Iceland Student Visa for Pakistani Students

Once Pakistani students secure admission into an Icelandic university, the next crucial step is applying for a student visa. Unlike Schengen tourist visas, a student visa allows Pakistani students to live in Iceland legally for the duration of their studies. Since Iceland is part of the Schengen Area, this visa also provides the benefit of traveling freely within 26 European countries during your academic stay.

Do Pakistani Students Need a Visa for Iceland?

Yes. Pakistani students are non-EU/EEA nationals, which means they must apply for a long-term student residence permit to study in Iceland. This permit acts as both a study visa and a residence permit, allowing you to live and study in the country legally.

Eligibility for an Iceland Student Visa

Pakistani students must meet the following eligibility criteria:

A valid admission/acceptance letter from an Icelandic university.
Proof of sufficient financial means to cover tuition and living expenses.
Valid passport with at least 12–18 months of validity.
Proof of accommodation in Iceland (rented apartment, dormitory, or host family).
No criminal record or deportation history.

Required Documents for Iceland Student Visa

Pakistani students must prepare the following documents:

Visa application form (completed and signed).
Passport (valid for at least 12 months beyond the study period).
Admission letter from an Icelandic university.
Proof of financial resources (bank statements or scholarship letters).
Proof of accommodation in Iceland.
Health insurance covering the Schengen Area (minimum EUR 30,000).
Passport-sized photographs (biometric standard).
Police clearance certificate from Pakistan.
Academic transcripts and certificates (attested by HEC/IBCC).
Visa fee payment receipt.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for an Iceland student visa requires careful planning. Below is the simplified process for Pakistani students:

Step	Description
1. Secure Admission	Apply and get your acceptance letter from an Icelandic university.
2. Gather Documents	Prepare academic, financial, and personal documents.
3. Apply for Residence Permit	Submit your application through the Iceland Directorate of Immigration (Útlendingastofnun).
4. Book Visa Appointment	At the Royal Danish Embassy in Islamabad, which handles Iceland visa applications.
5. Attend Interview	Provide biometrics, documents, and answer questions.
6. Pay Fees	Pay visa/residence permit processing fees.
7. Wait for Decision	Processing can take 8–12 weeks, so apply early.
8. Travel to Iceland	Once approved, collect your residence permit card and book your flight.

Visa Fees

Student Residence Permit Fee: Approx. EUR 120–150 (subject to change).
Biometric Enrollment Fee: Additional charges may apply.

Pakistani students must check updated fees with the Danish Embassy in Islamabad before applying.

Financial Requirements

Pakistani students must show proof of financial capability to support themselves in Iceland. The minimum monthly living requirement is around EUR 1,200. For a full academic year, this means showing EUR 12,000–13,000 in bank statements or a confirmed scholarship.

Work Rights on Student Visa

International students in Iceland, including Pakistanis, are allowed to:

Work part-time up to 15–20 hours per week during semesters.
Work full-time during holidays.

This makes it easier for Pakistani students to cover living expenses while gaining valuable work experience.

Conclusion

Obtaining an Iceland student visa is a detailed but straightforward process if you meet the requirements and prepare your documents properly. For Pakistani students, this visa not only opens the door to higher education in Iceland but also provides the chance to explore Europe, gain international work experience, and secure long-term opportunities.

By carefully following the application process, Pakistani students can ensure a smooth transition from securing admission to starting their academic journey in Iceland.