How to study in Iceland
Compare each route by stay and permit, work rights, cost and who it suits. Sources are under each row.
How do you get there?
Choose a different route, and the permit you need changes.
Live in Iceland on a working holiday
- Residence permit for Working Holiday / Youth Mobility
Who it suits：For people who want to spend a year experiencing life and culture in Iceland.
- Length and permit
Ages 18–30 · up to one year · no renewal
You must be 18 to 30 when you apply. The residence permit lasts up to one year, and Japanese citizens cannot renew it. You must not have been granted a working holiday permit in Iceland before. The Japanese MOFA list gives an annual quota of 30.
- Can you work?
Unlimited work permit included
The permit includes an unlimited work permit, so you do not need a separate one. You can also change employers without applying for a new permit.
- Cost
No application fee
There is no application fee for Japanese citizens.
Live in Iceland on a working holiday
- Residence permit for Working Holiday / Youth Mobility
Who it suits：For people who want to spend a year experiencing life and culture in Iceland.
Length and permit
Ages 18–30 · up to one year · no renewal
You must be 18 to 30 when you apply. The residence permit lasts up to one year, and Japanese citizens cannot renew it. You must not have been granted a working holiday permit in Iceland before. The Japanese MOFA list gives an annual quota of 30.
Can you work?
Unlimited work permit included
The permit includes an unlimited work permit, so you do not need a separate one. You can also change employers without applying for a new permit.
Cost
No application fee
There is no application fee for Japanese citizens.
For Japanese citizens. Official names checked on government websites on October 31, 2026.
Sources (official government pages)
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