Live and work in Iceland
Iceland is known for its geysers, volcanoes, northern lights and glaciers. But what more does this country has to offer if you plan on moving there?
Here we will paint a more clear picture of what living in this lovely country can look like.
Popular cities in Iceland
Life in Iceland
The country’s breathtaking landscapes include majestic glaciers, steaming geysers, stunning waterfalls, and volcanic formations. Icelanders enjoy a high quality of life, a strong sense of community, and a safe and clean environment. The Icelandic culture is rich in folklore, music, and literature, fostering creativity and artistic expression.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Iceland is a paradise, offering opportunities for hiking, skiing, and exploring the wilderness. Witnessing the spectacular Northern Lights dancing across the sky is an unforgettable experience.
Quick facts about working in Iceland:
- Average working hours per week: 36 to 40 hours (average: 36.66)
- Typical working day: Monday to Friday from 8:00-9:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Number of Vacation days: 24 days
- Commute: Mostly by bus
- Work culture: Flat hierarchy
Read more about Moving to Iceland
Quick info about Iceland
Typical food
Skyr (kind of yoghurt), lamb, seafood, Hákarl (fermented shark), Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur (Icelandic hot dog), Rúgbrauð (rye bread), Svið (sheep’s head)
Population
~372.520 people
Location
Iceland is a European island country located in the North Atlantic Ocean. The capital city is Reykjavik.
Languages
Icelandic
Famous people
Björk, Halldór Laxness, Eiður Guðjohnsen
Currency
Icelandic Krona (ISO code: ISK, symbol: kr)
Avg. working week
36 to 40 hours
Possibility of 4 day work week
Healthcare
Icelandic healthcare has a high quality and is accessible to everyone living there.
Other countries nearby
FAQ
No, citizens of EU and EEA do not need to apply for a work permit or visa to work in Iceland. You can read more about it here.
Icelandic is considered to be one of the hardest languages in the world. Approximately 300.000 people can speak Icelandic, which is almost equal to the number of nationals!
Fortunately, most of the society speaks English, however, it still would be good to know some basic sentences. Language knowledge is useful not only in making contact with Icelandic people but also allows us to understand the culture better. If you would like to try, there are a lot of free online courses like this one. If you prefer to take lessons in person, there is also a possibility like that. Most of the courses offered already on site are paid. You can check how are the exemplary prices for a course here. The fact that you study Icelandic is a good sign for your future employer, it shows that you treat this place and job seriously and for a longer run and you can be sure he will notice it.
In Iceland, temperatures vary significantly throughout the year. During winter (December to February), average temperatures range from -1°C to 3°C, while in summer (June to August), they hover around 10°C to 13°C in the coastal regions. However, temperatures can drop below freezing during winter and rise to 15°C to 20°C in summer. The country’s northern location means it experiences long daylight hours during summer and extended darkness in winter.
In Iceland, getting around is primarily done by car, as public transportation is limited, especially outside Reykjavik. Renting a car is a popular option to explore the country’s breathtaking landscapes at your own pace. Domestic flights and buses are available for longer journeys between towns. During winter, be prepared for challenging road conditions and consider guided tours for more remote areas.
Healthcare in Iceland is of high quality and accessible to all residents. The country has a comprehensive public healthcare system that provides essential medical services to its citizens, and emergency medical care is readily available. Additionally, Iceland has modern medical facilities, well-trained healthcare professionals, and a focus on preventive care, contributing to the overall well-being of its population.
Still not convinced about Iceland?
Although living in Iceland can be challenging due to its remote location and harsh weather conditions, the resilient and warm-hearted Icelandic community makes it a welcoming place to call home. The spirit of adventure and immersing oneself in Iceland’s natural beauty and unique culture is a rewarding and unforgettable journey. Because of its health and happiness Iceland is a very unique destination for expats.
For Icelandic people family is extremely important, and from an early age, kids are taught to be self-sufficient. Very surprising might be that Icelanders don’t have surnames, they have patronymic names instead. It is created by taking the fathers first name followed by -son or -dottit, e.g. Anna Einarsdottir and Johannes Einarsson. Social life strongly centres around family too.
The country’s breathtaking landscapes include majestic glaciers, steaming geysers, stunning waterfalls, and volcanic formations. Icelanders enjoy a high quality of life, a strong sense of community, and a safe and clean environment. The Icelandic culture is rich in folklore, music, and literature, fostering creativity and artistic expression.
Furthermore, there’s an increasing expat community in Iceland, with young people from Asia, Europe and America looking for the chill live in Iceland with its quality of life, its stunning landscapes and the possibility to spend a while getting a hot spring bath whenever you want.
