Applying for family reunification

If you have received refugee status or subsidiary protection status in Iceland, and you were separated from your family before or during your flight from your home country, you can apply for family reunification so that your family can join you in Iceland under specific conditions.

In Iceland, UNHCR supports the national authorities in executing their duties in line with international and European standards. UNHCR is not part of the family reunification procedure in Iceland. The procedure in Iceland is under the responsibility of the Directorate of Immigration

How to apply for family reunification?

If you have received refugee status or subsidiary protection status in Iceland, and you were separated from your family before or during your flight from your home country, you can apply for family reunification so that your family can join you in Iceland under specific conditions.

➡️You can apply for family reunification through this website.

Time frame: You can apply for family reunification without time limitations. If you were granted protection in Iceland and want to apply for family reunification, income requirements apply with certain exceptions. Read more about income requirements on the page of the Icelandic Government.

In case you fail to fulfil the criteria, family reunification may be denied. You can appeal this decision before the Icelandic courts.

Whom can you reunite with?

These are the family members that can reunite with you in Iceland:

  • your spouse (the right applies to both married couples, referred to as marital spouses, and cohabiting partners, referred to as cohabiting spouses)
  • children under 18 years old to come to reside with you and parents of unaccompanied children in Iceland.

If your application for family reunification is accepted, you need to organise and pay for the trip for your family members to come to Iceland. A support person, legal advisor or advisor can assist you with the necessary documentation.

What is the timeframe to apply for family reunification?

You can apply for family reunification without time limitations.

Are there income requirements?

If you were granted protection in Iceland and want to apply for family reunification, income requirements apply, with certain exceptions.

➡️Read more about income requirements on the page of the Icelandic Government.

If you fail to fulfil the criteria, family reunification may be denied. You can appeal this decision before the Icelandic courts.

Where can I find help for a family reunification process?

We advise you to contact Red Cross Iceland:

  • Helpline:📞 1717
  • Chat: 💬 1717.is

In Iceland, UNHCR supports the national authorities in executing its duties in line with international and European standards. UNHCR is not part of the family reunification procedure in Iceland. The procedure in Iceland is under the responsibility of the Directorate of Immigration.

I need help to find a missing family member in another country (family tracing)

If you reside in Iceland, we advise you to contact Red Cross Iceland. This organization carries out family tracing services. Please find their contact details below:

Red Cross Iceland

➡️Read more about the work carried out by the Icelandic Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross in relation to family tracing.

If you reside outside Iceland, we recommend you see the HELP site of the country in which you reside.

Please be informed that UNHCR does not provide family tracing services.


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