Living in Iceland
Best neighborhoods in Reykjavík for new residents
A profile of every neighborhood and municipality in the Reykjavík capital area, covering rent, transit access, character, and who each area suits.
Mar 11 • 15 min read
Articles
Tips, guides, and personal stories about moving to and living in Iceland.
Planning, Housing, Living in Iceland(36 articles)
Living in Iceland
Icelandic holidays and traditions
A month-by-month guide to Iceland's public holidays and cultural traditions, from midwinter feasts and cream bun day to the 13 Yule Lads. Includes 2026 dates and practical tips for newcomers.
Mar 10 • 21 min read
Paperwork
Taxes in Iceland
Taxes in Iceland are progressive, with three income brackets ranging from 31.49% to 46.29% (as of 2026). A personal tax credit makes the first portion of income tax-free, and your employer handles all withholding.
Mar 8 • 13 min read
Living in Iceland
Mental health in Iceland
A practical guide to mental health resources in Iceland, including how the public system works, where to find English-speaking therapists, crisis helplines like Píeta and the Red Cross, and how to manage seasonal affective disorder during Iceland's dark winters.
Mar 8 • 10 min read
Living in Iceland
Making Friends in Iceland
Making friends in Iceland is slower than in most countries. Icelanders form tight social circles early in life, and breaking in as a newcomer requires patience, consistency, and knowing where to show up. This guide covers what actually works.
Mar 8 • 12 min read
Living in Iceland
Icelandic Culture for Foreigners
Icelandic culture for foreigners, from how people communicate and the patronymic naming system to swimming pool etiquette, workplace norms, and building a social life in Iceland.
Mar 8 • 18 min read
Living in Iceland
How to Get Icelandic Citizenship
A complete guide to becoming an Icelandic citizen, covering the seven-year residence requirement, language test, financial requirements, application process, and dual citizenship rules.
Mar 7 • 14 min read
Education
Daycare and Preschool in Iceland
A guide to daycare and preschool in Iceland for foreign parents, covering leikskóli enrollment, dagforeldri (day parents), costs, waiting lists, and how to get your child into the system.
Mar 7 • 10 min read
Living in Iceland
Having a Baby in Iceland
A complete guide to having a baby in Iceland covering prenatal care, parental leave, birth options, costs, registration, naming laws, citizenship rules and child benefits for foreign parents.
Mar 6 • 16 min read
Living in Iceland
Your First 30 Days in Iceland Checklist
A week-by-week checklist covering everything you need to do in your first 30 days in Iceland, including kennitala registration, banking, housing, and settling in.
Mar 5 • 14 min read
Living in Iceland
Cost of Living in Iceland
Iceland is expensive, but high wages, cheap geothermal energy, and strong worker protections mean most people with full-time jobs live comfortably. Here is what you will actually spend each month in 2026, category by category.
Mar 2 • 14 min read
Living in Iceland
Gyms in Iceland: A Practical Guide For New Residents
Discover the gyms in Iceland. Learn about gym memberships, facilities, and fitness culture for new residents and tourists
Nov 19 • 4 min read
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