Iceland: Investing

FDI in Figures

Iceland's abundant geothermal and hydropower energy sources have attracted considerable foreign investment in the aluminium sector, boosting economic growth, and raising interest from high-tech firms looking to establish data centres using low-cost green energy. According to UNCTAD's World Investment Report 2024, FDI inflows to Iceland reached USD 977 million, up by 13.8% year-on-year. At the end of the same period, the total stock of FDI was estimated at USD 9.38 billion, around 30.3% of the country’s GDP. As per the Bank of Iceland, at the end of 2023, the main sources of FDI were Luxembourg, Norway, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland. Inward FDI was primarily concentrated in aluminium manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and holding companies, which accounted for about 47% of the total FDI position—largely linked to these sectors. OECD statistics also show that in the first semester of 2024, investment inflows to Iceland stood at only USD 43 million, compared to a positive inflow of USD 123 million in the corresponding period one year earlier.

Iceland's main advantages in terms of FDI attraction include a well-educated, English-speaking manpower, a positive economic environment, and high purchasing power. Iceland has no automatic screening process for investments; moreover, all remaining capital controls have been lifted. Citizens of the EEA are granted the same treatment as local citizens). However, the 1991 Act on Foreign Investments limits foreign ownership in certain sectors: fishing companies must be at least 75% Icelandic-owned; only Icelandic or EEA citizens and entities can hold rights to hydropower and geothermal use; and aviation operators must have at least 51% Icelandic ownership, excluding EEA nationals. The IT and biotech sectors have been growing fast in recent years, with the pharmaceuticals and wellness, gaming, and aquaculture sectors also offering opportunities to investors. The national government provides special incentives for initial investments and identifies several key sectors such as tourism, food and natural products, energy and green solutions, innovation, fisheries, creative industries, and life sciences. The main drawbacks of investing in Iceland are the high cost of living, weak demography, and its long distance from the European continent. The country’s business environment is good, with Iceland ranking 22nd among the 133 economies on the Global Innovation Index 2024, 10th out of 180 on the 2024 Corruption Perception Index, and 23rd out of 184 countries on the latest Index of Economic Freedom.

What to consider if you invest in Iceland

Strong Points

The country's main strong points in terms of attracting FDI are:
- A strong export industry;
- A flexible job market;
- A young qualified workforce;
- Great tourist potential;
- Modern and efficient infrastructures.

Weak Points

The country's main weak points are:
- The limited size of the domestic market;
- The country's vulnerability in the face of the financial crisis;
- High production costs.

Government Measures to Motivate or Restrict FDI

Iceland is a business-friendly and welcoming to FDI country. The country ranks 23 out of 190 economies in the Doing Business 2018 Report of the World Bank.

Iceland has set up a very favorable company taxation system (only 15% corporate tax) and has also simplified all company setting-up procedures (only one day). The establishment of free-trade zones and competitive clusters is another measure in favour of investments. Iceland also offers tax inventives for Research and Development.

For further information, visit Invest in Iceland website.

Bilateral Investment Conventions Signed By Iceland

The bilateral conventions signed by Iceland may be found on the investment policy hub website.

Procedures Relative to Foreign Investment

Freedom of Establishment

The country is very open to investment, however there are some restrictions in the energy, fishing and air transport sectors.

Acquisition of Holdings

A majority holding interest in the capital of a local company is legal in Iceland.

Obligation to Declare

Establishing a business in Island is a rather quick procedure which includes applying for registration with Register of Enterprises, obtaining a VAT number and notifying tax authorities of employment of workers. Invest in Iceland website provides information about the authorizations required for setting up business.

There are some restrictions regarding the country of residency of the board of the company; to obtain more information, you may visit PwC guide to setting a business in Iceland.

Competent Organisation For the Declaration

Ministry of Finance
Directorate of Internal Revenue (to register an enterprise and to obtain a VAT number)

Requests For Specific Authorisations

As a general rule, there are no specific authorizations for investing in Iceland.
For further information, visit Invest in Iceland.

Investment Opportunities

Investment Aid Agency

Invest in Iceland Agency

Tenders, Projects and Public Procurement

Tenders Info, Tenders in Iceland
DgMarket, Tenders Worldwide

Other Useful Resources

Icelandic Chamber of Commerce
Federation of Icelandic Industries
Directorate of Immigration
Central Bank of Iceland

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