Recruitment Agencies in Iceland for Foreigners and Citizens

Finding work in Iceland can be straightforward with the support of recruitment agencies. Whether you’re a foreigner or a citizen, connecting with local recruiters helps you discover opportunities, apply efficiently, and prepare for employment. Icelandic recruitment agencies leverage extensive networks to match candidates with the right employers quickly

Prepare for employment. Icelandic recruitment agencies leverage extensive networks to match candidates with the right employers quickly.

Pro Tip: “In our experience, candidates who work closely with Icelandic agencies and provide a tailored CV in English (and Icelandic if possible) secure jobs faster,” says Jón Sigurðsson, Senior Consultant at Swapp Agency Reykjavik.

Top Recruitment Agencies in Iceland for Foreigners and Citizens

Job seekers can connect with the following agencies to find employment in Iceland:

• Hagvangur: Established in 1971, originally as an operational consultancy. Later merged with Coopers & Lybrand (now PwC) and offers recruitment for various sectors.
• Swapp Agency: Founded in 2016 in Reykjavik, matching businesses with qualified candidates across Iceland.
• Kelly Services: Global staffing firm providing temporary staffing, permanent placement, and outsourcing.
• Actio: Local Icelandic agency offering temporary and permanent staffing solutions.
• Manpower Iceland: International firm providing management solutions, temporary staffing, and permanent placements.
• Adecco Iceland: Offers outsourcing, temporary staffing, and permanent placement.
• Randstad Iceland: Provides temporary staffing, permanent placement, and outsourcing services.
• Elja: Reykjavik-based recruiter hiring for short-term and long-term assignments.
• JOB – Atvinnuauglýsingar og laus störf: Local recruiter in Reykjavik helping candidates find flexible employment.

Requirements For Using Agencies (FOR JOB SEEKERS)

General Requirements for All Candidates:

1. Professional CV & Cover Letter: Must be detailed, skills-based, and adapted for the Icelandic market (photos are uncommon, and humility is valued over excessive self-promotion).
2. Relevant Qualifications: Authentic diplomas, degrees, or vocational certificates. For regulated professions (e.g., healthcare, engineering), you must prove recognition of credentials.
3. Verifiable Work Experience: Clear documentation of previous employment, including references.
4. Clean Criminal Record: Often required, especially for roles in finance, security, or with vulnerable populations.
5. Realistic Expectations: Understanding of Icelandic salary ranges (generally high but offset by a high cost of living) and working conditions.

Additional Critical Requirements for Foreigners (Non-EU/EEA):

6. Valid Passport: Must be valid well beyond the intended stay.
7. Job Offer is a Prerequisite: An agency cannot secure a visa without a concrete offer from an Icelandic employer. The employer initiates the residence permit application.
8. Proof of Special Skills/Qualifications: To obtain a work permit, you must typically fill a role that requires specialist expertise or qualifications that are in shortage and cannot be filled from the EEA/EU labor market.
9. Health Insurance: Proof of comprehensive health insurance is required for the permit application until you qualify for the Icelandic national healthcare system.
10. Financial Means: You may need to prove you can support yourself initially.
11. Medical Certificate: May be required as part of the immigration process.
12. Housing Confirmation: Increasingly required to show you have secured accommodation in Iceland, which is a major challenge, especially in Reykjavík.

Post-Arrival Mandatory Steps (Managed with Agency Help):

13. Registration: Obtain a Kennitala (Icelandic identification number) at Registers Iceland. This is essential for everything from banking to paying taxes.
14. Bank Account: Open a local bank account for salary payments.
15. Tax Card: Register with the Icelandic Tax Directorate (Skatturinn) to get a tax card for your employer.

Benefits of Using a Recruitment Agency in Iceland

For All Job Seekers (Foreigners & Citizens):

1. Access to Unadvertised Roles: Agencies often have exclusive contracts to fill positions that are not posted on public job boards.
2. Industry Expertise & Network: Specialized agencies have deep knowledge of specific sectors (e.g., tourism/hospitality, IT, engineering, fisheries) and extensive networks with key employers.
3. CV & Application Guidance: They provide tailored advice on adapting your CV/Cover Letter to Icelandic standards, which can differ significantly from other countries.
4. Interview Preparation: Offer coaching on Icelandic and Scandinavian corporate culture, common interview practices, and salary negotiation norms.
5. Streamlined Process: They manage communication and scheduling with multiple employers, saving you significant time and effort.

Specific Benefits for Foreigners:

6. Visa & Relocation Navigation: The primary value for non-EU/EEA citizens. Reputable agencies clarify the complex work and residence permit process, often working directly with the Directorate of Immigration (Útlendingastofnun) and Registers Iceland (Þjóðskrá).
7. Pre-Vetted Employers: Agencies ensure the employer is legitimate, willing to sponsor a visa, and understands the legal obligations, reducing the risk of scams or non-compliance.
8. Market Realism: They provide honest feedback on your eligibility based on labor market priority rules (which require employers to prioritize EEA/EU citizens and then foreigners with special skills) and Iceland’s specific skill shortages.
9. Settlement Support: Many offer practical guidance on relocation, including housing searches, tax ID (kennitala) acquisition, and initial integration tips.
10. Language Insight: Advise on which roles require Icelandic proficiency and which (especially in tech, tourism, and startups) may operate in English.

For Icelandic Citizens:

11. Local Market Advantage: Agencies leverage their local reputation and connections to match citizens with the best domestic opportunities, often with a focus on career progression.
12. Sector-Specific Mobility: They facilitate movement between Icelandic companies within niche industries like energy, maritime, and tech, which have tight-knit professional communities.

Steps to Get a Job Through an Icelandic Recruitment Agency

1. Research Agencies in Your Sector

• Identify recruitment firms in marketing, PR, IT, logistics, or your relevant field.
• Use agency directories or Google searches to shortlist top-performing firms.

2. Create a Compelling CV & Cover Letter

• Highlight your skills, training, and work experience.
• Tailor your cover letter to explain why you fit the Icelandic job market and the specific role.

3. Submit Your Application

• Send your CV and cover letter to the HR or recruitment department.
• Many agencies allow direct submission via their website or email.

4. Follow Up

• Politely check your application status.
• Shows initiative and enthusiasm for the role.

5. Prepare for the Interview

• Research the agency and employer.
• Review job requirements and common interview questions.

6. Salary & Benefits Negotiation

• Discuss compensation based on your experience, education, and market rates.

How to Obtain a Job Offer in Iceland

1. Research Job Openings:
   • Icelandic Government Employment Agency (Vinnumálastofnun)
   • Icelandic Confederation of Labour (VR)
2. Prepare CV & Cover Letter:
   • Highlight skills, education, and experience relevant to Icelandic employers.
3. Consider Recruitment Agencies:
   • Agencies can help you access opportunities not advertised publicly.
4. Networking:
   • Connect with professionals or attend job fairs in Reykjavik or Akureyri.
5. Learn Icelandic:
   • Optional but helpful for workplace integration. Many language institutes offer courses for foreigners.
6. Be Patient:
   • Non-citizens may take longer to secure positions; keep applying and consider backup plans.

Working Conditions in Iceland

• Typical Workweek: 40 hours (Monday–Friday), 8-hour shifts with lunch/coffee breaks.
• Rest Periods: Minimum 11 hours of rest per 24 hours.
• Paid Leave: 24 days annually plus 15 public holidays.
• Taxes for Foreign Professionals: For the First 3 years, a 75% tax reduction may apply if requirements are met.

Local Mention: Reykjavik, Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Akureyri, Vinnumálastofnun.

Conclusion:

Securing employment in Iceland, particularly for non-EEA/EFTA citizens, is a structured process that benefits immensely from partnership with a local recruitment agency. These agencies provide invaluable access to the hidden job market, ensure compliance with immigration procedures, and offer cultural insights that significantly enhance a candidate’s prospects. By thoroughly preparing your application to meet Icelandic standards and partnering with a reputable agency in your sector, you can effectively navigate the path to a successful and fulfilling career in Iceland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Foreigners Work in Iceland?

Yes. Citizens from EEA/EFTA countries generally find it easier to obtain jobs. Non-EEA applicants may require work permits. Iceland’s high standard of living makes it an attractive destination for skilled workers.

Do I need to speak Icelandic to get a job?

Not always, but it depends on the sector. Proficiency in Icelandic is often required for client-facing or public sector roles. However, many positions in tech, tourism, engineering, and international startups operate in English. Learning basic Icelandic is highly recommended for daily life and long-term integration.