Work permit (Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs) followed by visa and residence for foreign workers
federal Iraq
Iraq's Ministry of Foreign Affairs says visas and residence permits are not granted to foreign workers unless they first get a work permit from the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. A few groups are exempt, such as staff of international organisations and diplomatic missions, and foreigners working for the Iraqi government. After entry, a foreigner must report to the Directorate of Residence. Iraq remains subject to serious travel warnings in many areas. Check your government's travel advice before planning any move.
Life in Iraq
Money
3
Currency
Iraqi Dinar
IQD
Iraqi Dinar
Cost of living
42
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
3–15%
Income tax (national)
Federal Income Tax Law No. 113 of 1982: 3%, 5%, 10% and 15% (top rate on taxable income above IQD 1,000,000) after allowances; the Kurdistan Region applies its own regime (reported flat 5% on employment income).
Living
1
Happiness
#93 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Foreign nationals hired by employers in federal Iraq, and foreigners contracted by Iraqi ministries or government departments.
Eligibility
Work permit first
Per the Directorate of Residency letter cited by MOFA (No. A.C/Visa/1822/2011/29559, 6 July 2011), visas and residence permits are not granted to foreign workers unless they get work permits from the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.
Exempt categories
You may not need a work permit if you fall into one of four exempt categories.
- A: Staff of international organisations, diplomatic missions and consulates accredited in Iraq
- B: Foreigners allowed to work under international laws, conventions and treaties Iraq is party to
- C: Foreigners working for the Iraqi government, with a ministry or department letter supporting the contract
- D: Foreign workers in the reconstruction of holy shrines in Iraq
Official wording
(A) Staff of international organisations, diplomatic missions and consulates accredited in Iraq. (B) Foreigners allowed to work under international laws, conventions and treaties Iraq is party to. (C) Foreigners working for the Iraqi government, with a letter supporting the contract from the ministry or department. (D) Foreign workers in the reconstruction of holy shrines in Iraq.
General visa requirements
Show a passport valid for at least six months, a form with two photos, and a full address in Iraq.
- Show you can cover living costs and have a convincing reason for the visit
- No criminal charges abroad that could lead to extradition, and no deportation order
Official wording
A passport valid for at least six months, an application form with two photos, the ability to cover living costs, a convincing reason for the visit, no criminal charges abroad that could lead to extradition, no deportation order, and a full address in Iraq.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementReport on arrival
- Document checklistWork permit
- FeesRegular visa
The full requirements are for members
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- 1 more requirement
- 5 documents
- 3 fees
- 4 steps
- Processing times and conditions
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