How To Get Paid To Move To Iceland?

Ever thought of ways to get paid to move to Iceland? I’m here with all the answers! I’ve got 19 ways you can uproot and go live in Iceland! 

As someone who’s always been enchanted by the Northern Lights, the opportunity to move to Iceland is absolutely magical. 

And let’s not forget about the chance to unwind in Iceland’s natural spas after a long day’s work – talk about a work-life balance!

All those videos of people in Iceland’s Blue Lagoons with masks on their faces? That could be you! 

Now let’s look at how we can make this dream come true – onward to the 19 ways you could get paid to move to Iceland! 

19 Ways To Get Paid To Move To Iceland

1. Attend University

2. Freelance Writer

3. Work On A Cruise Ship

4. Adventure Blog And Vlog

5. Marry A Resident

6. Travel Photographer

7. Become An Archeologist

8. Volunteer

9. Raise A Go Fund Me

10. Student Exchange Program

11. Work As Wow Air Ambassador

12. Work For The University Of Iceland

13. Work For Reykjavik Tourism Office

14. Work For Viking Ocean Cruises

15. Work For Volunteer World

16. Work For Iceland Procruises

17. Work For The University Of Gothenburg

18. Work For Aspen Medical

19. Work For US Embassy

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19 Ways To Get Paid To Move To Iceland

1. Attend University

Iceland has some of the most distinctive university programs.

Given Iceland’s unique landscape, there is plenty to study, and researchers receive grants to conduct research here. 

Some top-rated universities in Iceland are:

• University of Iceland (Háskóli Íslands) 
• Reykjavik University (Háskólinn í Reykjavík) 
• University of Akureyri (Háskólinn á Akureyri)

Iceland values education, so as a student, you will be well-funded. 

2. Freelance Writer

Freelance writing is among the oldest and most versatile gigs.

You can be a freelance writer in so many different areas, like a blog writer, copywriter, ghostwriter, and more.

Being in Iceland, you might want to produce travel content about Iceland or give local insights and debunk tourist myths – there are so many angles you could work with. 

If you’re not yet a writer, you can easily take a beginner’s course and start your journey now. 

3. Work On A Cruise Ship

One of the more popular tourist things in Iceland is the cruise ships.

Did you know that Iceland sees over two million tourists annually? Now imagine the level of service needed to keep up with that. 

And that’s great because that means it opens up a bunch of jobs for us. 

Cruise ships hire receptionists, chefs, engineers, doctors, ship crew, and more.

A lot of different skill sets go with the roles required on cruise ships, so there’s your ticket to Iceland!

You can explore opportunities with these companies who all have routes to Iceland:

• Royal Caribbean
• Holland America Line
• Celebrity Cruises
• Cunard Line
• Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
• Princess Cruises
• Viking Ocean Cruises
• Ponant
• Silversea
• Hurtigruten

4. Adventure Blog And Vlog

Iceland is such a stunner with its unique landscape and experiences that you have SO many things you could blog and vlog about. 

Imagine being the go-to person for all things Iceland. 🙂

And don’t be discouraged by the number of existing blogs. What differentiates your potential blog from the rest is that you aim to provide quality content.

You can spend an entire year in Iceland, heck, even two whole years, and still not run out of things to blog and vlog about.

As long as you niche your content and remember to provide quality content, your blog and vlog will launch well!

If blogging is something you’re new at, you could always read a guide on how to start a blog and take some courses to get good at it like courses on picking the right niche, SEO, and getting more traffic. 

5. Marry A Resident

At first, I wasn’t sure how to feel about this, as it seemed like I was encouraging fraud. 

However, it’s entirely possible that you could genuinely fall in love with an Icelandic person, want to marry them, and decide to move to Iceland!

If that’s the case, this could be the simplest and best way to relocate to Iceland! *heart-eyes*

If you are married or cohabitating for at least a year, you can qualify for a residence permit.

This method doesn’t exactly give you any financial gain, and you must demonstrate that you can support yourself, either through employment or existing funds. 

But you don’t have to trouble yourself to actively seek ways to get paid to move with this approach.

Just be sure you’re not planning any Bonnie and Clyde-type activities with your partner, as you must have no recent criminal history to obtain the permit.

6. Travel Photographer

I’m sure you’ve seen stunning photos of Iceland, especially of the Northern Lights, thanks to travel photographers.

Travel photographers are in high demand in Iceland because of all the gorgeous landscape that needs to be captured by professional cameras.

As a travel photographer, you could sell your pictures to stock photo websites like iStock or Getty Images.

Or you can also consider seeling to travel magazines, travel companies, hotels, and airlines; the list is endless. 

You do need an excellent camera and photo editing software to help. This little investment will go a long way once you get paid for your photos. 

7. Become An Archeologist

Iceland has plenty of opportunities for archeologists due to the amount of historical Viking sites they have.

Just a few years ago, scientists made an astounding discovery that led to the revelation that Iceland was settled way earlier than we thought. 

There are still so many areas to be discovered hence the need for more archeologists to study newly excavated sites. 

8. Volunteer

Although you are not technically getting paid to volunteer and may have to upfront some fees, volunteering often has benefits. 

One of these perks is free accommodation.

And you could write or video your experience and earn income from ad revenue, for example, from the content.

In Iceland, there are numerous volunteer programs you could participate in. You can either delve into conservation, sustainability, health and support field, and more.

Here are some active volunteer programs in Iceland you can check out. 

9. Raise A Go Fund Me

Go Fund Me is a crowd-sourcing funding platform where you can set up a fundraiser and ask people to donate to your cause.

They can be set up for literally any reason, and people usually love to support the hopes and dreams of others 🙂

So you could try setting up a fundraiser for your cause and watch kind-hearted donors donate to your mission to live in Iceland. 

While there is no fee for creating a fundraiser, there is a transaction fee of 2.9% + $0.30 automatically decided from each donation.

So just keep that in mind when you’re weighing your options.

10. Student Exchange Program 

You could get paid to study and live in Iceland through a student exchange student program. 

That’s when you spend time abroad in Iceland as part of your University program in your home country or wherever your University is.

Some exchange programs you could look into are:

• Erasmus+
• Nordplus
• The Fulbright Program
  

While you will not receive monetary exchange per se, your accommodation will be sorted out, so you are technically “receiving” your monthly rent there.

11. Work As Wow Air Ambassador

Wow Air, an Icelandic budget airline, offers an exciting opportunity for you and a friend to travel the world. 

You get to be based in Iceland in an all-paid apartment in central Reykjavik and jet-set all over the world with Iceland as your base. 

On top of all the all-expense paid trips, you’ll still be paid a USD $4,000 salary!

As part of the job, you’re meant to document all your amazing experiences through photos and videos and blog, Instagram, and blast them everywhere basically.

Sounds too good to be true but it’s completely real! The initial program kicked off in 2018 so look up for this year’s updates for applicants! 

12. Work For The University Of Iceland

The University of Iceland actively participates in the international academic and scientific communities. It’s the leading university in Iceland.

The primary language of instruction is Icelandic, but they do offer several study programs that are taught entirely in English and are open to international students.

Due to this, they need English-speaking educators, and that’s where you come in! 

When there is an opening, you can apply as a lecturer as your step to move to Iceland.

Another way is by becoming a researcher. If you want to become a researcher, you will be paid a small stipend to move to Iceland. 

Doctorate students receive grants of about 425,000 IKR, which is about USD $3,232 per month. That’s just nice for a single person living in Iceland. 

13. Work For Reykjavik Tourism Office

A job at the tourism office in Reykjavik could be available for you when they need people who speak specific languages to cater to the tourists.

Languages like Mandarin, Japanese, and Arabic are popular for needing translators, and a foreigner who’s well-versed in the language and the city will be a top pick.

The role could be assisting tourists, acting as a tour guide, or even developing promotional campaigns to attract more visitors to Reykjavík. 

14. Work For Viking Ocean Cruises

And then here’s an elite option.

Viking Ocean Cruises is a top-tier cruise line with elite ships and guests.

They hire many people to maintain the facilities and the top service level on their ships. 

While you may not start out on the ship of your choice, you will get to tour the world from the get-go. And with enough experience, you can live on a ship in Iceland.

15. Work For Volunteer World

Volunteer World is one of the world’s leading volunteer programs, and they have volunteer opportunities in Iceland.

While you don’t directly get funding as it’s a volunteer opportunity, you will get accommodation and meals as part of your package.

Given that you’re going on a volunteer project, there may be people who want to support your noble cause.

In fact, they might give you funding so you can get paid to move to Iceland. 

16. Work For Iceland Procruises

Iceland Procuises is one of the more popular cruises for Iceland and Greenland.

The Seaventure ship carries a maximum of 164 passengers and runs with many crew on them.

They constantly need people to work the ship at every level, from housekeeping to kitchen to entertainment. 

The fun part about working on a cruise is you get to meet new people all the time along with visiting new places.

17. Work For The University Of Gothenburg

There are many employment opportunities at The University Of Gothenburg, such as lecturers, research assistants, and researchers.

Many of these positions will require you to have an advanced degree in specialized fields.

If you are successful, they will pay to relocate you to Iceland, and for researchers, you will receive a grant. 

18. Work For Aspen Medical

Aspen Medical hires doctors and nurses from the United States to work on cruise ships.

You will be gone for a 45-day period at the time and usually have very little notice before your deployment.

Your job will be to treat any illnesses or injuries that happen aboard the ship.

The perks are that you get to travel on company dime and visit some really cool places.

Plus, the view is not too shabby 🙂 

19. Work For US Embassy

If you want to get paid to move to Iceland from USA, you could apply for a job at the US Embassy in Reykjavik.

When you work at the embassy, you will be helping your fellow countrymen with their passport issues, visas, and anything else they need support with.

Working for the US Embassy in Iceland will expand your knowledge about the international relations between the United States and Iceland.

And if you want to move elsewhere, you could always apply for a transfer to an embassy in another country. 

Passport And Permits To Move To Iceland

If you’re wondering how hard is it to immigrate to Iceland, let’s look at the facts:

• Iceland requires you to have permits to be in the country, and they have a resource that helps you check the kind of permit you need
• You can get work permits in Iceland, and most of them require you to have expert knowledge in your field. 
• If you’re going for studies, you need a residence permit. This permit usually lasts for 6 months. 
• If you’re volunteering, you still need a volunteer permit, but it’s easy enough if you have an offer letter from the volunteer organization.  
• If you marry an Iceland resident, you can stay with a family reunification permit. 
• All permits must be submitted early to give ample time for processing. 

Housing In Iceland

The average housing cost in Iceland is about 640,000 IKR (USD $4,900) per 1m². 

In Reykjavik, the capital, the average cost goes up to 900,00 IKR (USD $6,850) per 1m².

Despite that, 75% of Icelanders live in Reykjavík and the surrounding southwestern region from Selfoss to Keflavík.

This is because most of the jobs are in these areas. 

As for rental, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the heart of Reykjavík is 185,000 IKR (USD $1,406) per month. 

The government does give out subsidies for rental under the “húsnæðisbætur” initiative. Here are the conditions:
1. You and your household members must live in the residential building, and it must be your permanent residence (legal domicile)

2. You, as the applicant, have to be over 18 years old. 

3. The apartment building must have at least one bedroom, private toilet and bathroom facilities, and private cooking facilities.

4. You must be a party to a lease agreement for a residential property that is valid for at least three months and has been registered in Húsnædisgrunn HMS.

5. You, as the applicant and other household members, who are over 18 years of age, must give their consent to the collection of information.

So why move to Iceland if the housing cost is expensive?

Actually, the high housing costs are offset by the utility fees. 

You see, Iceland run on geothermal energy source. 

Geothermal energy comes from the heat in the Earth’s core. It is a renewable energy source meaning costs to run electricity, heating, and water are significantly less.

Cost Of Living In Iceland

Cost of living in Iceland is high. 

Housing costs like accommodation and utilities start at 100,000 IKR (USD $760) per month, and daily living costs start at 50,000 IKR (USD $380) per month. 

If all you do is stay at home and get basic necessities, you will still need a minimum of USD $1,140 per month. 

That excludes a car and fuel, which you will need to get around. Fuel is consistently one of the most expensive in the world in Iceland.

If you want to have a social life, do fun activities in Iceland, and move about, you’re looking at almost USD $3K monthly expenses for a single person. 

And that’s how to live in Iceland comfortably. 

The good news is that wages in Iceland are high to combat the high living expenses. The average salary starts at 480,000 IKR, which is about USD $3,650.

So, moving to Iceland from US, or another other part of the world is reasonable, considering the good balance between the cost of living and salaries here. 

Getting A Job In Iceland

Iceland has a limited job market, but it is growing now with various opportunities. 

I do have to say that it is harder to get a job if you’re outside of the  EU, EEA, EFTA, or the Faroe Islands due to the certifications needed. 

However, it’s not altogether impossible.

There are international companies in Iceland that operate in English, but if you can speak Icelandic, you open yourself up to even more opportunities.

Tourism is a major contributor to Iceland’s economy, so there are always opportunities in the travel industry to get paid to move to Iceland Reykjavik.

Along with that, the tech sector is also currently booming, so if you have a tech specialty, you could find a job here.

Other significant areas you could find job opportunities are fisheries, healthcare, education, and public service.

Lifestyle In Iceland

Why immigrate to Iceland? Iceland is a great place to live in. In fact, it ranks no. 3 on the happiest countries in the world 2023 list. 

There is an excellent quality of life and a high standard of living.

Iceland has a high safety index, superior healthcare and education system, a clean and healthy environment, and a strong economy. 

It’s a tourist destination, so money constantly flows in, there are always activities to do, and you get a warm and welcoming society.

In Iceland, you get to see the mindblowing Northern Lights, visit natural hot springs, go skiing, hike, and just bask in nature.

These are some of the best reasons to move to Iceland.

But if we’re being honest, there are downsides to the lifestyle. 

For one, the climate will affect you. Iceland gets months and months of winter, and it’s even cold in summertime. 

Basically, it’s jackets all year round, so make sure you have a good winter jacket.

And you barely get daylight in winter even. If you’re lucky, you get 4 hours of daylight.

But if you can deal with that – go ahead and make the jump!

FAQs On Get Paid To Move To Iceland

Jobs In Iceland For Foreigners

Some jobs in Iceland for foreigners are:
1. Account Manager – Iceland for Jobs of Humanity

2. Tour Leader – Iceland for Intrepid Travel
3. Registered Nurse

Can I Move To Iceland

Wondering, “can I move to Iceland”? Yes, and you will need to select one of the residence permit forms, which you have to fill in and submit alongside with the rest of the required documents depending on why you’re moving to Iceland. 

Is It Worth Moving To Iceland

Is it worth moving to Iceland? Definitely! Iceland is considered to be a great place to live in. Iceland consistently ranks as one of the top countries regarding safety, quality of life, and happiness. They have a high living standard, a clean environment, excellent healthcare and education, and a strong economy. 

Conclusion

So, what do you think? Is it easy to move to Iceland and get paid?

I sure hope the 19 solid ways to pocket some cash and start a brand-new chapter in the land of fire and ice will help you. 

Iceland would truly be a unique and magical place to live in!

I mean, how many people do you know that can say they’ve lived in Iceland? Would be cool to be the first among your crew, eh? 

I hope you’ve been inspired by this article and if there’s anything more you want me to talk about, feel free to let me know in the comments. 

And remember, sharing is caring, so feel free to spread this information to anyone contemplating an Icelandic adventure!

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