Population and Workforce

Reykjavik Capital Area is a young, vibrant area inhabited by an educated, highly skilled population. The capital area; with an excellent infrastructure and a high quality of life. The area is surrounded by nature, where within an hour’s drive you can experience glaciers, waterfalls, lava canyons and other geological wonders. Iceland is located half way between North-America and Europe and is renowned for its approach towards sustainability, where 99% of all electricity in Iceland is generated from green, renewable energy.

The infrastructure in the capital area is extensive and modern. The capital area is closely connected to other parts of the country by road, sea, and air. A public bus transport system runs regularly. The capital area consists of (population round figures population Jan. 1st. 2022): Reykjavik (134,000), Kopavogur (39,000), Seltjarnarnes (4,700), Gardabaer (18,000), Hafnarfjordur (30.000), Mosfellsbaer (13,000), and Kjosahreppur (240). The total population (2022) of the capital area is  239,000, which is nearly 65% of the Icelandic population. The Greater Capital Area – defined as the area within a 45-minute catchment zone from Reykjavik city center – has an additional 43,000 inhabitants which amounts to 70% of the country’s population.

The Icelandic labour market is open to foreign workers who fall under the rules of the EEA Agreement. Workers from countries not belonging to the EEA area are on the other hand required to work under work permits issued to their respective employer by the Directorate of Labour.

Iceland has a high level of education. The literacy-rate is close to 100%.

Most Icelanders are multilingual, speaking English and a Scandinavian language and generally another European language for those with secondary education.

Iceland ranks among the top nations in the world when it comes to the availability of skilled labour and the availability of scientists and engineers per capita according to international comparative studies by bodies like IMD and World Economic Forum.

Iceland´s workforce is considered to be very balanced between service and production industries or in production.

Obligations

Contractual Obligation

Employers are obliged to draw up a written contract of employment or terms of employment confirmed in writing, no later than 2 months after the work began.

Wages

Wages are for the most part collectively bargained between various labour unions and employer associations with some exceptions when unions are negotiating with specific companies.

Length of Work Week

In general a work week is defined as 40 hours pr. week, divided into five eight hour working days from Monday to Friday.

Social Security Obligation

Employers pay monthly social security contributions on all remuneration paid for dependent personal services and presumptive employment income of the self-employed. The rate in 2016 is 6.90%.

Sick Leave

A worker is entitled to two days sick leave for every month of employment. The employee thus has two days after one month of employment, four days after two months of employment, etc.

Maternity/Paternity Leave

Each parent has the right to a 6-month maternity/paternity leave, with six weeks transferable between parents. The right expires when the child reaches 24 months of age.

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