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20. May 2026Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing, Housing

Housing

Housing Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing A secure home is a key premise for the welfare of every family. Housing security for all Icelanders is the principal objective of public housing policy. This implies, among other things, measures to ensure a suitable supply of appropriate housing is available at all times to meet the varying needs, means and circumstances of the population, as well as providing financial support for those who need it

26. Mar 2026Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing

About the Ministry

About the Ministry Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing The Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing in Iceland was established on March 15th 2025. The Ministry has the responsibility for administration and policy making of social affairs, social security and housing in Iceland as prescribed by law, regulations and other directives. Among the issues that the Ministry deals with are: Affairs of people with disabilities Employment Family Affairs Immigrants Housing Planning Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing Address Skúlagata 4 101 Reykjavík Tele: 5458100 SSN: 521218-0610 Email: frn[at]frn

24. Mar 2026Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing, Social Welfare and Families

Social welfare and families

Social welfare and families Ministry of Justice Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing The family, in all its variety of forms, is the basic unit of society. Both the state and local authorities have various obligations to promote the well-being of every family, taking their differing needs and circumstances into consideration. Among those areas which fall under Social Welfare and Families are children's affairs, matters in connection with marriage and co-habitation, child abduction, adoption, disabled, senior citizens' and municipalities' social services

24. Mar 2026Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing, Planning and Construction

Planning and construction

Planning and construction Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing Administration of planning and construction is the responsibility of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing. Among the government's important objectives are the protection of human life and health, assets and the environment, and promoting rational and efficient land use, guided by the needs of Icelanders and health and safety considerations. Sustainable development is always an overriding concern of public policy in planning and construction

24. Mar 2026Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing, Labour Market and Employment

Labour market and employment

Labour market and employment Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing The Labour Code is under the auspices of the Ministry of Social Affairs, which is ultimately responsible for this function of government. Legislation on labour and employment lays down the basic principles concerning the rights and obligations of workers and employers. It provides in general for minimum rights on the labour market

20. Mar 2026Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing, Foreign Nationals

Foreign Nationals

Foreign Nationals Ministry of Justice Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing Issues of immigration and foreign nationals in Iceland are primarily the responsibility of two ministries and a number of public agencies. The Ministry of Justice handles tasks concerning applicants for international protection, border control, Schengen co-operation etc. The Ministry of Social Affairs is responsible for immigration and refugees once they have been granted international protection in Iceland

10. Mar 2026Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing, Foreign Nationals

Quota refugees in Iceland from 1956

Quota refugees in Iceland from 1956 Ministry of Justice Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing From the foundation of The Refugee Council 1995 – The Refugee Committee since 2005. As of 2007 the policy in Iceland is to welcome 25 to 30 quota refugees every year. With exception in the year 1999, the reason being the situation in Kosovo – 77 refugees arrived in the refugee program in Iceland that year

10. Mar 2026Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing, Foreign Nationals

Information Center for Immigrants

Information Center for Immigrants Ministry of Justice Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing On 3 June 2019, the Parliament passed a parliamentary resolution no. 34/149 on the establishment of an information center for immigrants. According to the parliamentary resolution, the role of the information center is to provide accessible advice, guidance, and information for immigrants on necessary services, their rights, and obligations

10. Mar 2026Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing, Foreign Nationals

Citizenship

Citizenship Ministry of Justice Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing A foreign national who has been resident in Iceland for a specified period may apply for Icelandic citizenship if he/she meets the statutory requirements set. The Directorate of Immigration grants Icelandic citizenship and handles the processing of applications. The Icelandic parliament Althingi can also grant citizenship by law

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

09. Mar 2026Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing, Planning and Construction

Planning

Planning Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing Planning matters include everything from the National Planning Strategy to planning by local authorities, including regional, municipal and detail plans. These plans comprise a formal, binding proposal by the local authority for the arrangement of settlement and shaping of the environment, as the plan determines how land is to be allocated. Decisions are also taken on the arrangement of streets and lots and rules set for design of individual buildings, such as the number of floors, construction materials, type of roof and number of homes

09. Mar 2026Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing

Construction

Construction Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing Legislation and regulations on construction are intended to ensure that structures are safe and do not present a threat to human life or health, or to property and the environment. It is also important to ensure the durability and cost-efficiency of structures, including their suitability to Icelandic conditions. Sustainable development must also be a guiding concern in design and construction, universal accessibility needs to be ensured and emphasis placed on energy efficiency in building operation

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.

23. Apr 2025Labour Market and Employment, Acts of Parliament, Legislation, Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing

Unemployment Insurance Act, No. 54/2006

as amended by Act No. 88/2008, No. 112/2008, No. 131/2008, No. 37/2009, No. 134/2009, No. 70/2010, No. 153/2010, No. 162/2010, No. 103/2011, No. 126/2011, No. 178/2011, No. 142/2012, No. 125/2014, No. 85/2015,No. 88/2015, No. 128/2018, No. 48/2019, No. 71/2019, No. 150/2019, No. 23/2020, No. 25/2020, No. 37/2020, No. 44/2020, No. 94/2020, No. 112/2020, No. 145/2020, No. 73/2021, No. 131/2021 and No. 45/2023.

07. Apr 2025Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing, Prime Ministers Office, Human Rights and Equality, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Minister for Foreign Affairs introduces Iceland's fourth National Action Plan for Women, Peace and Security

Iceland’s fourth National Action Plan (NAP) on Women Peace and Security has been published. The NAP sets out the government’s policy for implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1325, and the broader Women, Peace and Security Agenda until 2030.

30. May 2024Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing

First White Paper on Matters of Immigrants – A Society for Everyone – Iceland’s future and policy on matters of immigrants

A draft policy (white paper) on matters of immigrants has been published on the government’s open consultation platform. Titled A Society for Everyone – Iceland’s future and policy on matters of immigrants, it is the country’s first such policy and marks a turning point in the area of matters of immigrants in Iceland.

11. Jan 2023Legislation, Acts of Parliament, Human Resources, Life and Health, Social Security and Pensions, Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing

Act on Maternity/Paternity Leave and Parental Leave No. 144/2020

11 January 2023 / Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing Act on Maternity/Paternity Leave and Parental Leave No. 144/2020 Act on Maternity/Paternity Leave and Parental Leave No. 144/2020 This Act applies to the entitlement of parents on the domestic labour market to maternity/paternity leave and parental leave

11. Jan 2023Legislation, Acts of Parliament, Human Resources, Life and Health, Social Security and Pensions, Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing

Act on Maternity/Paternity Leave and Parental Leave No. 144/2020

11 January 2023 / Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing Act on Maternity/Paternity Leave and Parental Leave No. 144/2020 Act on Maternity/Paternity Leave and Parental Leave No. 144/2020 This Act applies to the entitlement of parents on the domestic labour market to maternity/paternity leave and parental leave

03. Nov 2022Prime Ministers Office, Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing, Foreign Affairs, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Iceland’s Presidency in the Nordic Council of Ministers 2023

Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir has presented the programme for the Icelandic Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers for 2023. The Prime Minister presented the one-year Presidency programme to the Session of the Nordic Council that took place in Helsinki this week. Iceland will take over the Presidency from Norway on 1 January 2023.

27. Aug 2021Ministry of Justice, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing, Foreign Nationals, Foreign Affairs

The Government Approves the Proposals of the Refugee Committee

27 August 2021 / Ministry of Justice Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing The Government Approves the Proposals of the Refugee Committee In its meeting on Tuesday, the Icelandic government approved the recommendation of the Prime Minister, Minister of Social Affairs and Children, Minister of Justice and Minister for Foreign Affairs to accept the proposals of the Refugee Committee regarding the tragic state of affairs that has arisen in Afghanistan in the wake of the Taliban seizure of power.

20. Nov 2020Covid-19, Economic affairs and public finances, Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing, Ministry of Infrastructure, Prime Ministers Office, Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs

Resilience: strengthening Iceland’s foothold – Resilience subsidies and support for job-seekers, old-age pensioners, families with children, and vulnerable groups

The Government has decided to pay a special supplement over and above basic unemployment benefits next year, so as to support the large group of people whose income-linked unemployment benefits will expire in the next few months. The 2.5% supplement will be paid in addition to the 3.6% increase provided for in the 2021 fiscal budget proposal. With these increases, which total 6.2%, basic unemployment benefits will equal ISK 307,403 per month.

28. Apr 2020Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing, Prime Ministers Office, Covid-19, Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs

Government of Iceland announces increased support for companies and extension of part-time unemployment benefits

Icelandic companies that have suffered substantial revenue losses due to the COVID-19 crisis will be given the opportunity to apply for government support to pay a portion of salary costs during the employee notice period, protecting workers’ rights and preventing a wave of corporate insolvencies.

23. Aug 2018Social Welfare and Families, Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing

Care Quality Inspectorate for Social Services and Child Protection

This is the name of a new agency, established by a decision of the Minister of Social Affairs and Equality, which commenced work in May 2018. Initially the Inspectorate will be responsible for administrative tasks and monitoring of social services provided by local authorities, by public bodies or on a contract basis, as well as supervision of specific aspects of child protection.

26. Jan 2018Legislation, Human Rights and Equality, Regulations, Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing, Ministry of Justice, Acts of Parliament

Regulation on the certification of equal pay systems of companies and institutions according to the ÍST 85 Standard - No. 1030 of 13 November 2017

26 January 2018 / Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing Ministry of Justice Regulation on the certification of equal pay systems of companies and institutions according to the ÍST 85 Standard - No. 1030 of 13 November 2017 Updated: 26 January 2018 Regulation on the certification of equal pay systems of companies and institutions according to the ÍST 85 Standard - No. 1030 of 13 November 2017 Tags Human Rights and Equality Regulations Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing Ministry of Justice Acts of Parliament Go back Disclaimer: This section of the site details available translations on legislation relating to the Government Offices in Iceland