Travel Information

Crime victims

Iceland has a compensation program that provides for the payment of financial compensation to victims who suffer losses as a result of crime.

Eligibility Requirements

Report to Police:  Yes; immediately.

Filing Period:  The application for compensation must be filed within 2 years of the date the crime was committed.

Foreign Citizen Eligibility

Foreign citizens are generally not eligible to apply for compensation.  The claimant must be an Icelandic citizen or a foreign resident of Iceland.  Tourists and others in Iceland "for a short time" are not eligible.  In special circumstances, an Icelandic citizen or resident who is the victim of a crime overseas is eligible to apply for compensation. 

Claimants

Victims who suffer losses as a result of crime.
Dependents of deceased victims

Procedures

There is currently no special application form to fill out.  The victim (or his or her next-of-kin) writes a letter to the Compensation Committee, in care of the Ministry of Judicial and Ecclesiastical Affairs, and explains the situation.  To support their claims, victims should supply a police report, medical bills, and other evidence of loss.  Claims are processed within two to three months, or up to a year, depending on the case.  A board of three individuals appointed by the Minister of Justice adjudicates all claims.  A decision can be delayed if the case is before the courts, or if the victim fails to provide necessary evidence to justify the claim.

There is no administrative appeal.  The Compensation Committee is the final administrative authority in compensation matters.  To appeal a decision of the Compensation Committee, one would have to take the matter to the courts.

Benefits and Award Limits*

No minimums are prescribed by law.  The maximums are as follows:

• ISK 250,000 for damage to personal belongings (clothing, etc.)
• ISK 2,500,000 for bodily injury
• ISK 600,000 for pecuniary damages
• ISK 2,500,000 for loss of breadwinner

Compensable Costs

• Medical expenses (bodily injury)
• Damage to clothing
• Loss of small amounts of cash
• “Reasonable” funeral expenses
• Pecuniary losses suffered as a result of injuries (i.e., lost wages, etc.)      

Emergency Awards

The program does not provide emergency compensation awards.

Funding Sources

Information not available

Contact Information

Compensation Board (Botanefnd)

Ministry of Judicial and Ecclesiastical Affairs

Arnarhvoli

150 Reykjavik

Iceland

Phone: 354-560-9010

Fax: 354-552-7340

Website: www.stjr.is/dkm