportunities, especially for expats. However, living costs tend to be higher here than in surrounding areas.
• Akureyri: The picturesque harbor town of Akureyri is an outdoor enthusiast's haven. In the winter, skiing opportunities abound. When the temperatures rise in the summer, you'll find opportunities to nature watch, raft, hike and fish. Large green spaces are often used for crops and feeding agricultural herds.
• Seyðisfjörður: Seyðisfjörður gives you the best of both worlds. You'll find a vibrant art scene brimming with creativity alongside vast expanses of green space suitable for more rural living. A popular pastime here is hiking up the mountains and taking in the stunning scenery.

Why Choose Atlas International for Your Move to Iceland?

Moving to Iceland from the US requires a certain amount of expertise, and Atlas International has it in spades. With decades of experience helping people live out their expat dreams, we're well-versed in the complexities of immigrating to a foreign country. When you schedule our international moving services, you get the benefit of knowing your move will be coordinated correctly and efficiently by reliable professionals who get the job done every time. 

We know no two moves are the same — that's why we emphasize creating custom moving plans to suit your wants and needs. We can do it all, including door-to-door moving services that make the process a breeze.

Prepare for a Smooth Transition to Iceland

Before you begin your move, you'll need to plan it out. Creating a moving checklist helps you organize what needs to be done and ensure everything gets completed with ample time to coordinate your final relocation.

Start planning about 3 months before your move. Decide what you want to take with you and what you'll leave behind. Review customs regulations and begin preparing accordingly. Keep in touch with your Atlas International Relocation Coordinator to work through premove planning and booking.

You should have your new address lined up 1 month before your move. File a change of address with your post office and begin collecting all necessary banking, medical and legal records.

In the weeks before the move, you should be done with most of the sorting process and preparing your items to be packed up. Ensure your bank account transfers are ready, and provide a complete inventory of items being shipped to your International Relocation Coordinator.

Once you reach the final days before your move, you'll need to take care of any last-minute preparations and ensure everything is settled.

Settle Seamlessly: Integrating Into Icelandic Society

Some expats struggle to make friends in Iceland due to the nation's family orientation. However, you can ease the transition by familiarizing yourself with local customs, which are often deeply rooted in Norse traditions. Get used to hot pots and a heritage rich in literature. 

The National Festival (Þjóðhátíð) is a massive music and cultural festival held in Vestmannaeyjar each August. Attending can help you meet new people and make friends.

Learning the language can help, but many people speak English fluently in this nation. You may be able to find classes where you can meet other expats.

Begin Your Icelandic Adventure With Atlas International

Your Icelandic adventure awaits, and Atlas International will pave the way. Contact us today to get your free quote and discuss a personalized moving plan. We'll handle the stress of your move, so you can rest assured that everything will go off without a hitch.