Mobility Matters
Unlocking the North: Workforce Mobility in Greenland and Iceland
September 2026 | Daida Hadzic, Director, Washington National Tax, Global Mobility Services, KPMG LLP (U.S.)
Two Arctic economies are opening up faster than their regulatory frameworks were built to handle. Here's what that means for employers.
Greenland and Iceland are attracting unprecedented levels of international investment and talent. Greenland's infrastructure expansion and updated work authorization framework are improving access to one of the world's most resource-rich regions, while Iceland continues to strengthen its position as a hub for data centers, technology, tourism, and specialist talent.
Despite their close ties to the Nordic region, workforce mobility into these jurisdictions comes with distinct immigration, tax, and social security considerations. Employers that assume familiar European rules apply may encounter unexpected compliance obligations, increased costs, or employee experience challenges.
This article examines the key requirements governing worker mobility into Greenland and Iceland, highlights recent policy changes affecting employers, and explores practical considerations for organizations deploying talent to these increasingly important Arctic markets.
Why this matters
As business activity accelerates across the North Atlantic, mobility decisions require more than securing work authorization. Immigration, tax, and social security requirements are closely interconnected, making proactive planning critical to managing risk, controlling costs, and supporting a successful employee experience. Download the full article to explore the latest mobility requirements, regulatory developments, and workforce planning considerations for Greenland and Iceland.
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Unlocking the North: Workforce Mobility in Greenland and Iceland
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Mobility Matters, published by KPMG's Global Mobility Services (GMS) practice, offers thought-provoking articles that can help raise awareness about topical and timely issues affecting international assignment programs and globally-mobile employees working for multinational organizations.
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