Iceland's 10-digit national identity number — assigned to all residents and companies, required for tax, banking, and property registration. Non-EEA buyers face foreign ownership restrictions.
The kennitala is Iceland's national identity number — a 10-digit numerical code in the format DDMMYY-XXXX. Every Icelandic citizen receives a kennitala at birth; foreign nationals registering as residents receive one from Registers Iceland (Thjodskra Islands). Legal entities also receive a kennitala upon formation.
For expats and property buyers, the kennitala is Iceland's universal key. It is required to open an Icelandic bank account, register employment, file Icelandic income tax, register a company, and purchase and register Icelandic real estate in the Fasteignaskra (property register). Iceland uses the same kennitala format for both individuals and companies.
EEA citizens moving to Iceland apply for a kennitala through their local municipality or at Thjodskra. Required documents include a valid passport, proof of EEA citizenship, and documentation of the purpose of residence. The kennitala is typically issued within 2-4 weeks. Non-EEA nationals require an Icelandic residence permit from Utlendingastofnun (the Directorate of Immigration) before applying.
Iceland has significant restrictions on foreign property purchases. The Foreign Ownership of Real Property Act restricts non-EEA citizens from purchasing Icelandic real property without a special permit from the Minister of Justice. EEA citizens can purchase property freely. Non-EEA buyers (including UK nationals post-Brexit) must apply for a ministerial permit.
The kennitala is also the anchor for Iceland's digital identity system. Island.is — Iceland's e-government platform — authenticates users via kennitala, enabling online tax filings, property searches, and administrative processes.
UK nationals are treated as non-EEA citizens post-Brexit and require a ministerial permit under the Foreign Ownership of Real Property Act. Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis. Always take Icelandic legal advice before commencing a property search if you are non-EEA.
Apply at your local municipality office or at a Thjodskra service point. Required: valid EEA passport or national ID, proof of Icelandic address, and documentation of your right of residence. The kennitala is typically issued within 2-4 weeks.
Yes — Icelandic companies receive a kennitala upon registration with Fyrirtaekjaskra (the Company Registry). Company kennitolur follow the same 10-digit format as individual kennitolur.
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