Moving to a new country is exciting--but it requires so much more planning and preparation than moving locally! The customs process can be complicated, and you will have to do a great deal of research before you make the trek overseas. Plan ahead and find out the required documents, regulations and restrictions for importing goods into Iceland for your move!
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
When relocating to Iceland, there are many
important documents you'll need to clear customs and establish permanent residency. When you plan your international move, be sure to enlist customs brokering services from your international moving company to aid you in the preparation of your paperwork.
When moving to Iceland, you will need:
- Passport (copy)
- Residence visa from the Directorate of Immigration
- Work permit
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial invoice or a pro forma invoice
- Bills covering any charges, such as: carriage and freight, forwarding charges, insurance, royalties, commission, agent's fees, consular fees, documentation charges, packing, and loading charges
- Inventory (in English)
- Power of Attorney
SHIPPING REGULATIONS
When moving to Iceland permanently, you may import both personal effects (clothing, jewelry, toiletries) and household effects (furniture, rugs, linens, bedding, dishes, other furnishings) if:
- You have owned the goods at least six months
- You have lived abroad for at least one year
- The items cannot be sold, lent out, or disposed
- Goods must be re-exported upon leaving the country
- You must be present at the time of customs clearance
PROHIBITED ITEMS
In Iceland, the following articles are prohibited for importation under any circumstances:
- Narcotics/illegal drugs and poison
- Pornography and subversive material
- Weapons such as daggers, switchblade knives, brass knuckles, crossbows and handcuffs
- Explosives
- Snuff
- Uncooked meat and various meat products, uncooked milk and uncooked eggs
RESTRICTED ITEMS
Some articles are limited to maximum quantities or require special authorization/ payments of duties and taxes to clear customs. These items include, but are not limited to:
- Alcohol: must be 20 years old and may import no more than:
- 1 liter of liquor and 1 liter of wine or
- 1 liter of liquor and 6 liters of beer or
- 1 liter of wine and 6 liters of beer
- Electronics and appliances are restricted to one of each type
- Telephones and other communication devices require a permit from the Post and Telecom Administration
- Fishing equipment (such as waders and rubber boots) used abroad must be
disinfected (immersion for 10 minutes in a 2 percent formaldehyde solution) and issued a certificate of disinfection by authorized veterinary official
- Hunting guns require a permit from the local Police Authority
- Musical instruments
- Used riding gear such as saddles, bridles, and halters must be disinfected
- Plants, bulbs, and flowers require a Phytosanitary certificate endorsed by the Icelandic Agricultural Research Institute
- Books, CD’s, DVD’s, films, etc. are subject to censorship
- Tobacco products are restricted to 250 grams or 200 cigarettes per person over the age of 15
- Live animals and birds require a permit from the Ministry of Agriculture
- Medication is permitted in small quantities (up to 100 days worth) with proof of prescription
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
If you are planning to ship your automobile to Iceland, you'll require the services of experienced and reliable international vehicle shippers with knowledge of overseas automobile shipping laws and customs regulations.
The requirements for importing your vehicle into Iceland duty-free are:
- You must have outside of Iceland for at least the previous year
- The vehicle must be registered outside Iceland
- You must be the registered owner of the vehicle or have legal possession
- The vehicle must be imported no more than one month after your arrival
- You must have insurance in Iceland
- The car must be for your own use, the use of your family, or a hired chauffeur
- The vehicle must not be sold or used in return for payment in Iceland
- Vehicle must be exported upon leaving Iceland
You will need the following documents:
- Certificate of Title and Registration
- Driver’s license (valid in Iceland and your original US license)
- International Insurance Policy
- Declaration for Temporary Duty Free Importation of Vehicle form
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
Your pet is an important part of the family, so you want to ensure that he or she will clear customs. However, the import of pets into Iceland is heavily restricted. To successfully cross Icelandic borders with your furry friend, the requirements are:
- A permit from the Ministry of Agriculture
- Four weeks of quarantine
Contact your customs agent or the US Embassy in Iceland for more detailed information on the import regulations for pets.
INTERNATIONAL MOVES
International moving is a thrilling yet exhausting process, requiring research, preparation, and the services of professional, trustworthy international movers. Before choosing any company for hire, be sure to ask these important questions to verify they are qualified for the job, experienced, and knowledgeable of the customs process in Iceland. Conducting a thorough background check on any potential overseas movers will prevent you from making a common international moving mistake.
Ready to find reputable international moving companies in your area? Get started here at Movers.com by simply filling out our fast and easy free quote form and receiving estimates from up to seven qualified movers in your area.
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