If you are a refugee from Ukraine in Iceland, please visit the website of the Icelandic Government that contains important information in Icelandic, English or Ukrainian or call the Icelandic Multicultural Information Centre at 📞 +345 450 3090.
People arriving from Ukraine may be entitled to collective protection in Iceland. In particular, you may be eligible for collective protection in Iceland if you are:
- Ukrainian citizen, who resided in Ukraine before 24 February 2022,
- Holder of international protection, subsidiary protection or other residence permits for humanitarian reasons in Ukraine as of 24 February 2022,
- any of the two above-mentioned groups but were in Iceland on 24 February 2022 and had unresolved cases with the government or were in Iceland on the basis of a residence permit that cannot be extended,
- family member of any of the above regardless of whether the family members in question could safely return to their country of origin.
Under the Icelandic rules, the following persons are considered “family member”:
- Marital or cohabiting spouse, who was a part of the family in question on 24 February 2022,
- children and stepchildren under 18 years of age
- other close relatives who are partially or wholly dependent on the individuals listed above.
You can apply for collective protection before or upon arrival in Iceland. The Government of Iceland has provided all information here.
In most cases, the decision is made on the day of the application. In that case, you will be issued the decision granting collective protection, which you can use to prove your status.
After receiving a positive decision, you will receive details on how to collect your residence card. The residence permit based on collective protection is valid for one year at a time and may be extended for up to three years.
For more information about types of protection-related residence permits and rights and obligations, please visit the website of the Icelandic Government, available in Icelandic, English or Ukrainian. You can select one of these languages at the top of the website.
People who are not eligible for Collective Protection
If you do not qualify for collective protection, it may be possible for you to apply for asylum or remain in Iceland on other grounds, even if your visa waiver or visa has expired.
➡️Visit the Government website to find out how to apply for asylum.
If you are fleeing Ukraine and are in Poland, Hungary, Italy, Slovakia, Romania, or Bulgaria, please find on the Digital Blue Dot information about rights and services and where to find help. The site is also available in Ukrainian and Russian.
