Acquiring Icelandic Citizenship by Descent

Eligibility Criteria

✅ Children born in Iceland to at least one Icelandic parent automatically acquire citizenship at birth.
✅ Children born abroad to married Icelandic parents are Icelandic citizens.
✅ Children born abroad to an unmarried Icelandic mother are Icelandic citizens.
✅ Children born abroad to an unmarried Icelandic father and a foreign mother can acquire citizenship by registration before the age of 18.

Required Documentation

✅ Applicant’s birth certificate.
✅ Icelandic parent's proof of citizenship.
✅ Parents' marriage certificate (if applicable).
✅ Proof of paternity acknowledgment (if applicable).
✅ Completed application form for registering a child born abroad.

Application Process

📍 Gather and authenticate necessary documents.
📍 Submit the application to the National Registry of Iceland or the Directorate of Immigration, depending on the circumstances.
📍 Await processing and confirmation of citizenship status.

Additional Considerations

📌 An Icelandic citizen born abroad who has never lived in Iceland may lose citizenship upon reaching the age of 22 unless they apply to retain it before that age.
📌 For official information, visit: Icelandic Government Website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I acquire Icelandic citizenship if my Icelandic parent was unmarried at my birth?

Yes, if your mother was unmarried and Icelandic, you are an Icelandic citizen. If your father was unmarried and Icelandic, you can acquire citizenship by registration before the age of 18.

What happens if I was born abroad and have never lived in Iceland?

You may lose your Icelandic citizenship upon reaching the age of 22 unless you apply to retain it before that age.

Where can I find the application form for registering a child born abroad?

The application form can be found on the National Registry of Iceland's website: Children Born Abroad Registration.

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