Kennitala

We are through UTL and my significant other has gotten his work permit.  However, we were under the impression that we could get our Kennitala before we went.  Now we are being told that we have to be physically present in Iceland in order to do this.  Is this correct?  Any information would be appreciated.  Thank you.

There is sort of a Catch-22 where you're supposed to get a kennitala to come here, but you need to come here to get a kennitala. However, it seems that there are lots of little workarounds people use to deal with it. I was able to get mine without being here. (Well, I did come here to meet some people and fill out some paperwork, but I don't believe that would have been required.) In my case, my employer had to show that they had purchased six months of health insurance for me, and the insurance company was able to apply for a kennitala on my behalf.

Thank you for that information; I appreciate it!