No statutory minimum wage – but pay and terms may never be lower than in the collective agreements, and you get at least 24 working days of holiday a year. 85.8% of people aged 20–64 have a job (EU: 76.1%) and unemployment is 4.5%. Find out where to look, how to register and get your ID number (kennitala), and how tax works.
Students from the EU/EEA can work in Iceland without any permit. If you stay longer than 3 months, register with Registers Iceland – students have their own registration category.
Students from outside the EEA with a student residence permit may work without a work permit for up to 60% of full-time during their studies, and more during scheduled breaks between terms.
Thinking of studying there first? See Studying in Iceland – practical information.
Key figures: Eurostat (population on 1 January 2026; unemployment and employment rates 2025; minimum wages July 2026); for the United Kingdom – Office for National Statistics; for Liechtenstein – national statistics. Country information: EURES – Living and working conditions, public employment services and the official government websites listed under each country. Rules, thresholds and amounts can change – check the official sources before you move. Updated: October 2026.