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THE CITIZENSHIP DESK

Iraq

IRQ

Iraq 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 →

Monthly cost of living per major city in USD: rent, groceries, utilities, transit pass
CityRent 1BR centreRent outsideGroceriesUtilitiesTransit 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

10°J
13°F
17°M
22°A
28°M
33°J
36°J
36°A
32°S
25°O
17°N
11°D

Rainfall range: 028 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