On becoming a member of the Architects Association of Iceland (AÍ) and requirements to work as an architect in Iceland

The professional title of “architect” is legally protected in Iceland

To use the title “architect,” you need to apply for a license from the Ministry of Infrastructure. 
All submitted applications to the Ministry are then sent to the Architects Association where they are evaluated by the Education Committee. If you receive a licence to use the title architect from the ministry you can then apply to become a member of the Architects Association by sending your info and the document from the ministry to ai@ai.is.

Please note that the Association is a professional association and not a union. The unions most architects in Iceland are members of are FÍN and VISKA, the choice is yours.

Please note also that you can work at an architecture firm in Iceland even if you do not have the permission to use the title “architect.” 

• Regulation on the evaluation of applications for the right to use the title architect.  
• The Protection of Professional Titles Act 
•  List of all individuals who are licensed to use the professional titles “húsameistari” or “arkitekt.” 
• Application form for a license to use the title “architect” 
  As of September 1, 2025, all applicants will be charged a processing fee by the Association of Icelandic Architects (AÍ) of ISK 35,000. The payment request will appear in your online bank, and the application will not be processed until the fee has been paid. 

Lists of recognized schools and programs in Europe and the United States that provide qualifications for the legally protected professional title in Iceland: 

• List of recognized schools and degrees in the European Economic Area (EEA)/EFTA. 
• List of recognized schools and degrees in the European Union (EU). 
• NAAB list (National Architectural Accrediting Board) of accredited programs and degrees in architecture in the United States. 

Licensing of Building Designers (mannvirkjahönnuður) and what it grants

To work independently as an architect, you must also be licensed as a building designer. HMS (The Housing and Construction Authority) handles the issuance of professional licenses for construction managers, as well as licenses for master craftsmen and designers in the field of construction, according to the Act on Construction (No. 160/2010).  

The license grants the right to submit drawings for building and development permits. To obtain this license, the following conditions must be met: 

• Completion of a certification course with Iðan (Iðan Education Center) 
• At least three years of work experience as an architect. More information here. 
• Registration of a quality control system with HMS. More information here. 
• Valid professional liability insurance for architects. 

The application for licensing as a building designer can be found on the HMS “My Pages.”