People

Frequently asked questions

    • All those who have been issued a system ID number before the change is implemented will receive a new, differentiated version of the system ID number.
    • The older system ID number will be inactive while a person remains in the system ID register. If the person were to apply for a registration of a legal domicile and be registered in the population register, the older system ID number will be activated again as it is the same format as other ID numbers in the population register.
    • Those who apply for a system ID number after the differentiation has been implemented, will be issued with the new system ID number. If a person were to apply for a registration of a legal domicile and be registered in the population register after they will receive an ID number in the population register.

    • Only public authorities can apply for a system ID number for foreign citizens. Applications must be submitted electronically with an electronic identification. With the application the public authority confirms that they are applying for an ID number for their own purposes.
    • A system ID number is only issued to individuals who intend to stay less than 3-6 months in Iceland or do not intend to stay in the country at all. This registration does not grant any rights in Iceland. If a foreign citizen intends to reside in Iceland for longer than 3-6 months the following applies: EES/EFTA citizens use form A-270 (Icelandic) or A-271 (English). Nordic citizens who intend to reside for longer than 6 months use form A-257. Citizens from other areas must apply for registration with the Directorate of Immigration (Útlendingastofnun).

  • It can take up to 2 days to be issued with a system ID number.

    • No, the system ID has no expiration date. But if a person intends to stay in Iceland for more than six months they should apply for a legal domicile in Iceland and be registered in the population registry.
    • The system ID does not grant any rights in Iceland and it is not possible to backdate a domicile registration more than 12 months so it is important that persons who fulfill the requirements for a legal domicile in Iceland apply for this registration.
    • If a foreign citizen intends to reside in Iceland for longer than 3-6 months the following applies: EES/EFTA citizens use form A-270 (Icelandic) or A-271 (English). Nordic citizens who intend to reside for longer than 6 months use form A-257. Citizens from other areas must apply for registration with the Directorate of Immigration (Útlendingastofnun).

    • In the population register you will find people who have been registered with a legal domicile in Iceland, children who are born in Iceland and Icelandic citizens who are born abroad.
    • In the system ID register you find people who stay less than 3-6 months in Iceland or do not intend to stay in the country at all. This registration does not grant any rights in Iceland and who need to be able to provide an system ID.

  • Registers Iceland is currently working on a solution.

For external users