Residence in Iraq: permits and requirements
Living legally in Iraq is possible through 5 permit types: work, investment, other, study, family. Each program has its own requirements; below are the duration, renewal, costs and documentation according to the country's official sources.
Work Residence / Iqama
Residence type #1 of 5
Residence permit for foreigners employed in Iraq
Requirements
- Work contract with a company registered in Iraq
- Approval of the Ministry of Interior (Residence Directorate)
- Work permit from the Ministry of Labor
- Guarantee of the employing company (kafeel)
Documentation
- Valid passport (minimum 12 months)
- Registered work contract
- Registration of the employing company
- Work permit from the Ministry of Labor
- Iraq medical certificate (includes HIV, hepatitis B and C)
- Criminal record certificate from the country of origin
- Passport-size photos (6 units)
We could not verify the official portal
The official portal was not reachable during our latest review. The information was cross-checked against the sources listed below. Please confirm the requirements on the official portal before starting your application.
- Foreigner Residence Law No. 76/2017 — 2026-10-15
- General Residence Directorate — 2026-10-15
Frequently asked questions about residence in Iraq
How many types of residence permits are there in Iraq?
Iraq offers 5 residence permit types, grouped into the categories work, investment, other, study, family. Each permit has its own requirements, duration and documentation, detailed in this fact sheet according to the country's official sources.
How long do residence permits in Iraq last?
Durations vary by permit type: Residence card of 1 year renewable for another year, repeatable while the justification holds (art. 19, Law 76/2017); lost if outside Iraq more than 6 months; Residence of 3 years renewable for 3-year periods for investors and businessmen (art. 21.1.f, Law 76/2017); 6 months to 1 year, renewable; 1 academic year, renewable annually. The exact details of each type appear in the corresponding fact sheet.
Can residence permits in Iraq be renewed?
Yes. All residence permit types of Iraq (5 in total) are renewable before their expiration, according to the rules of each program.
What documentation is usually required to reside in Iraq?
Although each permit requires its own file, the most recurrent documents are: Certificado médico; Valid passport. The complete list by residence type appears in each fact sheet, together with the corresponding official link.
Does residence in Iraq lead to nationality?
Yes, through the Ordinary naturalization pathway, which requires 10 years of continuous residence. The complete requirements are in the nationality fact sheet of Iraq.
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Anything to correct or add about Iraq?
If you have spotted incorrect or outdated information, or want to suggest additional details about residence pathways in Iraq, leave us your comment. We review every one personally.