How to Work and Immigrate to Iceland as a Doctor?

How to Immigrate to Iceland as a Doctor?

To immigrate to Iceland as a doctor, you must go through several steps and become licensed to practice medicine in Iceland. The mentioned steps include:

1. Recognize Your Medical Qualifications
2. Obtain a License to Practice
3. Language Proficiency
4. Job Search
5. Secure a Work Permit
6. Find Your Right Visa Type
7. Apply for a Residence Permit
8. Prepare for the Move

Step 1. Recognize Your Medical Qualifications

To work and immigrate to Iceland as a doctor, the Icelandic Health Authority must recognize your medical certificate and other documents. The Iceland Medical Council registration process includes:

1. Gathering the required documents:
   1. A clear copy of your original medical degree
   2. Detailed transcripts showcasing your medical education
   3. Evidence of your current medical registration or license in your home country
   4. Any additional qualifications or certifications that you’ve earned, such as specializations or fellowships.
2. Ensure that your documents are either apostilled or legalized, depending on your country’s agreement with Iceland.
3. Translate all documents into Icelandic or English by a certified translator.
4. Once your documents are ready, you must fill out the application form provided by the Icelandic Health Authority. Submit your application and documents either online (if available) or through mail to the designated address.
5. The Icelandic Health Authority will review and verify your qualifications. The duration for processing your application can take anywhere from a few months to over six months.
6. Depending on your country of education and the specifics of your qualifications, you may need to undergo a competency assessment. If the assessment identifies gaps in your qualifications relative to Icelandic standards, you might be required to undertake additional courses or training programs available in Iceland.
7. If successful, you’ll receive approval from the Icelandic Health Authority. This approval is a green light for you to proceed with seeking employment and obtaining a medical license in Iceland. Typically, the application fee can range from a few hundred to over a thousand USD.

Step 2. Obtain a License to Practice

Once the foreign pharmacist registration in Iceland is finished, you can apply to obtain a license to practice. Moving to Iceland as a doctor and getting a license include:

1. Obtain the application form from the Icelandic Health Authority’s website. Fill it out meticulously, ensuring all information is accurate and complete. The fee for processing could range from several hundred to over a thousand USD.
2. Alongside the application form, submit the following documents:
   1. Recognized medical qualifications
   2. Proof of identity (such as a passport)
   3. Recent criminal record check
   4. Proof of language proficiency in Icelandic, if required
3. The Health Authority reviews your application and documents to verify their authenticity.
4. Depending on your background, you might be required to pass exams or assessments. These could cover:
   1. Medical knowledge and skills
   2. Understanding of the Icelandic healthcare system
   3. Fluency in Icelandic, focusing on medical terminology and patient communication
5. Doctors, particularly those with limited experience or from non-EU/EEA countries, may need to undergo a period of supervised practice. You’ll work under the guidance of an experienced Icelandic doctor.
6. The processing time generally ranges from 3 to 6 months. Upon successful completion, the Icelandic Health Authority will issue your license to practice. This license is a testament to your capability and readiness to contribute to healthcare in Iceland.

Supervised Practice Requirement

The requirement for supervised practice primarily applies to:

• Doctors trained outside the EU/EEA, especially those from countries with significantly different healthcare systems or standards.
• Foreign-trained doctors with limited practical experience.
• Any applicant whose assessment indicates a need for further integration into the Icelandic healthcare system before practicing independently.

Iceland Medical License Exam

This exam assesses the candidate’s medical knowledge, skills, and ability to integrate into the Icelandic healthcare system effectively.

• Who needs to take the exam?
  • Foreign-trained doctors, especially those from countries outside the EU/EEA, whose medical education and training need to be assessed for equivalence to Icelandic standards.
  • Candidates whose preliminary assessment by the Icelandic Health Authority suggests a gap in knowledge or skills that can be addressed through the exam.
  • Doctors seeking to practice in specialized fields may also be required to take additional exams relevant to their specialty.
• The medical license exam in Iceland is administered by the Icelandic Health Authority (Heilbrigðisstofnun Íslands).
• The fee for the medical license exam can range anywhere from $500 to USD 1500.
• The medical license exam is held periodically throughout the year, with specific dates usually announced well in advance by the Icelandic Health Authority.
• The exams are typically held in designated testing centers or facilities within Iceland, often in Reykjavik.

Step 3. Language Proficiency

Proficiency in the language is necessary to immigrate to Iceland as a doctor.

• Icelandic Language Proficiency. The required level is often set at B2 or higher on the CEFR. Approved tests are:
  • Íslenskupróf Stofnunar í íslensku sem öðru máli (Icelandic as a Second Language at the University of Iceland)
  • Próf í íslensku fyrir útlendinga (Icelandic for Foreigners)
• English Language Proficiency. The required proficiency level is usually B2 or higher on the CEFR scale. Approved tests are:
  • IELTS: A score of 6.5 or higher is typically required for medical professionals.
  • TOEFL: A score within the range of 90-100 on the internet-based test is often required for doctors.

Step 4. Job Search

Working as a doctor in Iceland requires a job. Getting a job in Iceland could be challenging. Here are some critical steps to find doctors jobs in Iceland:

Recruitment Agencies

• EURES – The European Job Mobility Portal
• Starfsmiðlun – Icelandic employment agency focusing on various sectors, including healthcare
• Medicolink – A recruitment agency specializing in healthcare positions across Scandinavia, including Iceland

Online Job Portals

• Alfred
• Tvinna
• LinkedIn
• EURES Portal

Step 5. Secure a Work Permit

To immigrate to Iceland as a doctor, you must secure a work permit as a non-EU/EEA national. Obtaining a work permit in Iceland includes:

1. You must have a confirmed job offer from an Icelandic employer.
2. Your future employer must apply to the Directorate of Immigration or the Directorate of Labour, depending on the type of work permit applied for. The application must include detailed information about the job, including the nature of the work, salary, and terms of employment that meet Icelandic legal standards.
3. You’ll need to provide several documents as part of your work permit application, including:
   1. A valid passport
   2. Detailed CV or resume
   3. Copies of your qualifications and certifications, including your medical degree and any specialist certifications
   4. Proof of language proficiency, if required
   5. Criminal record check from your home country and any country you’ve lived in for the past five years
   6. Health insurance covering the first six months of your stay in Iceland
4. You may be required to undergo a medical examination to prove you’re in good health and do not pose a public health risk.
5. Your employer will submit the application packet to the relevant Icelandic authority along with all the documents required by the Directorate of Immigration or the Directorate of Labour.
6. The Icelandic authorities will review your application to ensure it meets all the criteria for a work permit. The processing time ranges from 1 to 3 months.
7. Once your application is approved, you will be issued a work permit. Fees can range from approximately $100 to USD 600.

Step 6. Find Your Right Visa Type

For doctors looking to work in Iceland, choosing the right visa type is essential. For doctors, the focus is primarily on work-related visas. The visa types for doctors include:

• Work Visa. This visa is tied directly to your job offer and work permit.
• Specialist Visa. It is aimed at highly skilled professionals, including medical specialists, who are coming to Iceland to work in their field of expertise.
• Citizens from EU/EEA countries have the right to live and work in Iceland without a visa, though they must register with the Icelandic authorities upon arrival.

The Work Visa is the most common visa type for non-EU/EEA doctors coming to Iceland. Here are the detailed steps to obtaining a Work Visa:

1. You must have a valid job offer from an Icelandic employer in the healthcare sector.
2. Secure a work permit with the help of your employer. This is a prerequisite for the Work Visa application.
3. Once issued, you can apply for the Work Visa at the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration. The application should include:
   1. A completed visa application form
   2. A valid passport
   3. Recent passport-size photographs
   4. Documentation of your work permit approval
   5. Proof of accommodation in Iceland
   6. Proof of financial means for the duration of your stay
   7. Travel insurance covers the Schengen area for at least 30 days from your arrival.
4. You’ll need to provide biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph) as part of your application process.
5. Pay the application fee. The fee for a Work Visa application ranges from $60 to USD 100.
6. The Directorate of Immigration will review your application. The processing time for a Work Visa can take from 1 to 3 months.
7. Upon approval, you will be issued a Work Visa, allowing you to enter Iceland and start your employment as a doctor.

Step 7. Apply for a Residence Permit

This permit is a critical step for doctors and other professionals moving to Iceland, especially for those who are not from EU/EEA countries. You can apply online or visit the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration. Here are the steps to apply for a residence permit in Iceland:

1. First, identify the correct type of residence permit that applies to your situation. For doctors, this is typically a work permit for professionals or specialists.
2. You will need to collect various documents, including but not limited to:
   1. A fully completed application form for a residence permit
   2. A passport photo that meets international standards
   3. A passport with at least three months of validity beyond your intended stay
   4. A criminal record check from your home country and any country where you’ve lived for the past five years
   5. A health insurance policy that covers you for the first six months of your stay in Iceland
   6. Proof of employment in Iceland, including a detailed contract that specifies terms of employment, salary (which must meet minimum Icelandic standards), and duration of the job.
   7. Proof of housing in Iceland, such as a rental agreement
3. You can submit your application and documents either in person at the Directorate of Immigration in Reykjavik or through an Icelandic consulate or embassy in your home country.
4. Pay the application fee. It falls within the range of 10,000 – 15,000 ISK (approximately $80 – USD 120).
5. You may be required to attend an interview at the Directorate of Immigration or the embassy/consulate where you submitted your application. This interview is to verify your documents and intentions for moving to Iceland.
6. There will be a waiting period while your application is processed. It can take from 1 to 3 months.
7. Once your application is approved, you will be notified and can then collect your residence permit.

Step 8. Prepare for the Move

Moving to Iceland to work as a doctor involves more than just obtaining the right qualifications and a work permit. Here’s a detailed guide to help doctors get settled in Iceland.

Necessary Registrations for Doctors Upon Arrival

• Register with the Icelandic Health Authority. The first step is to register with the Icelandic Health Authority (Landlæknir). This involves submitting your medical license and any other documents they require to officially recognize you as a practicing doctor in Iceland.
• Register with the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration. You need to register your stay in Iceland with the Directorate of Immigration. This is crucial for obtaining your kennitala (Icelandic ID number), which is required for virtually all aspects of life in Iceland, from healthcare to banking.
• Register for Taxation. You must also register with the Icelandic tax authorities (Ríkisskattstjóri) to ensure that you are correctly taxed on your income from employment in Iceland.

Steps to Settle in Iceland for Doctors

Banking. You’ll need your kennitala and a proof of address to open an account.

• Landsbankinn
• Arion Banki
• Íslandsbanki

Housing

• Bland.is
• Leiga.is
• Mbl.is (Morgunblaðið classifieds)

Health Insurance

• Sjóvá
• VÍS
• TM

Cost of Living

Is living in Iceland expensive? Yes, the cost of living in Iceland is relatively high. Generally, you should anticipate a range of $2,500 to $4,000 per month to cover housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and other personal expenses.

Continuing Education and Compliance

Staying up to date with medical practices and compliance is crucial. Iceland offers various continuing education opportunities for healthcare professionals, including seminars, workshops, and online courses provided by the University of Iceland and other institutions.

Integration and Adaptation Tips

• Learn Icelandic
• Participate in local events, join professional networks, and connect with fellow expatriates.
• Familiarize yourself with Icelandic customs, traditions, and societal norms to adapt more easily to your new environment.
• Familiarize yourself with the local laws and regulations, particularly those affecting healthcare, employment, and residency.

Is Iceland a Good Place for Doctors?

Iceland is one of the most attractive destinations because it provides high job satisfaction and personal well-being. In this country, there is a particular emphasis on the balance between work and life, as well as the high standard of the healthcare system and increased demand for skilled doctors. But how hard is it to immigrate to Iceland? Can I move to Iceland as a doctor? Let’s look at it in the section below to find the answers.

Doctor Jobs in Iceland

• General Practitioner (GP)
• Specialist Physician
• Hospitalist
• Medical Researcher
• Medical Advisor/Consultant
• Medical Educator
• Occupational Health Physician
• Telemedicine Practitioner
• Public Health Specialist
• Emergency Medicine Physician
• Healthcare Management
• Pharmaceutical Industry
• Mental Health Specialist
• Geriatrician
• Palliative Care Physician
• Radiologist
• Dental Specialist
• Rehabilitation Medicine Physician
• Medical Writer
• Global Health Practitioner
• Alternative Medicine Practitioner
• Clinical Auditor/QA Specialist
• Medical Consultant for Expatriates
• Home Healthcare Physician
• Healthcare IT Consultant

Hospital Jobs in Iceland

• Landspítali – The National University Hospital of Iceland
• Akureyri Hospital
• Reykjavik University Hospital
• Sjukrahús Sudurnesja (Suðurnes Hospital)

How Much is a Doctor Paid in Iceland?

Are doctors paid well in Iceland? Yes. The average salary for a doctor in Iceland can vary widely based on specialization, experience, and place of work. Generally, doctor wages in Iceland are between $70,000 to $150,000 annually.

How Much Do Doctors Make in Iceland in USD?

Doctors in Iceland make approximately $70,000 to USD 150,000 annually, given the close parity between the Icelandic króna (ISK) and the US dollar in international currency exchange markets.

Can You Live in Iceland only Speaking English?

Yes, you can live in Iceland speaking only English, as most Icelanders are fluent in English and are generally willing to communicate in it. However, learning Icelandic is beneficial for integration, accessing certain services, and understanding cultural nuances.

Is Medicine Taught in English in Iceland?

Medicine in Iceland is primarily taught in Icelandic. Some postgraduate courses or parts of the curriculum may be offered in English, especially for research or international programs. Still, the main language of instruction for medical studies at the undergraduate level is Icelandic.

How Long is Medical School in Iceland?

Medical school in Iceland typically takes 6 years to complete. This consists of a 3-year bachelor’s degree followed by a 3-year master’s degree in medicine, leading to the title of Cand.med. (Candidate of Medicine), which is required to practice medicine in Iceland.

Immigrate to Iceland as a Doctor: Let’s Recap

Immigrating to Iceland as a doctor is a challenging but rewarding process. Living and working in a country with such high standards and a vibrant medical community is an excellent experience for doctors. So, it’s time to pack your bags and travel to the country of volcanoes and waterfalls.

If you have any questions about working in Iceland as a doctor, write them in the comment section. You can also use our free consultation service.

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