Registration of a Religious or a Philosophical Organization

It is possible to register a religious or philosophical organization to obtain rights and obligations under the law. This can be done by submitting an application to truoglif@syslumenn.is or by sending a letter to:
Westfjords District Commissioner,
Aðalstræti 92,
450 Patreksfjörður.

Requirements

Conditions for the registration

• Of a religious organization is that it must engage in religious or spiritual practices in a meaningful way.

• Of a philosophical organization is that it must base its activities on ethical values and human development.

• The organization must have established itself and have active and ongoing operations.

• The organization must be able to conduct ceremonies such as marriages, naming ceremonies, and funerals.

• At least 25 legally competent individuals residing in Iceland must be members of the organization.

• The head of the organization must be at least 25 years old and reside in Iceland.

Information Required in the Application

The following must be specified during registration:

• The name of the organization

• Its address

• The names and national ID numbers of board members and the head of the organization

Supporting Documents

The application must be accompanied by:

• A membership list showing the names, national ID numbers, and addresses of members

• The organization's mission statement and/or religious doctrines

• The organization’s laws and bylaws

• Plans for the organization's activities

• Rules governing the allocation of the organization’s funds

After the application has been received and the documents reviewed, a consultative committee must provide feedback, and the process may take some time. Once the committee’s feedback is available, a decision will be made on whether the organization is granted registration. If registration is approved, the organization may begin its activities. If the application is denied, the decision can be appealed to the Ministry of Justice.