Can Foreigners Buy Properties in Iceland ?

HEIMA COLLECTION TEAM
October 8, 2025

For many, Iceland is not just a destination—it’s a calling.
The land of fire and ice inspires a new kind of investor: one who values purity, peace, and presence as much as performance. It’s no surprise that visionary entrepreneurs, wellness innovators, and art-minded investors are now looking north — asking a practical question:

Can foreigners buy property in Iceland?

The answer is yes, with a few important nuances — and this is where HEIMA COLLECTION steps in to make the process seamless.

Houses in Iceland
The Legal Landscape

Foreign ownership in Iceland is possible, but it depends on where you’re from and how you intend to use the property.

1. EU/EEA and EFTA Citizens

If you are a citizen of the EU, EEA, or EFTA countries, you enjoy the same property rights as Icelandic citizens. You can freely purchase residential, holiday, or commercial property without special permission.

2. Non-EU/EEA Citizens

If you’re from outside those regions (for example, from the US, UK, Canada, or Asia), you can still buy, but you need official approval from the Ministry of Justice.

This process is designed to ensure that foreign buyers understand Iceland’s laws and that ownership aligns with the country’s policies on land use and residency.

Approval is typically granted when:
  • The purchase is for personal residential use or a holiday home, not for speculative landholding.
  • You intend to spend time in Iceland or have a clear purpose (for example, remote working, creative residency, or seasonal living).
  • The property is within a developed area, not an uninhabited rural zone or protected nature reserve.
The Paperwork — Simple, When Done Right

While Iceland’s legal structure is transparent, the documentation and translations can be complex for first-time international buyers.
This is where HEIMA COLLECTION provides unmatched support.

Our professional team in Reykjavík manages every detail:

  • Application & approval from the Ministry of Justice (for non-EU buyers)
  • Tax registration and property ID setup
  • Purchase agreement drafting and notarization
  • Currency transfer and escrow management
  • Local legal representation
  • Post-purchase services: renovation permits, interior design, and property management

We believe buying in Iceland should feel like arriving home, not navigating bureaucracy.

Why Iceland Welcomes Conscious Ownership

Iceland values quality over quantity.
Foreign investors who align with the country’s spirit—those who respect nature, value design, and contribute to the community — are seen as partners in preservation.

Sustainability and purity aren’t buzzwords here; they are foundations.
Properties built with natural materials, powered by geothermal energy, and integrated into the landscape are not only desirable — they are part of a national ethos.

At HEIMA COLLECTION, we curate homes that embody this Icelandic essence — spaces that feel elemental yet refined, serene yet alive.

A Note on Long-Term Vision

Owning a home in Iceland is more than a financial decision—it’s a statement of identity.
You’re not just buying property; you’re joining a culture of consciousness, creativity, and continuity.

For visionary individuals building lives around longevity, clarity, and balance, Iceland offers both a retreat and a rebirth.

HEIMA COLLECTION — Your Local Ally

At HEIMA COLLECTION, we handle the formalities, so you can focus on what truly matters: finding a home that reflects your essence.
Our multilingual team works closely with legal experts, notaries, and financial institutions to make every step — from selection to signature— effortless and transparent.

Whether your vision is a modern architectural sanctuary near Reykjavík, a coastal retreat on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, or a geothermal haven near the South Coast, we curate, negotiate, and complete the process with precision and artistry.

Let us handle the paperwork — so you can focus on the poetry.