Iraq
IRQIraq is a federal republic in Western Asia bordered by Iran, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. The country holds the world's fifth-largest proven oil reserves, which underpin a state-dominated economy. Baghdad, the capital, has seen significant reconstruction since the height of sectarian conflict in the mid-2000s, though security conditions remain uneven; the Kurdistan Region in the north is considerably more stable and attracts modest foreign investment. The Iraqi passport offers limited visa-free access, and dual citizenship is generally not recognised in law. Residency pathways for foreigners are narrowly defined and seldom pursued outside of employment or family contexts. US, UK, and EU travel advisories recommend heightened caution across most of the country and advise against travel to areas with ongoing insurgent or militia activity.
Passport Rank
#103
Visa-Free
31
destinations
Country Details
- Capital
- Baghdad
- Currency
- Iraqi Dinar (IQD)
- Languages
- Arabic, Kurdish
- Population
- 43,533,000
- Tax System
- Residence Based
- Dual Citizenship
- Not allowed
- Naturalisation
- 10 years
- Schengen / EU
- No
- Climate
- Hot desert in the centre and south; semi-arid in the north with cooler winters in the Kurdish highlands
Indices
Cost of Living
24
Safety
19
Healthcare
22
Quality of Life
21
Tax Summary
- Tax System
- Residence Based
- Territorial Taxation
- No — worldwide income taxed for residents
- Naturalisation
- 10 years of legal residency
- Dual Citizenship
- Not allowed
Cost of Living by City
← scroll the table →
| City | Rent 1BR centre | Rent outside | Groceries | Utilities | Transit pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baghdad | — | — | — | — | $20 |
| Erbil | — | — | — | — | $25 |
| Basra | — | — | — | — | $15 |
Monthly USD figures. Typical central 1-bedroom rent, grocery basket for one, household utilities, monthly transit pass.
Climate
Baghdad
Rainfall range: 0–28 mm/month · Daylight 10.1h (winter) to 14.1h (summer)
Visa Categories & Immigration Authority
Major Visa Categories
- Tourist eVisa (KRI separate)
- Business
- Work
- Investor
- Family
- Student
- Authority
- Directorate of Residence & Foreigners Affairs
- Official Portal
- moi.gov.iq
Naturalisation Details
- Residence Years
- Language Test
- Yes (level n/a)
- Civic Test
- No
- Oath Required
- No
- Dual Allowed
- Yes
- Fee
- $100
- Processing
- ~24 months
Safety
GPI Rank
#160
Global Peace Index ranking (lower is safer)
Common Risks
- ⚠Fake currency exchange at unofficial parallel-market stalls
- ⚠Checkpoint impersonation and unofficial tolls on intercity roads
- ⚠Rental deposit fraud targeting expats in new developments
Related Guides
Sources & last verified
- Last verified 2026-06-15