Where did my story begin?
I clearly remember the excitement when I bought a ticket to Iceland on a sunny spring day four years ago. I was going to spend two amazing months in the most beautiful place on Earth - just me, my backpack and my tent. I believed that the greatest adventure of my life was ahead of me. I had no idea that this life choice would lead to so much more.
After my Icelandic trip, a strong connection with this amazing country stayed with me. After discussing this with my partner, who was also traveling around the island, we decided to move to Iceland permanently.
The decision, however, was not made overnight. Research and googling led us to a number of doubts and questions. Today, I'm glad we went through this process before we moved and not after we arrived. I believe this protected us from some common mistakes that could have easily ended with us not being able to get along in our new homeland.
Tax system in Iceland
In this country there are two types of taxes that are paid by citizens:
- National income tax. It is fixed at 22.75%. In simple terms, this is income tax.
- Municipal income tax. The amount of this type of tax ranges from 11.2 to 13.3%, which makes the total amount equal to 35.5%.
The tax is quite hefty, but it is worth noting that citizens who earn $1,520 or less are not subject to the tax.
Entrepreneurial activity is taxed at 37.2%.
The tax on a car is calculated based on how environmentally friendly it is. The average amount is 10,000 CZK (5900 RUR), it must be paid twice a year.
If you have a dog, you will also have to pay tax for it - 19,830 CZK (11,600 RUR) per year. Cats are not taxed, thanks for that.
How to prepare for moving to Iceland
Moving to Iceland was a challenge, even though I was lucky enough to be a citizen of the European Union. Iceland is not a member of the Union, but it is a Schengen country, which makes everything extremely easy for most Europeans.
However, moving to another country requires extensive preparation. We spent a whole year saving and planning. That year changed our fantasies about Iceland a lot, but we didn't mind - it brought us closer to the reality we wanted. This was our way and also what I recommend to anyone looking to move to Iceland for a longer period.
Join local Facebook groups
A good place to start is to dive in by joining some relevant Facebook groups. Conversations between travelers, immigrants and your fellow Icelanders provide a broader perspective on common questions and problems, as well as possible answers and solutions.
- Iceland Q&A
Follow local Icelandic news
There are many good Icelandic news sources in English. Keeping up with local news and trending topics is key to better understanding your community.
- Alda Sigmundsdottir
- Icelandic monitor
- Iceland overview
- Life in Reykjavik
- RÚV English
Learn about Icelandic weather
Many people return from Iceland because they can't cope with the weather and the long hours of darkness in winter. This is something you can prepare for both mentally and physically. Check seasonal conditions, consider whether it can be managed in the long term. And be sure to get the right clothes.
- Seasonal affective disorder
- Sunrise and sunset times in Reykjavik
Sharpen your language skills by learning Icelandic
While Icelandic is the official language, 98% of Icelanders speak English fluently, so this is enough to start a new life in Iceland. If you are not a native speaker, please note that fluency is absolutely necessary if you want to do anything other than clean or wash dishes. But even for these professions, you will need strong basic English skills.
Was it difficult to move to an unfamiliar country?
Knowledge of psychology helped me. I'm well versed in teaching self-respect no matter where I find myself. If the top commanders in the army respected me, then those abroad had the same respect. The main thing is not to miss the moment and somehow learn to communicate. I didn’t speak any language other than Russian, and my husband didn’t speak Russian, although he knows 6 languages.
I decided that if the Icelander was so in love that he couldn’t bear to marry me, then I had a chance. As the popular proverb says: “Love is evil, and you will love a goat.” In my case, a goat. And if so, then I had a small trump card. Although it could have been missed.
It’s interesting that almost all of my Russian acquaintances, after receiving a residence permit, divorced their husbands and believe that it is better to live alone with children than to live with husbands whose habits they never accepted into their lives. I think the statistics are 90 percent correct. They then date Russian speakers and get married, believing that it is easier to live with them.
I have always been more of an exception to the rule than one who fits into the rules. And I considered this my biggest problem. Individualism was bulging out of me even before I could open my mouth. In Russia, everyone tried to crush this in me, but in Iceland they supported me and encouraged me to continue doing what I like. This is a big plus of living abroad.
How to go to Iceland for permanent residence from Russia - our advice
Continuing the topic of how to go for permanent residence in Iceland, it would not be amiss to mention that employers are more willing to choose local applicants, but this phenomenon does not have a global scale. If you are lucky and have found a hospitable and friendly employer, then the next step is to conclude an employment agreement, which will spell out the responsibilities of the parties.
Iceland is often called the land of ice. This metaphor can be attributed not only to the climate of this island state, but also to the mentality of the people - many in this area are representatives of conservative views. Of course, not everyone here is reserved and cold; on the contrary, Icelanders love to have fun. This people carefully preserves their traditions.
WHICH TRAVELERS WILL BE ALLOWED WITHOUT ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS
Travelers who can demonstrate a high level of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 (European laboratory certificate required) or present an international certificate of vaccination against COVID-19 (vaccine must be approved by WHO) are exempt from all border controls when entering Iceland.
Transit passengers who do not leave the airport terminal are also exempt from providing a PCR test for coronavirus or quarantine.
Iceland has so far recorded a total of 5,970 cases of COVID-19 and 29 people have died from the coronavirus.
According to the Border Service of the FSB of the Russian Federation, about 6.2 thousand Russians left for Iceland in 2019.
Iceland's issuance of tourist visas to Russian citizens has been suspended since March 2021.
Emigration and moving for permanent residence to Iceland
It is issued by the bank.
You don't even need to pay a registration fee for this. However, there is a certain condition. The loan is available if the transaction amount is 100,000 euros or more. Since this state is not a member of the European Union or EEC, it has its own national currency. This is the Icelandic krona. After a foreigner gets a job, the employer is obliged to draw up and conclude an employment agreement with him. This procedure must be completed within three months from the date of his return to work. The agreement must include the names of both parties, the place of employment, a brief list of responsibilities, data on the amount of wages and other conditions. Information about membership in a trade union and membership in a pension fund will be required.
According to suitcases
Immigration to Iceland through the purchase of real estate is not very realistic, since the purchase of real estate in the country does not give the right to a residence permit. But if you combine this method with any other, the chances of getting a residence permit will increase - so, a business immigrant with his own real estate has a non-zero chance of getting the coveted residence permit. The procedure for purchasing Icelandic real estate is not complicated - realtors will do everything, and the immigrant will only need to sign the necessary papers. You just have to keep in mind that foreign citizens cannot buy land, as in many other countries - they can only take it on a long-term lease. Also, when purchasing their first property, an immigrant can take out a mortgage loan from an Icelandic bank without additional fees, however, only if the estimated value of the purchased property exceeds the equivalent of one hundred thousand euros.
Iceland is a small but very prosperous country located far in the north. For many years now, it has been firmly at the top of the list of the most prosperous and most pleasant countries to live in, so settling there legally is not so easy. However, immigration to Iceland can be a big step along the road that will ultimately lead the emigrant to prosperity. There are several ways to immigrate to this country.
We recommend reading: How to find out rent via the Internet
Is it true that Iceland pays male expats?
To be honest, I scoured the Internet and found information both for and against. I will say right away that the climate in Iceland is quite harsh. And it reminds us of our Russian north, and there people have always been hospitable.
Moreover, Iceland has a fairly high standard of living, and immigrants are not particularly keen to go there. It’s like in the movie “The Diamond Arm” when, when asked to come to us in Kolyma, the answer was no, you’d better come to us.
This is what a wedding in Iceland looks like.
I’ll just note that I haven’t found any official confirmation or refutation.. But we have to look at things realistically, that in the northern countries there are always problems with the male population. So here in Yakutia, during pre-revolutionary Russia, the Yakuts offered their daughters and wives to guests. And there was a hint of this in the film “Gloomy River”.
Iceland will pay $5,000 to men for marrying Icelandic women
As you know, Iceland is a region of harsh climatic conditions, where people have to win the right to exist from nature with blood and sweat. In this most western European country, a disproportion has strangely arisen between the male and female composition of the population, with a predominance of women.
The most piquant detail of this program is the amount of monetary reward. A migrant who marries an Icelandic woman will receive government support for arranging the life of a young family, and most importantly, a bonus of $5,000 in cash. Moreover, the sources do not specify whether this is a one-time payment or a monthly payment.
Iceland pays male expats
The decision to grant foreigners refugee status is made by the Immigration Directorate. If it is positive, the applicant is granted a temporary residence permit. They issue it for a period of one year, but then this status can be extended almost automatically. During the procedure for considering the application, applicants are accommodated in boarding houses and hotels.
They receive financial assistance of approximately 150 euros. But those who managed to obtain refugee status cannot officially work. It is very difficult for them to transport their relatives to Iceland.
Since refugees do not work, the country has a program of minimal material support for such people, but after that they have no prospect of becoming Icelandic citizens.
The country is also home to Danes, Swedes, Norwegians and Poles (under an agreement on the construction of sulfur mining and aluminum production plants until 2021 with Poland and Germany). The average population density is 3.12 people. per 1 km². About 60% of the population is concentrated in the southwestern part of the country (Reykjavik and its surroundings).
Runet, as usual, was slow for 3 months, but now the virus has spread to the masses, thanks to resources like Pikabu. But here a certain sensible person refutes this fact, and this also happened a long time ago, in July:
grapevine.is/news/2020/07/01/no-the-government-will-not-pay-you-to-marry-an-icelander/
The other day, a viral rumor was launched on Facebook, which was replicated by Russian and Ukrainian media of dubious authority.
It has been reported that Iceland will pay immigrants $5,000 every month to marry Icelandic women. Moreover, immigrants from North Africa, mainly. A detail for greater authenticity of the fake.
It was alleged that the government took this step because there are significantly more women in Iceland, like there are not enough men.
Features of life in Iceland
You can rent a one-room apartment in a residential area for $880, and in the center for $1,170. However, for a three-room apartment in the center you will have to pay only $1,800. This is more or less the same with the Moscow rental market.
Any questions regarding migration are handled by the Icelandic Immigration Service. For example, if you are under 18 years old, then you cannot even obtain a residence permit alone; a parent must apply with you. At the same time, if you are already an adult, then documents on the right to reside in the country should be kept in your purse or briefcase: the police regularly check your documents.
Migrants are paid $5,000 to marry Icelandic women
The Icelandic government has adopted an unusual law that will help increase the country's population and at the same time make the weaker half of its citizens happy. Local media reported that a government program has recently appeared, under which migrants who marry a local girl will receive $5,000 monthly.
The northern state made this decision due to a massive decrease in the number of the male population.
Officials think that increasing the number of men will increase economic growth, since they will pay taxes to the budget and work in positions that the weaker sex cannot do.
The government has also set priority for North Africans, as they want to see them first among the number of citizens of their country.
Due to a shortage of men, Iceland will pay $5,000 a month to immigrants who marry Icelandic women
After defeating the England team, Iceland hopes to become one of the football superpowers in Europe by spring and again reach the quarter finals, as on the fields of the French. Thanks to this victory, Iceland has become a place of world attention and I would like to discuss some funny news related to this.
Interesting: I lived in a rented apartment and received an FSSP debt
As the country's population, customs and traditions grew, perhaps the most notable story to our attention was that due to the large difference in the number of women than men, the country's government decided to provide a scholarship. $5000 per month for one immigrant who marries an Icelandic girl. This resolution will give priority to the people of North Africa.
DUE TO SHORTAGE OF MEN, ICELAND WILL PAY $5,000 PER MONTH TO IMMIGRANTS WHO MARRY ICELAND WOMEN
After defeating the England team, Iceland hopes to become one of the football superpowers in Europe by spring and again reach the quarter finals, as on the fields of the French. Thanks to this victory, Iceland has become a place of world attention and I would like to discuss some funny news related to this.
As the country's population, customs and traditions grew, perhaps the most notable story to our attention was that due to the large difference in the number of women than men, the country's government decided to provide a scholarship. $5000 per month for one immigrant who marries an Icelandic girl. This resolution will give priority to the people of North Africa.
Our people in exile: how a Russian woman lives in Iceland
Of course, it’s one thing to spend a couple of months in Iceland, and another to start building a new life. I was reassured that I could come to Moscow at any time: Iceland is not the end of the earth, as is commonly believed. You can fly from Reykjavik to Oslo, Copenhagen or Stockholm in 2.5–3 hours, and then it’s about another two hours to Moscow.
It was easy to get used to the Icelandic mentality, probably because it is close to me: Icelanders will never get into your soul, which they don’t expect from you either. They will be happy to help if you ask, but they will not impose themselves. If you met someone at a party and you had fun drinking in the company, this absolutely does not mean that you have become friends and will continue to communicate.
Moving to Iceland
Contrary to popular belief, the climate in the country is relatively mild. This is due to the warm Gulf Stream current. In coastal areas, summer temperatures range from +12 to +20 degrees.
In winter, frosts reach minus 4. A more severe continental climate prevails in the center of the country.
In the coldest months of winter, the frost stays at -20 degrees, in summer the air warms up to +7.
The island has always lived slightly separately. For a long time, the state did not express a desire to join the European Union. Iceland recently submitted its application to join. This event still causes mixed reactions among the population.
How to emigrate to Iceland from Russia
Another feature of the capital of Iceland is its always heated roads. There is no heating season. Geothermal hot water is used as a heat source. Electricity is also quite cheap.
One of the most pleasant and respectable national traits of the Icelanders is their kindness to their neighbors. In Iceland, the number of traffic accidents tends to zero, since an Icelander is more likely to wait a few minutes than to allow a pedestrian to be hit.
Iceland will pay 5,000 Euros per month to immigrants who marry Icelandic girls
Thus, every migrant who marries an Icelandic woman was promised at the state level not only support, but also a payment of 5 thousand dollars (according to some sources, we are talking about a one-time payment, according to others, a monthly payment). Preference is given to candidates from North Africa, that is, from countries such as Morocco, Algeria, Egypt and Tunisia.
The “Viking Country” also surprised by the refusal to apply for membership in the EU and continues to be famous for its unique nature and weather, where ice and fire from volcanoes, geysers and other natural elements coexist.
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Source: https://urist-piter.ru/trudovye-spory/pravda-li-chto-islandiya-platit-muzhchinam-emigrantam