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03. Sep 2026Ministry of Health, Life and Health

Life and health

Life and health Ministry of Health The Health Services Act provides for the organisation of healthcare services. Its objective is to afford all Icelanders with access to the best available healthcare which can be provided at any given time. Everyone needs the services of the healthcare system at some time, although to a varying extent, and the system takes into consideration the different needs and circumstances of persons through all stages of life

26. Aug 2026Ministry of Health, Prime Ministers Office, Science Research and Innovation

Science, research and innovation

Science, research and innovation Ministry of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education Ministry of Health Ministry of the Environment, Energy and Climate Prime Ministers Office Research and innovation play a key role in economic development, culture and welfare, boosting society's capacity to meet demanding social challenges. In 2015, total research and development (R & D) expenditures amounted to 2. 2% of Iceland's GDP

10. Mar 2026Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing, Social Security and Pensions

Social security and pensions

Social security and pensions Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs Ministry of Health Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing The Icelandic pension system is based on three main pillars: the social security system, an occupational pension system and supplementary pension savings. Social security is a public pension system of which all Icelanders are members, with the primary objective of providing mutual insurance, income equalisation and a social safety net for pension recipients. Social security includes pensions, health insurance and disability insurance

06. Mar 2026Economic affairs and public finances, Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, Ministry of Culture٫ Innovation and Higher Education, Ministry of Industries, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Infrastructure, Prime Ministers Office, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing, Ministry of Education and Children

Iceland Outlook Revised To Positive On Strengthening Fiscal Position; 'A+/A-1' Ratings Affirmed

On March 6, 2026, S&P Global Ratings revised the outlook on its long-term ratings on Iceland to positive from stable. At the same time, the long- and short-term foreign and local currency sovereign credit ratings were affirmed at 'A+/A-1'.

06. Feb 2026Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, Economic affairs and public finances, Ministry of Culture٫ Innovation and Higher Education, Ministry of Industries, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Infrastructure, Prime Ministers Office, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing, Ministry of Education and Children

Fitch Upgrades Iceland to ‘A+’; Outlook Stable; Withdraws Ratings

Fitch Ratings has upgraded Iceland’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘A+’ from ‘A’. The Outlook is Stable. Fitch Ratings has subsequently withdrawn all ratings.

06. Feb 2026Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, Economic affairs and public finances, Ministry of Culture٫ Innovation and Higher Education, Ministry of Industries, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Infrastructure, Prime Ministers Office, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing, Ministry of Education and Children

Iceland reduces the number of solicited credit ratings

The Republic of Iceland has solicited credit ratings from three credit rating agencies: Fitch Ratings, Moody’s Ratings and S&P Global Ratings.

29. Dec 2025Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, Economic affairs and public finances, Ministry of Culture٫ Innovation and Higher Education, Ministry of Industries, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Infrastructure, Prime Ministers Office, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing, Ministry of Education and Children

New Medium–Term Debt Management Strategy through 2030

The Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs has published its Medium-Term Debt Management Strategy (MTDS) for 2026–2030. The MTDS describes arrangements for Treasury debt financing over the period and sets forth targets and criteria for the implementation of debt management.

14. Oct 2025Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, Economic affairs and public finances, Ministry of Culture٫ Innovation and Higher Education, Ministry of Industries, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Infrastructure, Prime Ministers Office, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing, Ministry of Education and Children

Iceland Publishes Its First Impact and Allocation Report on Green and Sustainable Financing

The Government of Iceland has released its first Impact and Allocation Report, detailing the use of proceeds and environmental benefits of the country’s green and sustainable bond issuances.

09. Aug 2024Reports, Ministry of Health, Ministry of the Environment, Energy and Climate, Ministry of Industries

National Action Plan (NAP) on Antimicrobial Resistance 2025-2029

09 August 2024 / Ministry of Health Ministry of the Environment, Energy and Climate Ministry of Industries National Action Plan (NAP) on Antimicrobial Resistance 2025-2029 National Action Plan (NAP) on Antimicrobial Resistance 2025-2029 Tags Ministry of Health Ministry of the Environment, Energy and Climate Ministry of Industries Go back

09. Apr 2024Legislation, Regulations, Ministry of Health

Regulation on the processing of applications for professional licenses and specialist licenses according to the Healthcare Practitioners Act No. 34/2012, from applicants from countries with which the Icelandic state has not entered into an agreement on the recognition of professional qualifications, No. 483/2023

09 April 2024 / Ministry of Health Regulation on the processing of applications for professional licenses and specialist licenses according to the Healthcare Practitioners Act No. 34/2012, from applicants from countries with which the Icelandic state has not entered into an agreement on the recognition of professional qualifications, No. 483/2023 Regulation on the processing of applications for professional licenses and specialist licenses according to the Healthcare Practitioners Act No

31. Aug 2023Legislation, Regulations, Ministry of Health

Regulation on the education, rights, and obligations of medical doctors, and criteria for granting medical licences and specialist medical licences no. 856/2023

31 August 2023 / Ministry of Health Regulation on the education, rights, and obligations of medical doctors, and criteria for granting medical licences and specialist medical licences no. 856/2023 Regulation on the education, rights, and obligations of medical doctors, and criteria for granting medical licences and specialist medical licences no. 856/2023 Tags Regulations Ministry of Health Go back Disclaimer: This section of the site details available translations on legislation relating to the Government Offices in Iceland

12. Dec 2022Legislation, Life and Health, Ministry of Health, Regulations

Regulation on the importation by individuals of medicinal products for their own use, No. 1277/2022

12 December 2022 / Ministry of Health Regulation on the importation by individuals of medicinal products for their own use, No. 1277/2022 Regulation on the importation by individuals of medicinal products for their own use, No. 1277/2022 Tags Life and Health Ministry of Health Regulations Go back Disclaimer: This section of the site details available translations on legislation relating to the Government Offices in Iceland

23. Feb 2022Ministry of Health, Life and Health, Covid-19, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

COVID-19: Lifting of all domestic restrictions and restrictions at the border

​Minister of Health, Willum Þór Þórsson has decided that as of Friday 25 February all public restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be lifted, both domestically and at the border. Thereby all rules regarding limitations on social gatherings and school operations as well as the quarantine requirement for those infected by COVID-19 are removed. Additionally, no disease prevention measures will be in place at the border, regardless of whether individuals are vaccinated or unvaccinated.

29. Jan 2022Ministry of Health, Covid-19, Life and Health

COVID-19: Significant easing of domestic restrictions as of 29 January

The general assembly limit will be 50 people, the one-metre rule will be in effect, bars and clubs are allowed to open again, and opening times of licenced premises will be extended by two hours. Events for up to 500 seated people will be allowed if certain requirements are met. Restrictions in schools will mostly remain unchanged. This is the substance of the amendments to the regulation on social gatherings that enters into force on January 29 by decision of the Minister of Health.

19. Jan 2022Ministry of Health, Covid-19, Life and Health

COVID-19: Requirement for testing in relation to special precautions against infection is cancelled and outdoor activities in isolation permitted

Individuals who are exercising special precautions against infection following contact tracing are no longer obligated to undergo a rapid test at the beginning and end of the precautionary period as of tomorrow but must exercise caution for 7 days and get a PCR test if symptoms emerge. The Minister of Health has approved a regulation to that effect. The regulation gives individuals in isolation limited authorisation to pursue outdoor activities.

14. Jan 2022Ministry of Health, Covid-19, Life and Health

COVID-19: General restrictions on gatherings tightened at midnight

The general restrictions on the number of people in the same area will be 10, the authorisation for higher numbers of people with rapid tests is cancelled, the maximum number of people in stores will be 200 people and nightclubs, bars and slot machine halls will be closed. These are the main points of the stricter infection prevention measures decided by the Minister of Health based on the recommendations of the Chief Epidemiologist. Current restrictions on school activities will remain unchanged. The regulation on tightened restrictions in Iceland will apply from January 15 to February 2 2022.

21. Dec 2021Ministry of Health, Covid-19, Life and Health

COVID-19: Stricter domestic measures to counter the rapid spread of infections

The general restriction on numbers will be 20 persons and the distance rule will be 2 metres instead of 1 metre, with certain exceptions. Restaurants and nightclubs, pubs and other places that have an alcohol licence must close no later than 21.00h (9 p.m.). Public swimming pools and spas, gyms and ski areas will be permitted to accept 50% of their maximum allowed capacity. Events requiring rapid tests will be limited to 200 persons. Remote working will be encouraged, to the extent possible. This is the gist of the stricter domestic measures decided by the Minister of Health in keeping with the recommendations of the Chief Epidemiologist to counter the rapid spread of COVID-19 infections.…

27. Nov 2021Ministry of Health, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

COVID-19: Stricter border measures due to new Omicron variant

All passengers that have stayed in a defined high-risk zone for more than 24 hours in the past 14 days shall undergo a PCR test upon arrival followed by quarantine that ends with another test five days later. These measures apply to everyone that has stayed in a defined high-risk zone irrespective of vaccination status or prior COVID-19 infection. Passengers from high-risk zones shall also present a negative COVID test before departure to Iceland (excluding passengers with ties to Iceland).

12. Nov 2021Ministry of Health, Covid-19, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Life and Health

COVID-19: Stricter measures, a 50 person restriction on the number of people at gatherings, and a substantial vaccination push

The Minister of Health has, in keeping with the recommendations of the Chief Epidemiologist, decided to implement much stricter disease-prevention measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 infections. These measures will enter into force at midnight. The common restrictions on numbers will be 50 persons, but events with up to 500 participants in each disease prevention compartment may be held if rapid tests are used. The opening hours of restaurants will be shortened by one hour. The maximum number of visitors allowed at public swimming pools, spas, gyms and ski areas will be 75% of their maximum allowed capacity as stated in their operating licences. The regulation on these measures will remain in force through 8 December.

05. Nov 2021Ministry of Health, Covid-19, Life and Health

COVID-19: Stricter domestic measures to be taken due to the proliferation of infections

Masks will be required when the one-metre social distancing rule can not be observed, the maximum number of persons allowed in the same location will be 500, and restaurants that have an alcohol licence will be required to close two hours earlier than the case is now. Events with up to 1500 participants will be allowed subject to rapid tests. The Minister of Health has decided to take these measures in keeping with the recommendation of the Chief Epidemiologist, who has expressed concern over the rapid increase in infections, the increase in serious illness and the growing strain on the health care system.…

20. Oct 2021Ministry of Health, Life and Health, Covid-19, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

COVID-19: Further easing of local restrictions in Iceland

General restrictions on numbers will be 2,000 persons, the mask requirement will be lifted, the opening hours of restaurants will be extended by one hour and the registration obligation for guests will be lifted while 1-metre distance rule will continue to apply. These are the main amendments to the regulation on social gatherings that have entered into force by decision of the Minister of Health. The aim is to abolish all restrictions on social gatherings due to COVID-19 in Iceland as of November 18.

29. Sep 2021Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Life and Health, Transport and Telecommunications, Covid-19, Ministry of Health

COVID-19: The rules about restrictions at the border will be changing as of 1 October

The requirement that individuals with ties to Iceland must present a certificate of a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival in Iceland will be abolished. Connecting passengers who do not leave the border station will also be exempt from presenting such a certificate. Individuals with ties to Iceland, except children born in 2005 or later, will still have to undergo testing after arrival.

27. Aug 2021Ministry of Health, Life and Health

COVID-19: Relaxations of disease prevention measures as from 28th of August

The restrictions on the number of people who are allowed to gather in one location will in principle continue to be 200 and the rules requiring social distancing of at least one metre and mask wearing are unchanged. However, public swimming pools and health and fitness facilities are permitted to run at maximum capacity subject to the conditions of their operating licenses. The requirement of maintaining a distance of at least one metre is abolished at sports events and stage art events in addition to further relaxations detailed below. The Minister of Health presented these changes at a government meeting this morning and they are in keeping with the Chief Epidemiologist’s recommendations.…

23. Jul 2021Ministry of Health, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

COVID-19: Restrictions on gatherings as of 25 July

As of Sunday 25 July, general limit of gatherings in Iceland will be 200 persons and social distancing rules will take effect again. These are the main measures introduced in a new regulation from the Minister of Health regarding restrictions on gatherings due to COVID-19. The regulation will be in place for a short period of time while the large increase in infections in recent days are being addressed. These measures are in line with the Chief Epidemiologist’s recommendations.

23. Jul 2021Ministry of Health, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

COVID-19: Restrictions on gatherings as of 25 July

As of Sunday 25 July, general limit of gatherings in Iceland will be 200 persons and social distancing rules will take effect again. These are the main measures introduced in a new regulation from the Minister of Health regarding restrictions on gatherings due to COVID-19. The regulation will be in place for a short period of time while the large increase in infections in recent days are being addressed. These measures are in line with the Chief Epidemiologist’s recommendations.

25. Jun 2021Ministry of Health, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

COVID-19: Iceland removes all domestic COVID restrictions

The Government of Iceland has announced that all domestic restrictions in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic will be lifted as of midnight tonight. Minister of Health Svandís Svavarsdóttir announced this morning that requirements to wear masks, socially distance and restrict gatherings would be fully lifted. On the 1st of July, amended rules on testing at the borders will enter into force. Testing of those who submit valid vaccination certificates and children born after 2005 will be stopped.

14. Jun 2021Life and Health, Ministry of Health

COVID-19: Easing of restrictions on gatherings as of 15 June

As of 15 June, general limit of gatherings will go from 150 persons to 300 persons and the distance rule will be one metre instead of two. There will be no distance rules at sit-down events, but everyone in attendance will be required to wear a face mask. The opening hours of restaurants will be extended by one hour, i.e. they will be able to stay open until midnight. These measures are in line with the Chief Epidemiologist’s recommendations.

14. Jun 2021Ministry of Health, Life and Health, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

COVID-19: Border screening of vaccinated travellers stopped after 1 July

The Minister of Health has decided, in keeping with the recommendation of the Chief Epidemiologist, to retain the current measures to contain the spread of infections at the borders until 1 July. After that time, the measures will be relaxed by cease the screening of those who present a certificate of vaccination or prior infection with COVID-19. Additionally, children will no longer be screened for COVID-19 upon arrival in Iceland.

27. May 2021Ministry of Health, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

COVID-19: Amended rules on staying in quarantine facilities entering into force on the 31st of May

As from the 31st of May the provision stipulating a compulsory stay in quarantine facilities for people arriving from specific high-risk areas ceases to apply. As from that time, only those who do not have access to adequate facilities to undergo home quarantine are required to stay in a quarantine facility. Those arriving from specific high-risk areas on the 29th and 30th of May can apply for authorisation to dwell in home quarantine during the entire compulsory quarantine period. Those arriving before the 29th of May are required to go to a quarantine facility and finish the quarantine period there. All those arriving to Iceland who are required to undergo quarantine still have to pre-register the intended dwelling place.…