New members of the Iceland forum, introduce yourself here

i am not a fisherman, neither i am not a computer specialist. i am a video editer doing editings in my country island , mauritius, i am looking forward to migrate to iceland for the benefit of my son. he is nine years old.

I am pleased to be here with you
and somehow be able to contribute my experience to help if necessary .
Goestava love to be able to find work anywhere in Iceland with my profession.
I have worked in Iceland in 2007 , under contract with HBH and worked as a carpenter , had to return to the country bad because I had to solve personal and family problems , and able to help my family going through some difficulties related to health and ongoing support and this somehow prejudicoume my personal and professional life, but the family have to be present when it is necessary because it is a very important pillar in my life as a human being and as a family Man .
Resorted to this website or blog to help look for a way to be able to return to iceland and resume my life to recover and help society in some way , all my discounts keeps intact because I know that one day soon I will return to this wonderful land that welcomed me and gave me a new opportunity of evolving as a person and professionally , I felt realisado person while in the times that I worked and lived in Iceland and want to work and live for many years in Iceland with my family

Hi. My husband and I are both software developers and we've both been fascinated by Iceland's political, social and geological history our entire lives. We're both very bookish, very independent, like chess, love natural wonders and very much love the progressive and independent spirit of Icelandic people we've seen. Watching the difference between how Iceland and America handled the economic crisis in 2008 made us want to move there so much more - we're planning a vacation for later this fall and both working toward full time telcommuting (or me enrolling in a Ph.D. program in Iceland - I dropped out of interdisciplinary grad school to keep doing tech work before).

We came to a crossroads this year when we were deciding whether to buy a house - it's just us and our elderly cat. Did we want to commit ourselves to a very expensive US west coast city forever or do we want to choose a country on our own? We found the stories about Icelandic people rewriting the constitution inspiring and amazing. We worry some about the cold and climate and how we will adjust, though we both love hot springs. We're also both senior tech workers, so it sounds like we stand a fighting chance. We also love how Iceland seems like a different planet, with its natural wonders - truth to be told, we often feel like we belong on a different planet than the current US state of affairs.

Anybody with a similar story (high tech workers who moved to Iceland as a couple), please contact me. I speak German, he is monolingual (only reads classical languages). We're also considering the EU, where I have lived (and he's visited) before.

andzet: when I moved to Iceland I was half of a high-tech couple and neither of us had trouble finding work. That was in 2005, but it's still true that being in IT is the easiest place to find work as a foreigner. I'm assuming you're both on US passports, which means one of you has to be the visa sponsor. You can't simply live in Iceland as Americans with jobs in America- there's no "resident-with-money-but-no-local-job" visa- it has to be a local company or a firm with a reason to have somebody on site in the country.

A phd program student visa does allow Americans to bring family, but if you are planning to stay long term, be aware that time on the student visa does not count towards permanent residency (you have to be a certain number of years on the same visa, but that doesn't count if it's a student visa).

Regarding your impressions of the political climate, I highly recommend reading this website for another perspective on what's going on in Iceland. The memes and bits of information being shared constantly on facebook tell only a very very tiny part of the story. This woman is Icelandic but has lived abroad, and writes in English. Note in particular her posts recapping the news and recent elections:

http://icelandweatherreport.com/

best of luck, whatever you decide!

Hello everybody, I'm a Mexican Biologist who want to go to study to Iceland (MSc. in Biology) the next year (February), so I want to know a little bit more about this country and everything good/bad that I need (or you think I need) to know!

Hello all,

I am hoping to live in Iceland in the future.

I live in the US, in the greater Chicago area and I've always had a great interest in the Nordic countries and Iceland in particular-the history, the culture, the politics, everything-and after visiting Reykjavík this year, I decided that my goal would be to live there, hopefully permanently.

My first step is of course learning the language, which I'm currently working on using grammar textbooks and an online learning website & a few other sites.
I am also planning to apply to Háskóli Íslands (University of Iceland) for a degree in Computer Science.
I have done research and I know it is extremely difficult for a non-EU/EEA citizen to be able to obtain permanent employment in an EU/EEA country, but I am hopeful (maybe too hopeful!) that with a Computer Science degree from Iceland that I will have a better chance.

I of course welcome any advice from everyone!

franksalem wrote:

I am also planning to apply to Háskóli Íslands (University of Iceland) for a degree in Computer Science.
I have done research and I know it is extremely difficult for a non-EU/EEA citizen to be able to obtain permanent employment in an EU/EEA country, but I am hopeful (maybe too hopeful!) that with a Computer Science degree from Iceland that I will have a better chance.

I of course welcome any advice from everyone!

welcome franksalem! It is a bit difficult to obtain employment but as you speculated, programmers are generally not without work for long. If you can network like crazy while studying and get some local contacts, I think there's a good chance you'd be able to find employment.

Good luck in the transition!

Hi I'm Carla I have wanted to radicarme in Iceland with my family, I am from Argentina, I wanted to ask if it is difficult to find work and live.
thanks and hope anciosamente response.
greetings Carla

Hello, my name is Radim and I was in Iceland in 2008-9 with my family. Piece of our hearts still remaining there. Iceland live style, no stres, friendly enviroment, no rasism etc. very miss me Last 10 years I works as a therapist, healer and teacher(lector in centers for education - diagnostic, psychosomatic medicine, selfhealing, emotion freedom technics, Qi gong/Cchi-kung, spiritual way of the healing, quantum healing and more,Bioenergetics-GSM,wi-fi,elektrosmog and damage of human body and mind).I have a lot of experiencies and knowlidge about human bio-energetic system and psyché. And last 5 years is my job in Czech.
We would like  move back to Iceland, work and live there. How is situation in Iceland now ? What do you thing my friend, is this real in this new times? Nothing will be the same like before in Iceland, I know( I lost all my money in Glitnira) what haepend six years ago. I lost my Job(healt masseur),too. Very hard age...
Can you give me a couple of answers and hot tips about situation in job market and my possibilities?
Thank you for your answer
Best regards
Radim:)

Hello! I'm a 19 year old girl turning 20 in some weeks, and I'm spending the summee in Iceland working as an au pair. I don't know a single soul here except the family I'm staying at, so if anyone want to hang out something just send my a message or something, I would really want to do something this weekend when I'm free.

majada wrote:

Hello! I'm a 19 year old girl turning 20 in some weeks, and I'm spending the summee in Iceland working as an au pair. I don't know a single soul here except the family I'm staying at, so if anyone want to hang out something just send my a message or something, I would really want to do something this weekend when I'm free.

welcome Majada! If you are on facebook, I suggest looking up a group called "away from home, living in Iceland". You might be able to find someone who wants to meet up this weekend in the group.

Hello,
I'm currently just wishing to move to Iceland but hopefully it will come true in a few years time. I am currently a student in Croatia and I guess that's it.

Hi. Firstly, I apologize if this has been covered before. I know this topic is always coming up but I looked and found a few similar topics but nothing quite as specific. Secondly...
I am a self-employed (artist manager) US citizen who would very much like to relocate to and work from Iceland. I have read tons of information on how not being from a EEA country makes it nearly impossible to do so unless you have a highly specialized trade, which I admittedly do not. My wife is a business analyst which I also do not believe is considered highly specialized. However, I found a few articles indicating that being self-employed may make things slightly easier. I've read there's an issue with paying social security to two countries (however there may be a work around by creating an Icelandic company and hiring yourself as an employee?). Does anyone have any experience or information on gaining a residence permit as self-employed?
We are in no rush and understand the challenges associated with trying to relocate to Iceland (especially as a non-EEA citizen). We have been to the country and are familiar with it's winters and small population (I grew up in a farm town in the North East...not the same but not too far off). We are in our 30's now and own a home here which we would be looking to sell before moving of course.

Hello,

I am very new to this forum and I would appreciate any advice perhaps possible suggestions.

Me and my boyfriend recently came from three weeks long holidays in Iceland and fall in love it it straight away. You guys are very lucky to have such a beauty around you which is pollution free 

We are young professionals living and working in London. I finished my university studies here in London at the Central St Martins (University of the Arts London) where I studied graphic design and interaction. I am all rounded graphic designer and currently I am working for the english government as a in house designer.
My boyfriend works as a gardener for a private club here in London but he has background in ecology. He would like to to apply on MsC in renewable energy in Reykjavik university next year which will mean moving to Iceland for booth of us. I absolutely love the idea of it and we can see ourself living in such a beautiful country. We booth love hiking, cycling, sports, nature etc so two years will be good for us.

My question is are there any opportunities within creative industry for graphic designers? Does anyone can give me some valuable advise perhaps suggestions where to start?

Any info would be appreciated! And please ask question if you have some.

Thanks for reading!

Kristína

Good evening everyone

I'm very new to this forum and would like to get a first impression of what life as an expat in Iceland could be
I'm French, living in the UK for now 6 years, and will (fingers crossed!) be moving to Iceland for two years around this very time next summer I will be a student there, in the Reykjavik area, and would love to discuss about what is available for people to get engaged in.

See/hear/write to you soon

Hello,

My name is Abhijeet and I am planning to move to New Zealand, it would be great help if anyone can assist me in this.

Regards
Abhijeet

Abhijeet1mali wrote:

Hello,

My name is Abhijeet and I am planning to move to New Zealand, it would be great help if anyone can assist me in this.

Regards
Abhijeet

If you want to move to New Zealand, I recommend the New Zealand forum, not the Iceland one! Try here: https://www.expat.com/forum/viewforum.php?id=498

Hello!

My name is Ignacio, I'm 26 and I live in Mexico City. In a few months I will graduate from chemical engineering. However I'm not very fond of any possible work regarding what I studied, therefore I started looking for things I really like and I found a program about horticulture, gardening and farming. They offer work for short periods of time to EEA citizens, and since I have the French nationality I applied. I love nature, my family has an estate in Western Mexico and there I feel truely happy and in peace, but there is no way I could go live there without being terribly bothered by my family and friends, that's why I think Iceland is great, because it's far away from Mexico City. I want to go there for some months. I need to see nature, because it is only in nature I can see the God. Besides that I have been always fascinated with Iceland and with the nordic mythology, and now I'm very serious about going to iceland somewhere before january 2015.

Thank you very much to invite me.

I am Martin and living in The Netherlands.

I was already eager to emigrate since about 10 years.

Now i have seen some countries worldwide and i know the laws etc to let you to legit live.

My arrows are now aimed at iceland. A very beautiful country, nice people and not that crowdy
as here.

I want to take every job to fullfill my wish and i hope that you can help me with it

Rgds

welcome new members! Iceland is indeed a gorgeous country and it can be difficult to live here but it's one of the most unusual places I know.

Hello
My name is Kate, currently I live in Ireland but plan to move to Iceland at the end of November. I feel very excited about it. I work in the photography - sales business for over eight years. I'm hoping to find a job in a similar kind of business. Does anyone can give me any idea how does the sales market looks like, is it difficult to find a decent job in a sales business?

Kattyen wrote:

Hello
My name is Kate, currently I live in Ireland but plan to move to Iceland at the end of November. I feel very excited about it. I work in the photography - sales business for over eight years. I'm hoping to find a job in a similar kind of business. Does anyone can give me any idea how does the sales market looks like, is it difficult to find a decent job in a sales business?

Welcome, and good luck on your move!  Sales in Iceland is a bit tricky since it seems to mostly rely on personal contacts in the domestic market, but perhaps a company with an eye towards the international market would find your expertise of interest.

Well am a young vibrant Nigerian full of energy and ideas, a graduate of Business from a great Administration from a great university. Currently working with a 5 star hotel in Lagos, but willing to pursue a better career in Iceland...

Hello,

I'm looking forward to someday soon moving to Iceland, and I'm planning on visiting this year just to be able to see everything in person.  Looking forward to the snow, aurora, and especially the climate.

For the last seven years I've been working in contracting (roofing, plumbing, concrete, ect.) and have enough skills to work with any company in that industry.  I don't know how much that's looked for in Iceland, but if I can't get any other job I still know enough to work in construction.

As of now, I'm pursuing a Doctorate of the Musical Arts in composition.  I'm planning on going to the University of Washington (state) in 2016 as an undergraduate and then working on my Masters.

From what I've read, Iceland really prizes the arts and I looked at University of Iceland website but didn't find any programs in music or composition.  However if they do have a good program there for music, I would move in an instant to study there.  I've always planned to buy land first and build my own house on it rather than renting or buying a new/old one.  But don't know how expensive land or building is in Iceland and whether it would be better to buy a house outright.

learning a new language is no problem for me, I've learned a little Irish Gaelic, and I'd love to learn Icelandic because it is the closet language to the original Nordic languages.

Thanks and if anyone know about the UoI's music programs please let me know.

-Wyatt

WyattPaulsen wrote:

Thanks and if anyone know about the UoI's music programs please let me know.

-Wyatt

You might want to look at Listaháskóli. They've got music programs there:

http://lhi.is/english/programmes/music/

as for housing, the word for land is lóð. It might be hard to find property to build on in Reykjavík but if you want to live in an emptier place, it's definitely possible to buy land. Keep in mind that with building, absolutely everything needs to come into the country by ship or plane. If you build with concrete, maybe some of it would be local, but any lumber and all the fittings will cost more than in mainland Europe due to the remote location of the country. Furthermore, local labor costs are quite high- some friends of mine renovated their house and found it was cheaper to hire someone they knew from Poland, fly him in and put him up for the month they needed help, rather than hiring locally. Oh, and finally, think about dealing with all the building paperwork in Icelandic- you say it's "no problem" to learn the language, but legal paperwork is at another level from your average conversation!

Hello everyone!
I just joined forum, in search of new people I could meet and getting more information on Iceland.
I am married, and have a 7 months old baby.
My wife and I decided to move to Iceland some time ago, but ever since we are in struggle to find a job opportunity.
Now, finally, some local friend promised us some opportunity in local milk factory (not yet 100% sure), but we started planing our way there...

Our biggest concern at the moment is kindergarten for baby girl, and meeting new people.

We are living in Montenegro at the moment, but the situation isn't the best here. Both my wife and I are unemployed, so it is hard for us to stay here.

We are here to meet someone new who could give us opportunity to become his/her friends once we arrive to Iceland, and prove that we are friends worthy.

By profession, my wife is a hairdresser, and my self, well... I was a professional army personnel for 7 years, but since I got a child, I let it all bind me.

Thank you for accepting us to your community, and hope to meet new people.

Kind regards,
Filip, Sanja and baby Petra

Hello Everbody!

I have been considering immigration for a long time now. Finally I've zeroed in on Iceland   

I'm an Indian citizen, currently working for a German pharma giant.

I'm really looking forward to any useful information to find myself a job. It seems it's very hard for non-EEA members to find anything 
But keeping my fingers crossed!

Thanks!
EshaV

Hello,

My name is Benoît Campéon, I am a French engineer student of 22 years old. I will arrived at the end of august and leave at the end of December for the firs semestrer. I am looking for a place to stay close to the university. I always lived with other people and I can't imagin to live differently, in my last roommates we were 5 (2years) and I am now in Tokyo for an Internship with a german and a japanese student.
So I hope that you could help me to find such a place ^^

My name is TAZEZE FEKADU, I am 25 years old and I am living in ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA. i was  graduated by tourism management in the university before 2 years.i was one of the 3 top students from the school of business and economics.i was awarded in the university very great distinction with the total CGPA of 3.83. I was working at a tour and travel market at NOBLE CONFERENCE AND TOUR as a TOUR GUIDE,TOUR OPERATOR AND EVENT,HOLIDAY,CONFERENCE,MEETING DESIGNER and i was hotel and tourism trainer.but now i do not have any works. my dream in life is to live in ICELAND AND TO STUDY MY MASTERS AND DOCTORATE DEGREE ONE OF THE UNIVERSITY IN ICELAND.therefore I started looking for things I really like and I found a program about HOSPITALITY,LEA SURE AND TOURISM PROGRAMS.I love ICELAND. my family are living in Ethiopia in the country side.am part of the poor families.but what is the requirement for me to travel to ICELAND? I  always think that Iceland is great country. I have been always fascinated with Iceland and  I'm very serious about going to Iceland at any time and want to meet new people.i do have different projects in my mind.but i can not change these projects in to practical here in my countries because of different factors.i know i do have professional drive in  creating business  in tourism and hospitality industry, meeting venues, conferences, festivals, tour operations, event, and holiday management and i  have the unique chance to experience a festival to the rest of the world in Iceland if you give me any chance to do so.,please help me and reply.may i really hope you will reply?please do not be silent.you are human beings.let us care and help to each other in this short span of life.i am waiting your response.
thanks for your special consideration.
hospitality regards,
TAZEZE FEKADU

Hi,

My name is Ivan and I am from Bulgaria. I am considering moving to Iceland. I am interested in finding job in financial market, banking or university. If somebody has an idea about the best way to find a job in Iceland I would be more than grateful.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Best regards,

Ivan

Hi all,

Derek here. Have just gotten a tempting job offer from Iceland and i am just looking for advice really on whether to pursue it or not.

Hello People!


I am Dr. Ajay a Dental specialist my specialty being Periodontics  with a two year experience in specialty practice .Currently located in India where in finished my education am looking to move  to Iceland   can any body guide me through on how to go about getting a job as a dentist in iceland

Hi,

I currently work as a software/infrastructure engineer in England.

I have been thinking about making the move to Iceland for a while now and want to get the wheels in motion.

My biggest challenge is to find a similar job there and would be very appreciative of any advice.

Regards

Keith

Hello!

My name is Michèle and I'll be living in Reykjavik for the month of May 2016. [Moderated]
Michèle

"Inspired by Iceland"

Hello everyone - my first post here.

I'm a middle aged British guy who like so many of my country-folk, realise I'm suffocating here in Britain. My name is Jeremy, many as you might imagine call me Jes or Jerry.

So why am I so interested in moving to Iceland ?

I am a 2-3 year old convert away from what I discovered is the term 'neo-liberal economy'. I am so impressed with the way Iceland, its political leadership and people had the foresight and the courage to turn your backs on the elitist model which suffocates every ordinary person.

Not often aired in Britain, probably most of the EU countries, is that Iceland is now probably the best economically performing country inside Europe, and importantly, I think doing so upon solid economic foundations you chose to embark.

What do I have to offer Iceland ?

My core skills are in IT and my child project is developing cloud technology aimed  to help small & medium sized businesses and non commercial clubs gain access to markets & people around the globe.

I acknowledge I need help to finish developing this properly.

Also I'm a great 'armchair' enthusiast of bitcoin and the underlying blockchain technology. I believe in its de-centralised, non counterfeit foundation as a currency. I would like my development project to additionally embrace bitcoin and also help promote it around the globe. I'm not a bitcoin miner and this is not what motivates me.

I'm not seduced by money, I want to participate productively within a climate of like minded people. I do not wish to be 'the boss' lording it over anyone; I'm more interested in shared ownership & responsibility. Money is important of course but it is other people who bring us happiness and a sense of accomplishment.

What advice would I appreciate ?

I'm still here suffocating in Britain at the moment (in Berkshire). I have a reasonable amount of money behind me and have more tied up in brand new apartments (2) in Istanbul which I shall be looking to sell asap.

Where might be good places for me to look to rent in Iceland to begin with, where I might meet like minded people ? What should my minimum budget be for say the first 6 months normal living ? I have nice furnishings incl office and a nice Jag I'd be interested to move over to a 'new place' in Iceland.

I also have need for a good dentist there as well to complete some dental 'bridge' work, if anyone has any recommendations and if a 'move' can be conducted sooner rather than later. A new 'smile' to go alongside a new, meaningful start.

And would it be important and/or etiquette for me to take Icelandic language lessons once there ?

Hello, I am currently searching for a job in Iceland as I plan to leave Portugal due to the tough employment market situation.
I have 15 years of experience in the IT, Consumer Electronics and Automation markets, having worked 3 years at Sony Corp. (1998-2001), 10 years at Hewlett-Packard (2001-2011), 1 year at Domatica Global Solutions, S.A. (2012), and for the last 2 years at Staples Portugal.
In my current role as Retail Trade Manager, I am responsible for implementing the company's worldwide strategy in the Portuguese market, by leading, motivating, directing and executing processes cross-functionally to profitably grow the IT Hardware/Software and Mobile Communications business.
I have the great challenge of growing the business in an extremely competitive retail environment, by analyzing key competitors in conjunction with consumer research, internal and external data sources along with industry trends. This process develops fact and insight-based programs, focusing on product selection and overall retail assortment, product and category placement in store, retail pricing strategies and promotional effectiveness.
Throughout the years I have accumulated experience in developing strong relationships with Business and Alliance partners as part of the company's strategy execution. This focus on creating sustainable bonds with the installed base of partners is what sets long term management apart from hard selling management.
Major contribution to my current experience have been the 10 years before my current role, where I had the privilege to be part of companies like Hewlett Packard as Senior Product Manager, Senior Category Manager and Senior Business Manager looking after the Iberian market (Spain and Portugal).
In this role I had responsibility in coordination and integration of Sales and Marketing teams for the Retail and Enterprise channels where I developed important skills in portfolio management and pricing, as well as sales forecast, P&L and Inventory management. I have also served as interface, before audit entities, for SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley) compliance of sales practices.
I am results-oriented and a team work advocate and I feel very comfortable in international environments. The English language is my second language (I was born and lived in the U.S. until the age of 10) and the Iberian role I played when working at Hewlett-Packard has also given me the opportunity to develop a medium / high level in the Spanish language.
I am an advanced user of both Mac and Microsoft tools. High experience with web based applications, including Business Intelligence tools and social networks.
I am married and father of 2 children and this contributes enormously for the level of responsibility and long term vision I embrace as my professional mantra.
Given my experience of 15 years in the area of Retail, IT, Consumer Electronics and Automation markets, I am sure that I have the required skills to be considered eligible for available job openings that may fit my profile.

I would appreciate your help in showing me the right direction toward a successfull change in my life.

Sincerely,
Steven Gomes

Hi,   
  My name is Mario I've been looking for a peacefull country to move too with my family and iceland seems like the perfect place for us.I am not liking the direction the united states is going towards and want too start new in a peaceful country.I am a truck driver with 3 years experience and if anybody can help me finding a job in iceland I would very much would appreciate it.

Ml8838 wrote:

Hi,   
  My name is Mario I've been looking for a peacefull country to move too with my family and iceland seems like the perfect place for us.I am not liking the direction the united states is going towards and want too start new in a peaceful country.I am a truck driver with 3 years experience and if anybody can help me finding a job in iceland I would very much would appreciate it.

welcome Mario!

in order to move legally to Iceland, you must have a residence visa, which is based on one of these three things:

-marriage with an Icelander/European (I'm guessing since you're talking about moving your family, this is not an option)

-going to school (only some student visas allow you to bring your family with you though)

-performing a job that is hard to fill from the Icelandic or European populations. As a truck driver, you'll be competing against all the Icelandic truck drivers, and European truck drivers who don't need a visa to work legally in the country. I expect it might be difficult to secure visa sponsorship given the circumstances, particularly considering there really is no such thing as extremely long haul trucking in Iceland. The size of the country rather limits that.

more on visas here: http://utl.is/index.php/en/residence-permits