Moving to Iceland with children: the first six months
The practical order of operations, once you've decided to move.
The short answer
- Get your kennitala first — almost nothing else works without it.
- Register with a Heilsugæslan (health centre) for the whole family.
- School and leikskóli have their own, separate registration.
- Some entitlements depend on how long you've lived in Iceland, not just that you live here.
Kennitala and legal domicile
A kennitala is Iceland's personal ID number, and almost every next step — health care, banking, school registration, even a phone plan — depends on having one. Registers Iceland (Þjóðskrá) issues it, and the process differs depending on whether you're a Nordic citizen, an EEA/EFTA citizen, or from outside the EEA/EFTA. In every case, you submit an application with supporting documents to Þjóðskrá.
Registering with a health centre
Once you have a kennitala, register with a local Heilsugæslan (health centre) — this is where pregnancy care, child health checks, and routine family healthcare happen. Do this early; it's also the route into the vaccination schedule for children.
School and preschool
School and leikskóli registration are separate processes from Þjóðskrá registration, and each is run by the municipality where you live. Leikskóli places are limited and typically allocated between March and May, so if your move includes a child young enough for preschool, register as soon as you have a fixed address.
See how the waiting lists work →What you are entitled to, and when
Some family entitlements in Iceland — including parts of parental leave — depend on how long you've worked or lived in the country, not simply on being a resident. If you're moving partway through a pregnancy or shortly after a birth, check your specific entitlement rather than assuming it matches what a long-term resident gets.
The residency rules for parental leave →Doing all of this in English
Þjóðskrá, the health system, and most municipal services publish information and offer service in English, and island.is itself is fully bilingual. That said, some local or historical documents exist only in Icelandic, so it's worth asking directly when something isn't clear.
Finding other families
Moving with children is easier once you're not doing it alone. Vagga's groups connect parents due, or already raising children, around the same time as you — including other families who've recently moved to Iceland.
Plan your childcare
See how the leave-to-leikskóli gap works, and start mapping your own timeline.
Official sources
Vagga is a planning tool, not a government authority. Always confirm details on the official Icelandic sources below.
Vagga is an informational planning assistant. It does not replace official government, healthcare, legal, financial, or medical advice. Always confirm deadlines and requirements with the relevant Icelandic authority or professional. Learn more →
Frequently asked questions
What's the very first thing we should do?expand_more
Does the process differ by nationality?expand_more
When should we register for leikskóli?expand_more
Do we get the same entitlements as long-term residents right away?expand_more
Can we do all of this in English?expand_more
How do we meet other families?expand_more
Your next step
- Start my timeline
Registering with a health centre and a leikskóli both have their own timing. Put it in your timeline.
- See the group
Other families who've recently moved to Iceland
- →
Read next: The gap between leave and leikskóli