First steps in Iceland

The kennitala is a unique 10-digit personal identification number. It is required for most services in Iceland, including opening a bank account, accessing healt­hcare and registering your address.

If you are an EEA/EFTA citizen

• You can stay in Iceland for up to 3 months without registering
• Up to 6 months if you are acti­vely seeking empl­oy­ment
• If you stay longer, you must apply for a kennitala through Registers Iceland

If you are a non-EEA/EFTA citizen

• Your kennitala is issued as part of your resi­dence permit application through the Directorate of Immigration

If you plan to stay in Iceland for more than 6 months, you must register your legal address (domicile).

This is necessary for:

• Tax purposes
• Access to public services
• Recei­ving official comm­unication

Registration is done through Registers Iceland.

Electronic ID (rafræn skil­ríki) is used to verify your identity online. It works like a digital ID and can be used to log in to services and sign docu­ments electronically.

You will need electronic ID to access many services in Iceland, including:

• Online banking
• Public services (e.g. Ísland.is)
• Municipal and govern­ment websites

Electronic ID can be issued:

• At a bank or savings bank
• Through Auðkenni (the official provider)

How to get electronic ID

• You need a valid ID (passport, driver’s license or ID card)
• You usually need an Icelandic phone number
• If using electronic ID on your phone, your SIM card must support it (your mobile provider can assist)

Electronic ID can be used on most mobile phones and does not require a smart­p­hone.

To open a bank account in Iceland, you typically need:

• Kennitala
• Valid ID
• Electronic ID
• Proof of address

A bank account is required to receive your salary and manage daily expenses

Once you have completed the steps above, you can start using key services:

• Healt­hcare: Register with your local health centre
• Empl­oy­ment services: Use the Directorate of Labour for job support
• Housing: Make sure your address is correctly regist­ered

If you are unsure about any of these steps, you can contact or visit the Vest­ur­byggð Town Hall for guidance.