Register as a jobseeker in Iceland

Vacancies and advice, with or without benefits

The Directorate of Labour (Vinnumálastofnun) runs Iceland’s public employment service. You register online through its electronic service, and registering does not mean you also have to claim unemployment benefit. Once you are registered you can browse vacancies and ask a counsellor for help with your job search. The regional service offices help in person.

Find your office Browse services

How it works

Register as a jobseeker

Registering with the public employment service gives you access to job offers, advice and training, and is often required before you can claim unemployment benefit. You usually register online or at the office for your home address, then have an interview with an adviser. Bring your ID, proof of address and details of your work history and qualifications. Registering as a jobseeker and applying for benefit are often separate steps, so check whether you need to do both.

Also searched as

jobseeker registrationregister as unemployedemployment officejob centrepublic employment servicehelp finding a job

Offices: 7 offices in 7 cities
Book online: Not offered
Apply online: At 7 of 7 offices

Registration is online, counselling is regional

Where to get jobseeker support in person

The Directorate of Labour covers the country through regional service offices, from Reykjavík to Akureyri and Selfoss. You usually register online first, then ask your regional office for a counselling meeting.

Find an office

Related services

Other everyday services in Iceland

Setting up your electronic ID

Understand what the electronic ID is for, how it is activated and where to go when you need help with the first setup.

40 offices · 16 cities

Registering or transferring a vehicle

For anyone importing a car or buying a used one in Iceland: what happens before the inspection, what the station does and how ownership changes are reported.

30 offices · 14 cities