Iceland Business Visa — Requirements, Cost, Processing Time
Key highlights
- Allows entry for business meetings, conferences, and seminars
- Valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period
- Access to the entire Schengen Area for business travel
- Requires a formal invitation from an Icelandic entity
- Mandatory travel insurance coverage of at least €30,000
- Standard processing time of 15 calendar days
- Applications usually submitted via VFS Global or local consulates
Processing time
15 calendar days
In some cases, the processing time may be extended to 45 days if additional scrutiny is required by the Directorate of Immigration.
Estimated cost
~$130 - $160
- Schengen Visa Fee (Adults)€90 (approx. $98)
- Schengen Visa Fee (Children 6-12)€45 (approx. $49)
- VFS Global Service Fee (estimate)$30 - $50
Requirements
- Proof of professional status (employment contract or business licence)
- Official invitation letter from the Icelandic host company or organization
- Evidence of sufficient funds (around 4,000 ISK per day, plus 20,000 ISK per entry)
- Proof of accommodation for the entire duration of the stay
- Valid travel medical insurance covering all Schengen countries
- No prior record of overstaying in the Schengen Area
- Applicant must hold a passport issued within the last 10 years
- Intention to leave the Schengen Area before the visa expires
Documents you'll need
- Completed and signed Schengen Visa application form
- Valid passport with at least two blank pages and 3 months validity beyond stay
- Two recent passport-sized photos meeting ICAO standards
- Official Invitation Letter from the Icelandic host company
- Employer letter confirming your position and purpose of business travel
- Proof of travel medical insurance with €30,000 minimum coverage
- Flight itinerary and proof of accommodation in Iceland
- Bank statements from the last 3-6 months to prove financial sufficiency
How to apply, step by step
- 1
Identify the correct jurisdiction
Determine which embassy or consulate handles Icelandic visas in your region. In many countries, this is outsourced to VFS Global or represented by another Nordic embassy.
- 2
Complete the application form
Fill out the official Schengen Visa application form accurately. Ensure that the 'Business' box is checked as the primary purpose of travel.
- 3
Gather supporting documentation
Collect all required documents, focusing on the invitation letter from your Icelandic partner and proof of your current employment or business ownership.
- 4
Book an appointment
Schedule an appointment for your biometric data collection (fingerprints and photo) and document submission at the visa application centre.
- 5
Submit and Pay Fee
Attend your appointment in person to submit your dossier and pay the non-refundable visa fee. Be prepared for a brief interview about your trip.
- 6
Processing period
Your application will be sent to the relevant embassy or the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration. You can often track the status online via the service provider.
- 7
Passport collection
Once a decision is made, you will be notified to collect your passport or have it couriered back to you. Verify that all visa details are correct upon receipt.
Tips to avoid refusal
- Ensure your invitation letter explicitly states who is covering the travel and living expenses.
- Avoid booking non-refundable flights until the visa is granted; a flight itinerary is usually sufficient.
- Double-check that your insurance policy specifically mentions coverage in the 'Schengen Area' or 'Iceland'.
- Provide clear evidence of ties to your home country to demonstrate your intent to return.
- Submit bank statements that show a consistent history rather than a single large, unexplained deposit.
- Ensure all documents not in English or a Nordic language are accompanied by a certified translation.
Frequently asked questions
Related visa guides
Visa policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or consulate before applying. PermitlyHQ provides general guidance and is not a substitute for legal or immigration advice.