Average Wage in Iceland
The minimum wage for everyone above 18 is about 2,610 USD per month.
Icelandic employees make an average salary of 32 USD per hour, 5,538 USD per month, and 66,460 USD per year. The average salary comes to 3,278 USD per month after deductions.
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Why Work in Iceland?
Jobs in Iceland for Foreigners
Common Jobs in Iceland for English Speakers
Teaching English in Iceland
Tourism Jobs in Iceland
History of Tourism in Iceland
Other Common Iceland Job Opportunities
Fishing in Iceland
Requirements for Foreigners Working in Iceland
Can Foreigners Work in Iceland?
Work Permits for Foreigners
Visa Requirements
Language Requirements for Work in Iceland for Foreigners
What It’s Like to Work in Iceland
Average Wage in Iceland
Cost of Living in Iceland
Find the Best Jobs in Iceland
CVs and Cover Letters
References and Referees
The Interview Process
Helpful Tips, Tricks, and Links for Job Hunting in Iceland
Volunteering in Iceland
Getting a Job in Iceland Online
Tell Us Your Experience With Finding Work in Iceland
How does one go about finding a job in Iceland? What are the island's biggest employment sectors and what is the unemployment rate like? Must you be able to speak Icelandic to work here and what are the working conditions actually like?
Find out how to work in Iceland in our detailed guide. Are there any Iceland jobs for foreigners? What are Iceland's most significant employment sectors? How to get a job in Iceland? Do you need to speak Icelandic to work here? How are the working conditions? Read on for the ins and outs of finding and securing a job in Iceland.
Many people fall in love with Iceland on their visits, so much that they might want to move there. It’s ranked as one of the safest countries in the world, making it an attractive place to live.
Top Hotels in Iceland
Hestakrain Hotel is located in South Iceland.
4.0
44 reviews
Hestakrain Hotel
Category
1 Star Hotel
Location
Húsatóftir 2a, Selfoss
From 152USD
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Hotel Egilsen is a beautifully located hotel in east Iceland.
5.0
108 reviews
Hotel Egilsen
Category
1 Star Hotel
Location
Aðalgötu 2, Stykkishólmur
From 109USD
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Guests can relax in Raven's BnB's outdoor tub.
5.0
180 reviews
Raven's Bed and Breakfast
Category
1 Star Hotel
Location
Sjávargata 28, Keflavík, Iceland
From 109USD
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But moving to a foreign country is not easy. The best way to move to a country is to find a job, which would take care of the visa requirements.
There are jobs in Iceland for expats, and understanding what it takes to find work in Iceland can help.
Here at Guide to Iceland, we’re experts in helping individuals move to Iceland. This guide to finding jobs in Iceland provides everything you need to know about how to find a job in Iceland.
Why Work in Iceland?
Your friends and family will probably ask you why you’re searching for Iceland job opportunities. The answer is likely because you fell in love with the country on a visit or have had a long-standing dream of living on this Nordic island known for its dramatic natural scenery, northern lights, and unique culture.
Iceland may not seem like an employment utopia, but opportunities for jobs are steadily on the rise.
There are many reasons to want to work while on an extended stay in Iceland. Usually, it’s to make a living that can support life in Iceland, which means paying for accommodation, food, and other basic needs.
This may also include occasional outdoor excursions or nights out. An expat's cost of living is highly dependent on the lifestyle they want to live here.
Another reason to work in Iceland is to better understand daily life for locals on the island. Working is an effective way of meeting people, learning about the culture, and acquiring new skills.
It’s also a great way to explore a new country. You can enjoy Iceland during its off-season and be the first to witness (from a safe distance) one of its volcanic eruptions.
It doesn’t matter why you are pursuing work in Iceland. Our goal is to help you understand the requirements for working in Iceland, typical jobs in Iceland for English speakers, the average cost of living, and more to help you find work in Iceland.
Jobs in Iceland for Foreigners
Iceland's largest employment sectors are manufacturing, tourism and fishing; each third is an essential pillar of the economy.
Some might wonder what an island in the middle of the North Atlantic has in terms of work opportunities. But Iceland is a modern European nation, so you’ll likely see many of the same job opportunities you’d see at home.
Iceland’s work for foreigners is extensive, such as jobs in the tourism industry,
It’s wise to keep your mind open when looking for job opportunities in Iceland. Some positions are easier for foreigners to acquire, while others are directed toward locals or expats who have spent several years learning the language and culture.
Finding a job to pay the bills and waiting for an ideal opening could help you make a move sooner and more efficiently.
There are more jobs in Reykjavik, but there are industries that can take you to the hidden corners of Iceland.
Common Jobs in Iceland for English Speakers
Many industries are looking for English speakers, such as tourism, counseling, teaching, interpretation, quality management, and more. The tourism and hospitality industries are especially interested in fluent English speakers.
The largest tourism markets in Iceland are from Central and Southern Europe, North America, and the United Kingdom. Tourists from these countries usually speak English, and very few know any Icelandic. This makes hotel jobs in Iceland and other jobs in the tourism industry heavily reliant on the English language.
Tourism Jobs in Iceland
The Blue Lagoon is just one of many attractions that pull an ever-growing number of visitors to Iceland every year.
Tourism in Iceland is currently responsible for 31% of the annual GDP. It’s a recent but now central pillar in the economy of Iceland.
It also means tourism has become a significant employment sector in Iceland. The tourism industry has positions in transportation, tour guiding, marketing, hotel management, dining and nightlife, accounting, social media managing, and more.
See also: Sustainable Tourism in Iceland
Holuhraun was the most recent eruption in Iceland.
Over the last decade, tourism has worked itself into almost every corner of life in Iceland. Downtown Reykjavik is often jam-packed with international visitors, while tour companies are forever growing in prominence. New shops, restaurants, and exhibitions are continually opening to meet the tourism industry’s growing needs.
History of Tourism in Iceland
When did tourism in Iceland explode? Iceland first made international news in 2008 following the country's rapid financial collapse.
The Icelandic government struggled to keep hold of a runaway economy and was met with further problems. In 2010, the Eyjafjallajokull volcano suddenly erupted, effectively shutting down air travel across Europe.
International travelers began fixing their gaze on this once overlooked island. The Icelandic government, its tourist board, and travel agencies came together to turn what could have been their downfall into a swift economic victory.
Iceland has since seen an exponential rise in its visitor numbers each year, with 1.9 million tourists arriving in 2019 alone.
The tourism industry is estimated to have created up to a third of new jobs in Iceland in the last five years. This trend matches the rapid influx of visitors arriving on the island over the last decade.
Requirements for Foreigners Working in Iceland
The requirements for working in Iceland vary from one nation to another; the good news is that foreigners can work in Iceland legally. Although there are several regulations, you’ll need to consider whether working in Iceland is right for you.
Can Foreigners Work in Iceland?
Foreigners can work in Iceland, but it’s easier for citizens of some countries than others.
How to find a job in Iceland
Jobs in Iceland for EU citizens are more straightforward, as their countries are members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and European Economic Area (EEA). They can live and work in Iceland for three months without a visa or work permit.
Individuals from countries that aren’t members of the EEA or EFTA may have a more difficult time applying for a work permit or a working holiday visa to live and work in Iceland. Jobs in Iceland for U.S. citizens in Iceland can be more challenging to find.
Acquiring a work permit in Iceland is complicated for residents of non-EEA/EFTA countries. However, it’s not impossible.
Work Permits for Foreigners
Work in Iceland for EU citizens is easier to come by. But Individuals from non-EEA/EFTA nations can work in Iceland; they just need to secure a contract before applying for a visa.
Qualified professionals and athletes are more likely to receive Iceland work permits. Still, it’s also possible to get a job and an approved visa if there’s a temporary shortage of laborers. It can take up to 90 days for a permit to be fully processed and approved.
It is easy to work in Iceland for all those who belong to a member country of the EEA or EFTA.
The three types of work permits available to non-EEA/EFTA individuals are listed below:
Typical items you’ll need to submit a non-EEA/EFTA resident include:
Completed and signed (by you and your employer) application form for a qualified-professional or temporary shortage of laborers work permit
A complete contract of employment between you and the employer
A certified copy of your diploma in English or Icelandic languages
Any additional information regarding your expertise, including other certifications, previous employment, and at least seven years of prior work experience in the field
Information about the employer’s previous attempts to hire Iceland, EFTA, or EEA nationals without success
Proof that the employer will pay for return travel to your country if the contract is cut short due to reasons outside your control, such as illness or disability.
You may also apply to extend the qualified professional visa by submitting the first and second items on the above list before your current visa expires.
Visa Requirements
Iceland is a member of the Schengen region. Citizens from EEA and EFTA member countries can travel and work in Iceland without a visa for 90 days.
Visitors from EEA and EFTA member countries must register their legal domicile and apply for a tax card after the initial three months of the country have passed. They must also complete the “Registration of an EEA or EFTA foreign national” form, which serves as an application for an ID and a domicile registration.
Two Schengen visas are available for citizens of non-EU/EEA nations. These visas enable free movement amongst countries in the Schengen Zone. The C-visa is for tourists who visit Iceland for a maximum of 90 days. The D-visa is for expats who plan to work, study, or live permanently in Iceland.
There’s legislation prioritizing Icelanders and EEA/EFTA citizens above their international counterparts. Exceptions are people coming to the country with specialized skills in high demand.
Language Requirements for Work in Iceland for Foreigners
Speaking Icelandic is not a prerequisite to getting a job, though it will certainly help settling into the country.
It’s important that those planning to work in Iceland speak English, and that’s because 99% of Icelanders speak English. Knowing English can make moving to Iceland and living in this country much more manageable. It’ll also increase your chances of finding work in Iceland whether you’re from an EEA or EFTA member nation or not.
Foreigners must understand that Icelandic is the native language of Iceland. Preserving this language is essential to protecting the country’s culture, and Icelandic is the language used by Iceland’s locals, media, and municipal governments.
English is generally spoken throughout the tourism industry and at large corporations as the business language. Many of the highest paying jobs in Iceland for foreigners will require fluency in English.
What It’s Like to Work in Iceland
Workers in Iceland are entitled to a number of public holidays and benefits.
Icelanders work 40-hour weeks on average. Temporary work agencies for foreigners grant employees the same fundamental rights as their own employees.
Workers are entitled to an 11-hour rest period every 24 hours. Shop assistants, tradespeople, and workers are also entitled to a 35-minute refreshment break every eight hours. All office workers are given a paid 15-minute coffee break.
Average Wage in Iceland
The minimum wage for everyone above 18 is about 2,610 USD per month.
Icelandic employees make an average salary of 32 USD per hour,
32 United States Dollar equals
3,535.67 Bangladeshi Taka
5,538 USD per month, and 66,460 USD per year.
The average salary comes to 3,278 USD per month after deductions.
3,300 United States Dollar equals
364,616.34 Bangladeshi Taka
Find the Best Jobs in Iceland
Job hunting can be a highly stressful activity; fear not! Those most likely to find work quickly are those who are prepared and ready to tackle the task.
When searching for a job in Iceland, the first thing to do is consider your skills, experience, and passions. What type of job would best suit you? What kind of positions have you held in the past? Are you looking for a new career direction or simply hoping to work part-time? What type of role is most common in Iceland?
These questions are essential, and they can shed light on the next steps of the job hunting process and simplify your path to a residence application. The next step is to discover where companies and organizations list their vacancies.
CVs and Cover Letters
Make sure to spend as much time on your CV and cover letter as necessary. Remember, these documents are the first impression that you give a prospective employer.
Job applicants will have to prepare a flawless Curriculum Vitae (or CV, which is equivalent to a resume) and a personalized cover letter, similar to most other developed nations around the globe. Both of these should outline the applicant’s most redeeming and competent qualities.
Begin by sending potential employers an email with a short introductory message and your application documents attached.
It’s always acceptable to send a follow-up email or call the potential employer if they have not responded to your email within a few days. Remember to consider the employer’s position while job-hunting as competition for open positions in Iceland’s current job market can be fierce.
Your CV and cover letter must stand out from the crowd and remain direct. It only takes a few seconds for someone to get the wrong impression and dismiss an application that is boring or full of grammatical errors.
No prospective employer wants to read pages upon pages of your high school achievements or trust an applicant who cannot concisely relay their strengths.
Consider the individual qualities an employer is looking for in a job applicant and ensure you have displayed these characteristics in your application.
Common characteristics companies are looking for include honesty, communication skills, flexibility, determination, a willingness to learn, engage, and work in a team.
The CV and cover letter should each be one page in length.
References and Referees
Having a reference or referee demonstrates that not only you think highly of your work ethic, but others in authority do so as well.
Aside from a CV and cover letter, having a reference from a previous employer can also be valuable.
Using a referee shows the prospective employer that you are confident in yourself and what you have previously achieved. It also demonstrates that you have nothing to hide and are willing to have another person vouch for your work ethic.
Contact all possible referees before submitting your application to ensure they're willing to speak with your potential employer. Give your potential new employer your referee’s contact and the previous employer’s best hours to reach them.
All referees should be working in the field you are applying for or in a closely related field. You may also use a letter of reference already provided to you. This allows you to be 100% confident of the information you’re putting across in your application.
The Interview Process
The interview stage is the most important part of the jobseeker's process. Remember to dress sharply, smile and exude a calm and collected confidence.
You’ve done it. You’ve been called back and asked to come in (or log onto Skype) for an interview. Reaching the interview stage is one of the hardest parts of finding a job in Iceland, so you should already be patting yourself on the back.
Getting a Job in Iceland Online
We’ve also included a list of job sites that list vacancies in various fields across Iceland.
All websites aside from Capacent are available in English, making the job-hunting process more convenient for foreigner
s.
Alfred
Capacent
Storf
Ninukot
JobsAbroad.com
EURES Job Search for Europe
TeqHire
MBL - Icelandic Newspaper
Other websites providing information about employment, visa requirements, regulations, and more are listed below.
Links to helpful government and
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