Iceland is the second largest island state in Europe and is just as big as Bavaria and Baden Württemberg put together. In addition, Iceland is the largest volcanic island in the world with currently 130 active volcanoes. A full 11% of the landing area is covered by glaciers. But Iceland also offers a large number of rivers, lakes and waterfalls. In the middle of the island is the Icelandic highlands with a desert. With its approximately 5,000 kilometers of coastline, Iceland offers plenty of variety. Iceland has an area of 103,000 km2 and is around 500 m above sea level. The highest point is 2119 m high. Visit thedressexplorer for Quick Facts About Iceland.
Iceland is divided into 8 regions.
- Central region Höfuðborgarsvæði
- Southern Peninsula Suðurnes
- Western region of Vesturland
- Westfjords Vestfirðir
- Northwest region of Norðurland vestra
- Northeast region of Norðurland eystra
- Eastern region of Austurland
- Southern region of Sudurland
With an average of around three people per square kilometer, Iceland is the most sparsely populated country in Europe. The rural population lives quite spread out in the south and southwest of the island. About half of the island’s 335,000 residents live in the capital, Reykjavik.
Area: 103,125 km²
Residents: 357,050 (December 2018)
Population density: 3.5 E / km²
Form of Government: Parliamentary republic
System of Government: Parliamentary democracy
Neighboring countries: (island – none)
State capital: Reykjavík National
language: Icelandic
Religions:
82.09% Protestant,
2, 39% Catholics,
0.61% Pentecostal Church,
0.34% Ásatrú congregation,
0.25% Adventists,
0.21% Buddhists,
0.13% Baha’i,
0.12% Jehovah’s Witnesses
0.11% Muslims
Currency: Icelandic krona (ISK)
Exchange rates:
1 EUR = 145.94 ISK
100 ISK = 0.68 EUR
1 CHF = 134.44 ISK
100 ISK = 0.74 CHF
(rate from 13.07.2021)
Telephone area code: +354
Time zone: UTC +0
In 2020, 95 Germans officially emigrated to Iceland and 65 came back to their homeland. Within the 10 years from 2010 to 2019, 947 Germans officially emigrated to Iceland and 672 moved back to Germany. In 2020 there were officially 1,388 Germans living in Iceland. This page gives an overview of the country and immigration. We go into detail on the following pages.
To many it sounds very tempting that only three people live in one square kilometer in Iceland. It is a peaceful country where you can still live in solitude and with nature. In addition, Iceland was ranked 1st in the Global Peace Index in 2017 as the most peaceful country. There is an intact, free health system.
The climate in Iceland is relatively mild in winter and surprisingly warm in summer for the far north. The temperatures rise above 20 degrees Celsius. Emigrating to this island means more than just ice and snow.
If you compare Iceland with Germany, the per capita income is very high. Iceland is in 5th place in the world ranking in this regard.
Immigration
Entry into Iceland is quite straightforward. Germans, Austrians or Swiss require a valid passport or identity card. For entry with children, the entry of the child in the parents’ passport is sufficient or the child has its own child ID card or passport.
If you are staying for more than 3 months, but up to a maximum of 6 months, you must register with the central register of residents. If you plan to stay in Iceland for more than 6 months, you need a residence permit. You can apply for this after entering the country. To do this, contact the Icelandic immigration authorities. You can get a residence permit if you can prove that you can look after yourself and your family, either in the form of a job, a pension or savings.
Germans who emigrate can get a work permit relatively easily thanks to the free movement of persons. The residence permit must be renewed every two years. In addition, you have to register with the central register of residents (Þjóðskrá) and apply for a personal identification number.
Special features and advantages at a glance
- easy immigration
- good hospitality
- one of the most peaceful countries in the world
- good cultural offer
- inexpensive additional costs
- Nuclear power free
- free health system for workers
- many job opportunities on the labor market
- relatively safe from natural disasters
- low population density
- Iceland has withdrawn application for EU membership
Currency
The Icelandic currency is the Icelandic krona (ISK). The exchange rate is currently hovering around 1 EUR = 146.94 ISK (July 2021). The Icelandic currency consists of coins of 1 crown, 5 crowns, 10 crowns, 50 crowns and 100 crowns. There are also five different banknotes of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10,000 kroner.
Money and transfer
You can get better exchange rates at the airport or on the ferry. There you can also exchange the Icelandic kronor you don’t need.
Cashless payment with a credit card is widespread. Even small amounts can be paid here with a credit card. Many credit card companies charge a fee for using the credit card abroad.
Some hotels and shops also charge a fee for using a credit card.
In Iceland you can withdraw money (ISK) from any ATM with a credit card. Most credit institutions charge a fee for an international assignment. Icelandic banks also charge a small amount for using their ATMs (around 150 ISK / approx. 1 euro). The DKB and the Comdirect reimburse the fees charged by the Icelandic banks. All you have to do is keep the receipts and submit them to the bank. The fee will then be refunded.
If you have a travel credit card, the foreign transaction fee does not apply, as these are free of charge.
It is also possible to withdraw cash (ISK) with the EC / Maestro card at the ATMs. That costs around 5-10 EUR per withdrawal at the best rates. Icelandic banks also charge a small amount for using their ATMs (around 150 ISK / approx. 1 euro).
Foreign currencies can be imported or exported in unlimited amounts. It looks different with the local currency. The Icelandic krona may only be imported or exported up to a maximum amount of 8000 ISK.
