Confirmation of foreign adoption

Icelandic citizens who have lived abroad and adopted a child under the laws of that country can request that the adoption be confirmed by the district commissioner. Upon confirmation, the adoption will have legal effects under Icelandic law, and the child will acquire Icelandic citizenship.

To apply, you must fill out a form and submit it to the district commissioner along with supporting documents. Original documents will be returned after the process is completed.

The following documents must accompany the application:

• Foreign adoption certificate

• Document(s) showing that the adoption was legally permitted

• The child's birth certificate

• The child's foreign passport

• Confirmation from the adoption country / country of origin according to Article 23 of the Hague Convention

• Certificate from the National Registry of Iceland for the adoptive parents and the child

• Copies of the adoptive parents' passports

• The adoptive parents' birth certificates

• Documents regarding a name change

• Documents about the laws and regulations concerning adoption in the adoption country / country of origin

Child’s Consent

If the child is 12 years old or older and holds foreign citizenship, they must consent to acquiring Icelandic citizenship. If the child is younger than 12, it must be shown that consultation with the child has taken place if deemed feasible, given the child’s age and maturity.

Consent from the child is not required if the child is unable to provide it due to mental immaturity or another comparable condition.