Nationality of Iraq: all obtaining pathways
Iraq requires ten years of continuous residence for ordinary naturalization, reduced to five for women married to Iraqis and for husbands of Iraqi women with the marriage in force. The law also provides for restoring nationality to those who renounced it, after a year of returning to the country.
1Citizenship by birth (descent)
Citizenship by birth (descent)
Requirements
- Anyone born to an Iraqi father or an Iraqi mother is deemed Iraqi (art. 3.A of Nationality Law No. 26 of 2006)
- Child of an Iraqi mother and an unknown or stateless father born outside Iraq: the Minister may deem the child Iraqi if they choose the nationality within a year of majority and reside in Iraq upon applying (art. 4.I)
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Iraqi parent's identity document
- Nationality Certificate issued by the Nationality Directorate
2Ordinary naturalization
Ordinary naturalization
Requirements
- Being of legal age
- Legal entry into Iraq and continuous residence for the TEN (10) years immediately before the application (art. 6)
- Good reputation and no conviction for an intentional offence carrying over 5 years
- Lawful means of living and health
- Not applicable to nationals of the Palestinian Territories (art. 6.II, except under the 2017 amendment for Palestinian women married to Iraqis)
- Oath of loyalty within 90 days of notification (art. 8)
- Restrictions: such person may not be a minister or an MP until 10 years later, nor president or vice-president (art. 9)
- Prohibitions of art. 6(II-III): nationality shall NOT be granted to Palestinians (guarantee of the right of return) nor for population-settlement purposes prejudicial to the demographic composition
Documentation
- Application to the Minister of the Interior — Nationality Directorate
- Passport and 10 years' residence documentation
- Certificate of good conduct and health
3Naturalization of the foreign woman married to an Iraqi
Naturalization of the foreign woman married to an Iraqi
Requirements
- Application to the Minister of the Interior (art. 11)
- Five (5) years of marriage and of residence in Iraq
- Marriage still in force on the application date (a divorced woman or widow with the husband's child is exempt)
Documentation
- Application under art. 11
- Marriage certificate and proof of residence (5 years)
4Naturalization of the foreign husband of an Iraqi woman
Naturalization of the foreign husband of an Iraqi woman
Requirements
- Legal entry into, and residence in, Iraq upon applying (art. 7)
- Continuous residence for at least FIVE (5) years before applying, with the marriage still in force
- Plus the requirements of art. 6 where applicable
Documentation
- Application to the Minister of the Interior
- Marriage certificate of the Iraqi citizen
- Proof of residence
5Restoration of nationality
Restoration of nationality
Requirements
- An Iraqi who renounced their nationality may recover it if they return to Iraq lawfully and stay at least a year (art. 10.III) — once only
- A woman who lost it through marriage to a foreigner recovers it if the husband acquires the nationality, or upon marrying another Iraqi, from the application date (art. 12)
Documentation
- Application to the Nationality Directorate or a consular mission
- Documents of the former citizenship
6Dual nationality
Dual nationality
Requirements
- Permitted: Law No. 26 of 2006 (art. 10) allows dual nationality — the citizen with another nationality keeps the Iraqi one unless renouncing in writing; they may hold high sovereignty/security office only after renouncing the acquired one (art. 9.IV)
Documentation
- See the linked official source
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Iraq
How many years of residence does Iraq require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Iraq (Ordinary naturalization), the term is 10 years of continuous residence. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Can the nationality of Iraq be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Naturalization of the foreign woman married to an Iraqi pathway (5 years of marriage and residence). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Iraq require?
The Ordinary naturalization pathway requires: Application to the Minister of the Interior — Nationality Directorate; Passport and 10 years' residence documentation; Certificate of good conduct and health.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Iraq?
Iraq provides 6 pathways: Citizenship by birth, Ordinary naturalization, Naturalization of the foreign woman married to an Iraqi, Naturalization of the foreign husband of an Iraqi woman, Restoration of nationality, Dual nationality.
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