Do I need a visa to move to the Faroe Islands?
Nordic citizen are free to move to the Faroe Islands to work, study and live. Citizens from all other countries need a Work and Residence Permit before they can take up residence or employment in the Faroe Islands. This also applies to EU citizens; since the Faroe Islands are not a member of the European Union, the regulations on free movement for citizens of EU countries do not apply to the Faroe Islands.
In order to receive permission to work and reside in the Faroe Islands, foreign nationals need to apply with the Danish Immigration Service, which will process the application in consultation with the Faroese government.
Conditions and application process
The Faroese government takes several considerations into account when considering applications for work and residence. Most importantly, the current labour market conditions in the Faroe Islands must justify the intake of foreign labour. The Faroese authorities consider whether there are available professionals in the Faroe Islands who could carry out the specific jobs in question, and they also consider whether the jobs in question are specialised enough to warrant work and residence permits for foreign nationals. Much more information about these matters can be found here.
Guidance and information
The website of the Faroese Immigration Office provides good general guidance for people wishing to live and work in the Faroe Islands, including information about the laws and regulations relating to immigration, and information about the permit application process and requirements.
The website of the Danish Immigration Service also has much useful information about the regulations surrounding working and living in the Faroe Islands as a foreigner. Read more here.
