Iceland

Iceland is an island located not far from the Arctic Circle where the landscapes are still shaped by volcanic hotspot activity. This produced peaks, opened faults, gave birth to geysers and colored the sand of the beaches a dark color.

The growth of green moss on soils colored black by Icelandic ash creates landscapes of striking contrasts. The region is home to varied biodiversity, where glaciers and waterfalls coexist with the arctic fox, the puffin and the whale as the most emblematic species. Although sparsely inhabited, the nation remains a wild place with significant natural areas. It is primarily possible to explore via its distinctive circular route, Route 1, with the majority of other routes being for 4x4 Arctic exploration. In the western region of the island in particular, the rugged coastlines offer fjords where the mountain flows into the sea. The majority of Icelanders reside in the country's capital, Reykjavik, which is home to more than two-thirds of the country's population. .

Iceland, an island nation, naturally values marine products in its cuisine. Fish can be eaten fresh, boiled, dried or in soup. On the island, cod, haddock and Atlantic sea bass are the most common varieties of fish. Lobster stands out from other shellfish, whether grilled, baked or fried. The nation has made lamb its meat specialty; thanks to its long Nordic coat, a tourist can frequently see lambs grazing on the road. Whale steak and puffin are also considered delicacies. Skyr is an Icelandic cheese comparable to yogurt. Locals also love ice cream, which is frequently offered around geothermal sites. Many sweets also contain licorice.

The advantages of the Icelandic teleworking visa

Opting for the teleworking visa in Iceland has several advantages for digital nomads:

• A unique living environment : Iceland offers breathtaking landscapes with its mountains, glaciers, volcanoes and northern lights. Nature lovers will be delighted.
• A safe environment : Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world in terms of crime and natural hazards.
• Excellent quality of life : the country enjoys a good reputation for education, healthcare, gender equality and the environment.
• Modern infrastructure : As a developed country, Iceland has all the amenities needed to comfortably work remotely.

Digital nomads in Iceland: what are the statistics?

Although it is still too early to measure the real impact of the Icelandic teleworking visa on the number of digital nomads in the country, some data allows us to establish an initial assessment.

The profile of remote workers in Iceland

According to a study carried out in 2019 by the specialized website Debutify, digital nomads in Iceland are mainly between 25 and 34 years old (45 %) and come from the IT, marketing or finance sectors. The latter represent 60 % of remote workers in the country.

In terms of nationality, the United States leads with 39 % of digital nomads in Iceland, followed by the United Kingdom (13 %) and Germany (9 %). The French represent 5 % of remote workers on Icelandic territory.

The impact of the teleworking visa on the local economy

The Icelandic government hopes that this teleworking visa program will help strengthen the national economy. According to a study carried out by the consulting firm BCG, digital nomads spend on average €1,500 per month in their host country, a significant amount for local businesses and services.

In addition, the presence of these digital professionals could promote the development of new skills and business opportunities for Icelandic companies, particularly in the technology field.

Future prospects for the teleworking visa in Iceland

The initial success of the Remote Work Long-Term Visa in Iceland suggests a bright future for this program. Indeed, many other countries have also developed similar offers to attract digital nomads, such as Georgia, Estonia and Barbados.

However, it should be noted that the current health situation linked to the Covid-19 pandemic has had a strong impact on travel and the reception of new foreign residents. The prospects for development of the teleworking visa in Iceland will therefore partly depend on the improvement of the global situation.

In conclusion, the teleworking visa in Iceland offers a unique opportunity for digital nomads wishing to live and work in a country with an exceptional quality of life. While current statistics are still limited, it is likely that this phenomenon will only increase in the coming years.

More and more countries are offering opportunities for remote workers and digital nomads looking for a unique experience. Iceland is no exception and now offers a teleworking visa allowing digital professionals to work from this fascinating country while enjoying an exceptional living environment. In this article, discover the advantages offered by this formula and the recent statistics concerning this phenomenon.

The teleworking visa in Iceland: what is it?

Launched in August 2020, the Remote Work Long-Term Visa is a program set up by the Icelandic government to attract digital nomads to its territory. This initiative aims to diversify the local economy, which is mainly based on tourism and fishing, while adding a new category of foreign residents.

This teleworking visa allows you to legally reside and work in Iceland for up to six months. Eligible applicants must have a minimum monthly income of 1,000,000 Icelandic Krona (approximately €7,300) and a work contract in their home country.