--- title: Moving to Iraq: Visas, Costs & Immigrant Guide description: Iraq has a long history and culture, offering opportunities for families relocating for work, study, family reunification, or temporary visits. Baghdad, the cap image: https://migrantiq.com/og/default.png --- Skip to content Iraq flag [/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fflagcdn.com%2Fw80%2Fiq.png&w=3840&q=75] MOVING TO IRAQ: VISAS, COST OF LIVING & IMMIGRANT GUIDE Iraq flag [/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fflagcdn.com%2Fw320%2Fiq.png&w=3840&q=75] Moving to Iraq: this free immigrant guide covers cost of living, visa options, banking, healthcare, laws, and settlement steps for living in Iraq. Always confirm rules on the official immigration portal. Immigration rules and fees change frequently. Confirm current requirements on official government or embassy websites. Iraq has a long history and culture, offering opportunities for families relocating for work, study, family reunification, or temporary visits. Baghdad, the capital, is a central hub for economic and educational activities. As you prepare for your move, learn about local customs, language, and lifestyle to ease your transition in the first 90 days. Understanding the visa process and entry conditions is important for a smooth arrival.\n\nFamilies moving to Iraq should be ready for challenges, such as handling the healthcare system, which is universal but may have limited access for immigrants. It's also important to consider the local cost of living, which varies by city or region. This guide provides practical insights to help you make informed decisions about relocating to Iraq. Last updated 2026-05-17Official immigration portal ↗ [https://mofa.gov.iq/] Review due soon MigrantIQ research desk [/about/editorial/]3 min readData confidence: 82/100 9 published visa guides Save to planner Verify before you move MigrantIQ provides general migration information, not legal advice. Always verify critical steps with official government sources or a licensed advisor before paying fees or submitting documents. Terms [/terms/]Privacy [/privacy/]Report an issue [/contact/] AT A GLANCE: LIVING IN IRAQ Quick signals for cost of living, salary, healthcare, and safety before you dig into visas and settlement. Capital Baghdad Region Asia (Western Asia) Currency IQD Cost of Living Index 28.4 Net Monthly Salary 3364 Healthcare Universal/Beveridge Safety Index N/A Rent Index 7.3 Quality Index N/A COST OF LIVING IN IRAQ The cost of living index in Iraq is 28.4, indicating relative affordability compared to many countries. The rent index is low at 7.3, suggesting manageable housing costs for newcomers. The typical net monthly salary is around IQD 3,364, which can help with budgeting. Costs may vary significantly based on your chosen city or region, so thorough research is recommended. IRAQ COUNTRY PROFILE In-depth facts & data for living in Iraq on this page· Updated 2026-06-02 8 sections Iraq is bordered by Kuwait, Iran, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. The country slopes from mountains over 3,000 meters (10,000 ft.) above sea level along the border with Iran and Turkey to the remnants of sea-level, reedy marshes in the southeast. Much of the land is desert or wasteland. The mountains in the no… Demographics & populationPopulation size, age structure, migration, ethnicity, language, education, and health indicatorsEconomyGDP, employment, industries, public finance, and currencyGovernment & politicsGovernment structure, legal system, citizenship, and international relationsGeography & environmentLocation, land area, terrain, climate, and natural resourcesTradeImports, exports, and trading partnersTravel & safetySafety, crime, medical care, and travel conditions for visitors and newcomersInfrastructureTransport, communications, and energyNational symbolsAnthem and national symbols For planning only. Always verify immigration and legal rules on official government sites. DEMOGRAPHICS & POPULATION IN IRAQ: PLANNING NOTES 281 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Iraq. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Demographics & population in Iraq for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Iraq-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Iraq sits in Western Asia, Asia, with Baghdad as the capital. Common working and school languages in the dataset include The majority of Iraqis speak Arabic, with variations in dialect according to region. Modern standard Arabic is spoken by educated Iraqis and is the written language. Other languages spoken include Chaldean, Armenian, Syriac and Turkish dialects and Persian. English is the most widely used foreign language and is taught in Iraqi schools.. English proficiency is listed as medium. Population and age figures on this page are planning signals, not a substitute for census releases or visa eligibility rules. Iraq is bordered by Kuwait, Iran, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. The country slopes from mountains over 3,000 meters (10,000 ft.) above sea level along the border with Iran and Turk Early practical steps people actually use in Iraq include: Confirm visa status and entry conditions before booking travel; Prepare temporary housing and proof of address where required; Set up local phone, banking, tax, and health coverage steps; Save emergency numbers, official portals, and scam-reporting channels. Treat the list as a reminder, not a filing checklist. When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://mofa.gov.iq/ (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Visa Services Iraq) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Population overview; Age & family; Ethnicity & language; Education; Health & living conditions. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: DEMOGRAPHICS & POPULATION POPULATION OVERVIEW Show 4 4 facts — expand for details. Population 38,872,655 Population Growth Rate 2.29% Urban Population 66.500000 [tel:66500000] Population in Major Urban Areas * BAGHDAD (capital) 6.036 million * Mosul 1.494 million * Erbil 1.039 million * Basra 942,000 * As Sulaymaniyah 867,000 * Najaf 779,000 AGE & FAMILY Show 8 8 facts — expand for details. Age Structure 39.880000 [tel:39880000] Median Age 21.300000 [tel:21300000] Birth Rate - births/1,000 population 28 Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population 4.65 Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman 3.5 Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49 51.2% Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49 51.2% Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female 1.050000 [tel:1050000] ETHNICITY & LANGUAGE Hide Ethnic Groups Arab 75%-80%, Kurdish 15%-20%, Turkoman, Assyrian or other 5% Language Note The majority of Iraqis speak Arabic, with variations in dialect according to region. Modern standard Arabic is spoken by educated Iraqis and is the written language. Other languages spoken include Chaldean, Armenian, Syriac, Turkish dialects and Persian. English is the most widely used foreign language and is taught in Iraqi schools. Nationality Noun Iraqi(s) EDUCATION Show 5 5 facts — expand for details. Literacy - total population 74.1% Literacy - male 55.9% Literacy - female 24.4% Literacy Definition age 15 and over can read and write Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary) 10.000000 [tel:10000000] HEALTH & LIVING CONDITIONS Show 12 12 facts — expand for details. Life Expectancy at Birth 71.14 Infant Mortality Rate 38.86 Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births 38.86 Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births 63 Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population .61 Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population 1.3 Health Expenditures - percent of GDP 8.3% Major Infectious Diseases - degree of risk intermediate Obesity - adult prevalence rate 27% Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved 93.9 Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved 86.2 Underweight - percent of children under five years 7.1% ECONOMY IN IRAQ: PLANNING NOTES 222 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Iraq. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Economy in Iraq for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Iraq-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. People comparing Iraq with other destinations usually start with wages, rent, and tax, not headline GDP. GDP per capita in the planning dataset is about 15,500. Recent growth is listed at -1.5 percent. Unemployment is listed at 15.3 percent. A typical net monthly salary signal is 3,364. The cost-of-living index is 28. The rent index is 7. A city-centre 1-bed rent signal is 234. A monthly groceries signal is 140. Purchasing-power index: 58. Local currency code: IQD. City prices vary, and these indexes do not replace a job offer or a proof-of-funds check. Iraq is bordered by Kuwait, Iran, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. The country slopes from mountains over 3,000 meters (10,000 ft.) above sea level along the border with Iran and Turk When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://mofa.gov.iq/ (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Visa Services Iraq) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Economic overview; GDP & growth; Prices & money; Employment & labor; Labor by occupation; Public finance. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: ECONOMY ECONOMIC OVERVIEW Show 3 3 facts — expand for details. Economic Overview The Iraqi economy stands at a critical juncture, marked by a combination of rich potential and persistent challenges. As the country seeks to rebuild after years of conflict and instability, it continues to grapple with structural economic hurdles while leveraging its vast natural resources, particularly oil, as a cornerstone of its recovery efforts. Oil: The Lifeblood of Iraq’s Economy Oil dominates the Iraqi economy, accounting for over 90% of government revenue and 60% of GDP. Iraq is one of the world’s largest oil producers, and its proven reserves rank among the top globally. This dependence, however, leaves the economy vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices. The government has made attempts to diversify its revenue streams, but progress remains slow due to political challenges and infrastructure deficiencies. Despite these challenges, Iraq has capitalized on rising oil demand, with exports from fields in southern Iraq hitting record highs in recent years. However, reliance on oil alone is unsustainable, experts warn, as it limits economic resilience and stifles innovation in other sectors. Economic Diversification Efforts Efforts to diversify the economy have focused on agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy. Iraq’s fertile lands, particularly in the Tigris and Euphrates valleys, make it a historical breadbasket of the region. However, agricultural output has been hindered by water scarcity, outdated farming practices, and the effects of climate change. Investment in renewable energy, especially solar, has begun to gain traction as Iraq seeks to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and address chronic electricity shortages. International partners have pledged funding for renewable energy projects, which could help position Iraq as a regional energy hub in the coming decades. Challenges to Growth Political instability and corruption remain significant barriers to economic progress. Frequent changes in leadership, policy inconsistencies, and a lack of transparency in governance deter foreign investment and slow infrastructure development. The unemployment rate remains high, particularly among youth, with job creation failing to keep pace with population growth. The World Bank and IMF have stressed the importance of structural reforms, including fostering private sector growth, reforming state-owned enterprises, and modernizing financial institutions. Moreover, security concerns persist, with pockets of insurgency and ongoing political unrest affecting investor confidence and trade flows. A Resilient People Despite these challenges, Iraq’s population has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are thriving in urban centers, contributing to a burgeoning entrepreneurial culture. Many Iraqis are pushing for reforms, particularly among the younger generation, which is increasingly engaged in the digital economy and innovation. The Path Forward Iraq’s economic future will depend on its ability to implement sustainable reforms, combat corruption, and attract foreign investment. Its natural resource wealth and strategic geographic location provide a strong foundation for growth, but unlocking its full potential will require political will and effective governance. Industries petroleum, chemicals, textiles, construction materials, food processing GDP - per capita (PPP) $15,500.00 (USD) GDP & GROWTH Show 8 8 facts — expand for details. GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP) $372,270,000,000 (USD) GDP Per Capita $15,500.00 (USD) GDP - official exchange rate $165,100,000,000 (USD) GDP - composition, by end use * consumption: 55.5% government * consumption: 21.5% investment in fixed * capital: 16.5% investment in * inventories: 2% exports of goods and * services: 40.8% imports of goods and * services: -36.3% GDP by Sector- agriculture 5.2% GDP by Sector- Industry 49.7% GDP by Sector- services 45.1% Industrial Growth Rate 4.8% PRICES & MONEY Show 5 5 facts — expand for details. Inflation Rate 4.2% Exchange Rate per US Dollar New Iraqi dinar (NID) as of 22 January 2004 Currency Name and Code Iraqi Dinar (IQD) Fiscal Year calendar year Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate 6% EMPLOYMENT & LABOR Show 7 7 facts — expand for details. Labor Force 8,500,000 Unemployment Rate 15.3% Major Industries petroleum, chemicals, textiles, construction materials, food processing Agriculture Products wheat, barley, rice, vegetables, dates, cotton; cattle, sheep Population Below Poverty Line 25% Child Labor - # of children ages 5-14 715,737 Child Labor - % of children ages 5-14 11% LABOR BY OCCUPATION Show 3 3 facts — expand for details. Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture 21.6% Labor Force By Occupation- industry 18.7% Labor Force By Occupation- services 59.8% PUBLIC FINANCE Hide Annual Budget $52,800,000,000 (USD) Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP 0.9% Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP 44.9% GOVERNMENT & POLITICS IN IRAQ: PLANNING NOTES 225 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Iraq. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Government & politics in Iraq for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Iraq-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Iraq's government and legal structure matters for visas, ID, tax residence, and later naturalization. The immigration authority in our records is Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Visa Services Iraq. Confirm current forms and fees on https://mofa.gov.iq/. In the planning dataset, dual citizenship is listed as restricted. Iraq is bordered by Kuwait, Iran, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. The country slopes from mountains over 3,000 meters (10,000 ft.) above sea level along the border with Iran and Turk Early practical steps people actually use in Iraq include: Confirm visa status and entry conditions before booking travel; Prepare temporary housing and proof of address where required; Set up local phone, banking, tax, and health coverage steps; Save emergency numbers, official portals, and scam-reporting channels. Treat the list as a reminder, not a filing checklist. When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://mofa.gov.iq/ (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Visa Services Iraq) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Identity & names; Political system; Capital & time; International role. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: GOVERNMENT & POLITICS IDENTITY & NAMES Show 8 8 facts — expand for details. Full Country Name Republic of Iraq Country Name Iraq Local - Long Jumhuriyat al-Iraq/Komar-i Eraq Local - Short Al Iraq/Eraq Former Name Mesopotamia, Mandatory Iraq, Hashemite Kingdom of Iraq Etymology- history of name the name probably derives from "Uruk" (Biblical "Erech"), the ancient Sumerian and Babylonian city on the Euphrates River Independence 3 October 1932 (from League of Nations mandate under British administration); note - on 28 June 2004 the Coalition Provisional Authority transferred sovereignty to the Iraqi Interim Government National Holiday Independence Day, 3 October (1932); Republic Day, 14 July (1958) POLITICAL SYSTEM Show 10 10 facts — expand for details. Government Type federal parliamentary republic Constitution * history: several previous; latest adopted by referendum 15 October 2005 * amendments: proposed by the president of the republic and the Council of Minsters collectively, or by one fifth of the Council of Representatives members; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the Council of Representatives, approval by referendum, and ratification by the president; passage of amendments to articles on citizen rights and liberties requires two-thirds majority vote of Council of Representatives members after two successive electoral terms, approval in a referendum, and ratification by the president Legal System: mixed legal system of civil and Islamic law Executive Branch: * chief of state: President Latif RASHID (since 13 October 2022); vice presidents (vacant) * head of government: Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-SUDANI (since 27 October 2022) * cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the prime minister, approved by Council of Representatives (COR) * elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by COR to serve a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); COR parliamentary election for president last held on 13 October 2022 (next to be held NA) * election results: 2022: Latif RASHID elected president in second round; COR vote in first round - Latif RASHID (PUK) 157, Barham SALIH (PUK) 99; COR vote in second round - Latif RASHID 167, Barham SALIH 99; Mohammed Shia' al-SUDANI approved as prime minister 2018: Barham SALIH elected president in second round; COR vote in first round - Barham SALIH (PUK) 165, Fuad HUSAYN (KDP) 90; COR vote in second round - Barham SALIH 219, Fuad HUSAYN 22; Adil ABD AL-MAHDI approved as prime minister Legislative Branch: * Description: unicameral Council of Representatives of Iraq (COR) or Majlis an-Nuwwab al-Iraqiyy (329 seats; 320 members directly elected in 83 multi-seat constituencies by single nontransferable vote, 9 seats elected by religious minorities - 5 by Christians, 1 each by Sabaean-Mandaeans, Yazidis, Shabaks andFayli Kurds, and 25% of seats allocated to women; members serve 4-year terms) * Elections: last held on 10 October 2021 (next to be held in 2025) * Election Results: percent of vote by party/coalition - NA; seats by party -Taqadum 47, State of Law Coalition 43, Al Fatah Alliance 37, Kurdistan Democratic Party 31, Kurdistan Coalition 18, Azm Alliance 16, Imtidad 16, State Forces Alliance 11, Ishraqat Kanun 10, New Generation Movement 9, National Contract Party 8, Tasmim Alliance 7, Babiliyun Movement 3, other 73; * Composition: men 234, women 95, percent of women 28.9% * Note: seat counts reflect updated numbers after the Sadrist Trend withdrew from government formation and its 73 seats were reallocated to other parties Judicial Branch: * office: Federal Supreme Court (FSC) judges nominated by the High Judicial Council (HJC) president, the FSC chief justice, the public prosecutor's office chief, and the head of the Judicial Oversight Commission; FSC members required to retire at age 72; Court of Cassation judges appointed by the HJC and confirmed by the Council of Representatives to serve until retirement, nominally at age 63, but can be extended to age 66 by the HJC * subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal (governorate level); civil courts, including first instance, personal status, labor, and customs; criminal courts including felony, misdemeanor, investigative, major crimes, juvenile, and traffic courts Regions or States: 18 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah (Arabic); parezgakan, singular - parezga (Kurdish)); 'Al Anbar; Al Basrah; Al Muthanna; Al Qadisiyah (Ad Diwaniyah); An Najaf; Arbil (Erbil) (Arabic), Hewler (Kurdish); As Sulaymaniyah (Arabic), Slemani (Kurdish); Babil; Baghdad; Dahuk (Arabic), Dihok (Kurdish); Dhi Qar; Diyala; Karbala'; Kirkuk; Maysan; Ninawa; Salah ad Din; Wasit note: Iraq's Kurdistan Regional Government administers Arbil, Dahuk, and As Sulaymaniyah (as Hewler, Dihok, and Slemani respectively) Political Parties and Leaders: * Al Fatah Alliance [Hadi al-AMIRI] * Azm Alliance [Khamis al-KHANJAR] * Babiliyun Movement [Rayan al-KILDANI] * Imtidad [Ala al-RIKABI] * Ishraqat Konun [Jaafar AZIZ] * Kurdistan Democratic Party F [Masud BARZANI] * National Contract Party [Falih al-FAYYAD] * New Generation Movement [SHASWAR Abd al-Wahid Qadir] * Patriotic Union of Kurdistan [Bafel TALABANI] * Sadrist Bloc [Muqtada al-SADR] * State Forces Alliance [Haydar al-ABADI] * State of Law Coalition [Nuri al-MALIKI] * Taqadum [Muhammad al-HALBUSI] * Tasmim Alliance [Asad al-IDANI] numerous smaller independent, religious, local, tribal, and minority parties Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Citizenship Criteria: * birth: no citizenship by descent * only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Iraq dual citizenship * recognized: yes residency requirement for * naturalization: 10 years CAPITAL & TIME Hide Capital Name Baghdad Capital - geographic coordinate 33 20 N, 44 24 E Capital Time Difference UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) INTERNATIONAL ROLE Show 4 4 facts — expand for details. International Organization Participation: * ABEDA * AFESD * AIIB * AMF * CAEU * CICA * EITI (compliant country) * FAO * G-77 * IAEA * IBRD * ICAO * ICRM * IDA * IDB * IFAD * IFC * IFRCS * ILO * IMF * IMO * IMSO * Interpol * IOC * IPU * ISO * ITSO * ITU * LAS * MIGA * NAM * OAPEC * OIC * OPCW * OPEC * PCA * UN * UNCTAD * UNESCO * UNIDO * UNWTO * UPU * WCO * WFTU (NGOs) * WHO * WIPO * WMO * WTO (observer) International Law Organization Participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Diplomatic Representation from US: * Chief of Mission: Ambassador Alina L. ROMANOWSKI (since 2 June 2022) * Embassy: Al-Kindi Street, International Zone, Baghdad; note - consulate in Al Basrah closed as of 28 September 2018 * Mailing Address: 6060 Baghdad Place, Washington DC 20521-6060 [tel:205216060] * Telephone: 0760-030-3000 [tel:07600303000] * Email: BaghdadACS@state.gov * Website: https://iq.usembassy.gov/ [https://iq.usembassy.gov/] Diplomatic Representation in the US: * Chief of Mission: Ambassador Nazar Issa Abdulhadi AL-KHIRULLAH (since 30 June 2023) * Chancery: 1801 P Street NW, Washington, DC 20036 * Telephone: [1] (202) 483-7500 [tel:2024837500] * FAX: [1] (202) 462-8815 [tel:2024628815] * Email: washington@scrdiraq.gov.iq * Website: https://www.iraqiembassy.us/ [https://www.iraqiembassy.us/] * Consulate(s) General: Detroit, Los Angeles GEOGRAPHY & ENVIRONMENT IN IRAQ: PLANNING NOTES 159 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Iraq. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Geography & environment in Iraq for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Iraq-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Iraq's capital is Baghdad in Western Asia, Asia. Traffic keeps to the right. Geography here is for settlement planning: climate, distance to work, and which city you can actually afford, not a travel brochure. Iraq is bordered by Kuwait, Iran, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. The country slopes from mountains over 3,000 meters (10,000 ft.) above sea level along the border with Iran and Turk When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://mofa.gov.iq/ (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Visa Services Iraq) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Location & size; Physical geography; Climate & time; Climate; Environment. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: GEOGRAPHY & ENVIRONMENT LOCATION & SIZE Show 8 8 facts — expand for details. Geographic Location Middle East Geographic Coordinates 33 00 N, 44 00 E Total Area 169,234 Square Miles 438,317 Square Kilometers Land Area 168,867 Square Miles 437,367 Square Kilometers Water Area 367 Square Miles 950 Square Kilometers Land Boundaries 2,268 Miles 3,650 Kilometers Border Countries Iran 1,458 km, Jordan 181 km, Kuwait 240 km, Saudi Arabia 814 km, Syria 605 km, Turkey 352 km Coastline 36 Miles 58 Kilometers PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY Show 6 6 facts — expand for details. Terrain * mostly broad plains * reedy marshes along Iranian border in south with large flooded areas * mountains along borders with Iran and Turkey Highest Point 3,611 Meters Highest Point Location unamed peak 3,611 m; note - this peak is not Gundah Zhur 3,607 m or Kuh-e Hajji-Ebrahim 3,595 m Lowest Point Location Persian Gulf 0 m Natural Resources petroleum, natural gas, phosphates, sulfur Irrigated Land 13,610 Square Miles 35,250 Square Kilometers CLIMATE & TIME Hide Time Zone UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) CLIMATE Show 5 5 facts — expand for details. Climate mostly desert; mild to cool winters with dry, hot, cloudless summers; northern mountainous regions along Iranian and Turkish borders experience cold winters with occasionally heavy snows that melt in early spring, sometimes causing extensive flooding. Average temperatures range from higher than 48oC (120oF) in July and August to below freezing in January. Most of the rainfall occurs from December through April and averages between 10 and 18 centimeters (4-7 in.) annually. The mountainous region of northern Iraq receives appreciably more precipitation than the central or southern desert region. Terrain * mostly broad plains * reedy marshes along Iranian border in south with large flooded areas * mountains along borders with Iran and Turkey Location Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf, between Iran and Kuwait Total Area 169,234 Square Miles 438,317 Square Kilometers Border Countries Iran 1,458 km, Jordan 181 km, Kuwait 240 km, Saudi Arabia 814 km, Syria 605 km, Turkey 352 km ENVIRONMENT Hide Environment - Current Issues * government water control projects have drained most of the inhabited marsh areas east of An Nasiriyah by drying up or diverting the feeder streams and rivers * a once sizable population of Marsh Arabs, who inhabited these areas for thousands of years, has been displaced * furthermore, the destruction of the natural habitat poses serious threats to the area's wildlife populations * inadequate supplies of potable water * development of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers system contingent upon agreements with upstream riparian Turkey * air and water pollution * soil degradation (salination) and erosion * desertification Environment - International Agreements party to: Biodiversity, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification TRADE IN IRAQ: PLANNING NOTES 162 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Iraq. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Trade in Iraq for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Iraq-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Trade figures for Iraq help explain which industries hire, which ports matter, and how imported goods show up in grocery prices. Settlements and contracts usually run in IQD. They are not a visa pathway. Work permission still depends on the destination's immigration rules. Iraq is bordered by Kuwait, Iran, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. The country slopes from mountains over 3,000 meters (10,000 ft.) above sea level along the border with Iran and Turk When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://mofa.gov.iq/ (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Visa Services Iraq) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Trade overview; Trading partners; Partners (summary). Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: TRADE TRADE OVERVIEW Show 4 4 facts — expand for details. Exports $49,100,000,000 (USD) Imports $42,560,000,000 (USD) Major Exports crude oil Major Imports food, medicine, manufactures TRADING PARTNERS Hide Top Export Partners US 37.4%, Taiwan 7.7%, Canada 7.5%, France 7.5%, Jordan 6.9%, Netherlands 5.8%, Italy 4.9%, Morocco 4.3%, Spain 4.1% Top Import Partners Jordan 10.4%, France 8.4%, China 7.9%, Vietnam 7.9%, Germany 7.2%, Russia 6.9%, Australia 6.8%, Italy 6.1%, Japan 5.3% PARTNERS (SUMMARY) Hide Export Partners US 37.4%, Taiwan 7.7%, Canada 7.5%, France 7.5%, Jordan 6.9%, Netherlands 5.8%, Italy 4.9%, Morocco 4.3%, Spain 4.1% Import Partners Jordan 10.4%, France 8.4%, China 7.9%, Vietnam 7.9%, Germany 7.2%, Russia 6.9%, Australia 6.8%, Italy 6.1%, Japan 5.3% TRAVEL & SAFETY IN IRAQ: PLANNING NOTES 237 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Iraq. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Travel & safety in Iraq for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Iraq-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Safety in Iraq is local. Neighbourhood, night transport, and documentation checks matter more than a single country score. Tap water is listed as generally safe in the planning dataset. Healthcare system type: Universal/Beveridge. Immigrant health access note: Limited. Health coverage waiting period in the dataset: 180 days. Read current travel advice from your origin government before you book. Iraq is bordered by Kuwait, Iran, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. The country slopes from mountains over 3,000 meters (10,000 ft.) above sea level along the border with Iran and Turk Early practical steps people actually use in Iraq include: Confirm visa status and entry conditions before booking travel; Prepare temporary housing and proof of address where required; Set up local phone, banking, tax, and health coverage steps; Save emergency numbers, official portals, and scam-reporting channels. Treat the list as a reminder, not a filing checklist. When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://mofa.gov.iq/ (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Visa Services Iraq) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Before you travel; Crime & law; Health & roads. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: TRAVEL & SAFETY BEFORE YOU TRAVEL Show 2 2 facts — expand for details. Country Description Iraq is a parliamentary democracy located in the Middle East with a population of more than 31 million people. Iraq held parliamentary elections in March 2010 and has a coalition government. Iraq is a country with a developing infrastructure and extremely limited tourist facilities. Iraqi forces have full responsibility for providing security in Iraq. The Government of Iraq (GOI) has made significant politicalandeconomic progress in recent years, but the country still faces many challenges. Those challenges include overcoming three decades of war and government mismanagement that stunted Iraq's economy; sectarian and ethnic tensions that have slowed progress toward national reconciliation; and ongoing criminal and terrorist violence. The slight decline and leveling off in the number of insurgent attacks in 2011-12spurred economic growth in Iraq; however, during 2013 there has been a marked increasein insurgent attacks and civilian casualties. Conditions throughout the country remain dangerous. The ability of the U.S. Embassy to provide consular services to U.S. citizens outside Baghdad is particularly limited given the security environment. Host government emergency services and support are limited. Safety & Security Violence and threats against U.S. citizens persist. U.S. citizens in Iraq remain at risk for kidnapping. Methods of attack in the past have included roadside improvised explosive devices (IEDs), including Explosively Formed Penetrators (EFPs); magnetic IEDs placed on vehicles; human and vehicle-borne IEDs, mines placed on or concealed near roads; mortars and rockets, and shootings using various direct fire weapons. Numerous insurgent groups, including Al Qaida in Iraq, are increasingly active throughout Iraq. Although Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) operations against these groups continue, terrorist activity persists in many areas of the country. Sectarian and terrorist violence has increased since the beginning of 2013 in Iraq, most notably in the provinces of Baghdad, Ninewa, Salah adDin, Anbar, and Diyala. The U.S. government considers the potential threat to U.S. government personnel in Iraq to be serious enough to require them to live and work under strict security guidelines. All U.S. government employees under the authority of the U.S. Chief of Mission must follow strict safety and security procedures when traveling outside the Embassy. State Department guidance to U.S. businesses in Iraq advises the use of protective security details. Detailed security information is available at the U.S. Embassy website. Some regions within Iraq have experienced fewer violent incidents than others in recent years, in particular the Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR).The security situation in the IKR,which includes the provinces of Sulymaniya, Erbil, and Dohuk, has been more stable relative to the rest of Iraq in recent years, but threats remain. U.S. government personnel in northern Iraq are required to be accompanied by a protective security detail when traveling outside secure facilities. Although there have been significantly fewer terrorist attacks and lower levels of insurgent violence in the IKR than in other parts of Iraq, the security situation throughout the country remains dangerous. U.S. citizens should avoid areas near the Syrian, Turkish and Iranian borders in northern Iraq.The Governments of Turkey and Iran continue to carry out military operations against insurgent groups in the mountain regions bordering Iraq. These operations have included troop movements and both aerial and artillery bombardments. Extensive unmarked minefields also remain along these borders. The unrest in Syria has resulted in large numbers of people seeking refuge in the area. In addition, borders in these areas are not always clearly defined. In 2009, three U.S. citizens were detained by Iranian authorities while hiking in the vicinity of the Iranian border in the IKR.The resources available to the U.S. Embassy to assist U.S. citizens who venture close to or cross the border with Iran are extremely limited. The Department of State discourages travel in close proximity to the Iranian border. CRIME & LAW Show 2 2 facts — expand for details. Crime Petty theft is common in Iraq; this includes pick-pocketing in busy areas (e.g. markets), as well as the theft of money, jewelry, or other valuables from hotel roomsand private residences.Historically, carjacking by armed thieves has been very common, even during daylight hours, and particularly on the highways from Jordan and Kuwait to Baghdad. Both foreigners - especially dual American-Iraqi citizens - and Iraqi citizens are targets of kidnapping. Kidnappers often demand money but have also carried out kidnappings for political/religious reasons. Many hostages have been killed. The number of murders reported in 2013, especially in the Baghdad area, has increased, likely due to terrorism, tribal and family disputes, and religious/sectarian tensions. Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law. Criminal Penalties While you are traveling in Iraq, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don’thave your passport with youor if you take pictures of certain buildings.In some places, driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail. These criminalpenalties will varyfrom country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, andyou can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in Iraq, your U.S. passport won’thelp you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’svery important to know what’slegal and what’snot wherever you go. Persons violating Iraq’s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for the possession, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Iraq are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines, and in some cases may be subject to the death penalty. Arrest notifications in host country: While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrestedin a foreign country, that might not always be the case. To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas. Languages The majority of Iraqis speak Arabic, with variations in dialect according to region. Modern standard Arabic is spoken by educated Iraqis and is the written language. Other languages spoken include Chaldean, Armenian, Syriac, Turkish dialects and Persian. English is the most widely used foreign language and is taught in Iraqi schools. HEALTH & ROADS Show 2 2 facts — expand for details. Medical Facilities Basic modern medical care and medicines are not widely available in Iraq. Conflict has left some medical facilities non-operational and medical stocks and supplies severely depleted. The facilities in operation do not meet U.S. standards, and the majority lack medicines, equipment, and supplies. Some private companies facilitate medical evacuations. Blood banks exist in Iraq, though blood supply may not be sufficient in the event of an emergency. In addition, many areas suffer rolling power outages and generators are not always available for back-up. Traffic Safety While in Iraq, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. Vehicular travel in Iraq can be extremely dangerous. There have been attacks on civilian vehicles as well as Iraqi military and security convoys on roads and highways throughout Iraq, both in and outside metropolitan areas. Attacks occur throughout the day, but travel at night is more dangerous and should be avoided. Such attacks have been random and unpredictable, and have involved small arms fire and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) capable of destroying the average vehicle. Travel throughout the country by road involves the significant potential for attacks. While Baghdad has seen the majority of insurgent activity over the past year, significant incidents have also occurred in outlying cities, indicating a high risk to travelers on roadways. Anyone traveling by vehicle through Iraq should consider the risk of IED attacks carefully and plan accordingly. Buses run irregularly and frequently change routes. Poorly-maintained city transit vehicles are often involved in accidents. Long-distance buses are available, but are often in poor condition and drive at unsafe speeds. Jaywalking is common. Drivers usually do not yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and ignore available traffic lights, traffic rules, and regulations. Roads are congested. Some cars do not use lights at night and urban street lights may not be functioning. Some motorists drive at excessive speeds, tailgate, and force other drivers to yield the right of way. INFRASTRUCTURE IN IRAQ: PLANNING NOTES 163 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Iraq. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Infrastructure in Iraq for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Iraq-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Infrastructure in Iraq affects commute time, remote work, and whether a city is livable in the first 90 days. Typical internet speed in the dataset is 8 Mbps. Airports, rail, and roads on this page are inventory, not a promise that your neighbourhood is well served. Iraq is bordered by Kuwait, Iran, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. The country slopes from mountains over 3,000 meters (10,000 ft.) above sea level along the border with Iran and Turk When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://mofa.gov.iq/ (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Visa Services Iraq) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Transportation; Pipelines; Communications; Energy. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: INFRASTRUCTURE TRANSPORTATION Show 7 7 facts — expand for details. Airports - total 102 Airports with Paved Runways 72 Heliports 16 Railways 1,473 Miles 2,370 Kilometers Roadways- total 37,048 Miles 59,623 Kilometers Waterways 3,280 Miles 5,279 Kilometers Ports and Terminals Umm Qasr, Khawr az Zubayr, and Al Basrah have limited functionality PIPELINES Show 4 4 facts — expand for details. Pipelines: Gas 1,525 Miles 2,455 Kilometers Pipelines: Liquid Petroleum Gas 567 Miles 913 Kilometers Pipelines: Oil 3,375 Miles 5,432 Kilometers Pipelines: Refined Products 1,017 Miles 1,637 Kilometers COMMUNICATIONS Show 7 7 facts — expand for details. Telephones 1,108,000 Cell Phones 14,021,000 Internet Users 54,000 Internet Country Code .iq Internet Hosts 9 Broadcast Media * the number of private radio and TV stations has increased rapidly since 2003 * government-owned TV and radio stations are operated by the publicly funded Iraqi Public Broadcasting Service * private broadcast media are mostly linked to political, ethnic, or religious groups * satellite TV is available to an estimated 70% of viewers and many of the broadcasters are based abroad * transmissions of multiple international radio broadcasters are accessible Telephone System * assessment: the 2003 liberation of Iraq severely disrupted telecommunications throughout Iraq including international connections; widespread government efforts to rebuild domestic and international communications through fiber optic links are in progress; the mobile cellular market has expanded rapidly to some 27 million subscribers by the end of 2012 * domestic: repairs to switches and lines destroyed during 2003 continue; additional switching capacity is improving access; 3 GSM operators since 2007 have expanded beyond their regional roots and offer near country-wide access to second-generation services; third-generation mobile services are not available nationwide; wireless local loop is available in some metropolitan areas and additional licenses have been issued with the hope of overcoming the lack of fixed-line infrastructure * international: country code - 964; satellite earth stations - 4 (2 Intelsat - 1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean, 1 Intersputnik - Atlantic Ocean region, and 1 Arabsat (inoperative)); local microwave radio relay connects border regions to Jordan, Kuwait, Syria, and Turkey; international terrestrial fiber-optic connections have been established with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Kuwait, Jordan, and Iran; links to the Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG) and the Gulf Bridge International (GBI) submarine fiber-optic cables have been established ENERGY Show 10 10 facts — expand for details. Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh) 52,000,000,000 Electricity Imports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh) 5,600,000,000 Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh) 46,390,000,000 Natural Gas Consumption - Kilowatt Hours (kWh) 1,300,000,000 Natural Gas Production- Cubic Meters (cu m) 880,000,000 Natural Gas Reserves- Cubic Meters (cu m) 3,158,000,000,000 Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day) 818,000 Oil Exports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day) 2,390,000 Oil Production- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day) 2,093,000 Oil Reserves- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day) 141,400,000,000 NATIONAL SYMBOLS IN IRAQ: PLANNING NOTES 145 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Iraq. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. National symbols in Iraq for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Iraq-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. National symbols for Iraq are background for civic life and ceremonies. They do not change visa rules. Use the government and visa pages for status, work, and stay conditions. Iraq is bordered by Kuwait, Iran, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. The country slopes from mountains over 3,000 meters (10,000 ft.) above sea level along the border with Iran and Turk When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://mofa.gov.iq/ (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Visa Services Iraq) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: National anthem. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: NATIONAL SYMBOLS NATIONAL ANTHEM Hide Anthem History * name: "Mawtini" (My Homeland) * lyrics/music: Ibrahim TOUQAN/Mohammad FLAYFEL * note: adopted 2004; following the ouster of SADDAM Husayn, Iraq adopted "Mawtini," a popular folk song throughout the Arab world; also serves as an unofficial anthem of the Palestinian people Verified immigration updates for Iraq → [/countries/iraq/immigration-updates/] GOVERNMENT JOBS IN IRAQ * Iraq Government Jobs [/government-jobs/government-careers-iq/] · Iraq public employment authority All government jobs for Iraq → [/government-jobs/?country=iraq] OFFICIAL LANGUAGES IN IRAQ The majority of Iraqis speak Arabicwith variations in dialect according to region. Modern standard Arabic is spoken by educated Iraqis and is the written language. Other languages spoken include ChaldeanArmenianSyriacTurkish dialects and Persian. English is the most widely used foreign language and is taught in Iraqi schools. OFFICIAL LINKS FOR IRAQ * Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Visa Services Iraq [https://mofa.gov.iq/] Official immigration portal for visas, entry rules, and residency steps. The official portal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is essential for accurate visa information and services. Be cautious of lookalike sites that may charge fees for forms available for free through official channels. NEWCOMER CHECKLIST FOR IRAQ * •Prepare temporary housing and proof of address where required * •Set up local phone, banking, tax, and health coverage steps * •Save emergency numbers, official portals, and scam-reporting channels * •Learn about local customs and language for smoother integration * •Research educational options for children if applicable * •Join expat communities online for support and information * •Plan for transportation options within the city LOCAL SERVICES & SETUP IN IRAQ Healthcare access: Limited Health waiting period: 180 day(s) SETTLEMENT FUNDS & FINANCIAL NOTES FOR IRAQ When relocating to Iraq, understand your financial situation. While proof of funds may not be explicitly required, having a reliable banking setup will help manage expenses and adapt to local financial practices. Consider establishing a local bank account to facilitate transactions and ensure access to funds during your initial settlement period. COST OF LIVING IN IRAQ City-level cost rows are incomplete for Iraq, so this is a national planning snapshot in IQD (reference city: Baghdad). Net monthly salaryIQD 3,364 1BR city centerIQD 234 Groceries / monthIQD 140 Transport / monthIQD 37 Cost-of-living index: 28.4 WHO QUALIFIES BEST FOR IRAQ * work Professionals seeking job opportunities in a developing economy. * study Students interested in educational programs in a culturally rich environment. * family Families looking to reunite with relatives or explore new opportunities. WHAT PEOPLE GET WRONG ABOUT MOVING TO IRAQ NEGLECTING VISA REQUIREMENTS Underestimating the importance of visa requirements can lead to issues. Ensure you have the correct visa type for your stay, as this affects your ability to work or access services. OVERLOOKING CULTURAL DIFFERENCES Newcomers often overlook cultural differences that impact daily life. Learn about local customs and traditions to avoid misunderstandings and foster positive relationships. IGNORING HEALTH COVERAGE Failing to secure adequate health coverage can lead to challenges, especially since immigrant access to healthcare may be limited. Research health insurance options for expatriates to ensure protection. SOURCES & REFERENCES FOR IRAQ Country data is a planning aid. Official government sources override MigrantIQ summaries for immigration, legal, tax, health, and emergency rules. * MigrantIQ country profile Summary profile maintained for planning. Last updated 2026-05-07. * World Bank and public data sources Used for economic and country-level indicators where available. * Numbeo and public cost datasets Used for cost-of-living signals for Iraq where available. FOREIGN EMBASSIES IN IRAQ 84 active diplomatic missions in our directory. Sample listings below. * Consulate of Belarus in Baghdad, Iraq [/embassies/mission/belarus-in-iraq-baghdad-consulate/] — 🇧🇾 Belarus, Baghdad * Embassy of Afghanistan in Baghdad, Iraq [/embassies/mission/afghanistan-in-iraq-baghdad-embassy/] — 🇦🇫 Afghanistan, Baghdad * Embassy of Algeria in Baghdad, Iraq [/embassies/mission/algeria-in-iraq-baghdad-embassy/] — 🇩🇿 Algeria, Baghdad * Embassy of Armenia in Baghdad, Iraq [/embassies/mission/armenia-in-iraq-baghdad-embassy/] — 🇦🇲 Armenia, Baghdad * Embassy of Australia in Baghdad, Iraq [/embassies/mission/australia-in-iraq-baghdad-embassy/] — 🇦🇺 Australia, Baghdad Browse all embassies in Iraq → [/embassies/in/iraq/] Important — not legal or government advice MigrantIQ lists diplomatic missions for planning reference only. We are not a government service. Contact details may be incomplete or outdated — always confirm appointments, fees, and requirements on the official mission website or your destination government portal before you travel or apply. Terms [/terms/]Privacy [/privacy/]Report inaccurate data [/contact/] Feedback Was this guide helpful? Your answer helps us improve guides and update priority. YesNo Summarize this page with AI Opens your assistant with a pre-filled prompt (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude). Gemini uses Google AI Mode. Ask AI ↗ Not affiliated with any AI platform. Always verify immigration rules on official government sites. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MOVING TO IRAQ WHAT TYPES OF VISAS ARE AVAILABLE FOR MOVING TO IRAQ? Iraq offers several visa options, including Business/Investor Visas, Employment Visas, Family/Spouse Visas, and Student Visas. Choose the right visa based on your purpose of moving. HOW IS THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM STRUCTURED IN IRAQ? Iraq has a universal healthcare system known as the Beveridge model. However, access for immigrants can be limited, so it's advisable to have private health insurance. WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT THE COST OF LIVING IN IRAQ? The cost of living in Iraq is relatively low, with an index of 28.4. However, this varies by region, so research the specific area you plan to move to. RELATED IRAQ GUIDES Visa Iraq Visa Hub Read guide → [/visas/iraq/]Legal Iraq Laws Read guide → [/laws/iraq/]Safety Iraq Scam Alerts Read guide → [/scam-alerts/iraq/]Checklist Iraq Arrival Checklist Read guide → [/checklist/iraq/]Blog Migration blog Read guide → [/blog/] VISA OPTIONS 9 published * Business / Investor Visa [/visas/iraq/business-investor/]business * Family / Spouse Visa [/visas/iraq/family-spouse/]family * Business Visa [/visas/iraq/business-visa/]migration * Employment Visa [/visas/iraq/employment-visa/]migration * Kurdistan Work Permit [/visas/iraq/kurdistan-work-permit/]migration * Permanent Residency / Settlement [/visas/iraq/permanent-residency/]residency * Student Visa [/visas/iraq/student/]student * Tourist / Visitor Visa [/visas/iraq/tourist-visitor/]tourist * Work / Employment Visa [/visas/iraq/work-employment/]work Open visa hub → [/visas/iraq/] KEY LAWS * Immigration Status and Overstay Rules [/laws/iraq/immigration-status-and-overstay-rules/]critical * Work Authorisation Rules [/laws/iraq/work-authorisation-rules/]critical * Tax Residency and Income Reporting [/laws/iraq/tax-residency-and-income-reporting/]high * Address Registration and Identity Duties [/laws/iraq/address-registration-and-id-duties/]medium ACTIVE SCAM ALERTS * Document Translation, Notary, or Apostille Overcharge [/scam-alerts/iraq/document-translation-notary-overcharge/]medium * Fake Border, Airport, or Fast-Track Assistance Fee [/scam-alerts/iraq/fake-border-airport-assistance-fee/]medium * Fake University or Scholarship Letter [/scam-alerts/iraq/fake-university-or-scholarship-letter/]medium Plan smarter Save countries, compare destinations, track visa checklists, and sync your migration plan across devices. Open My Plan [/plan/]Account Dashboard [/account/] Free resources TOOLS & GUIDES Full sitemap → [/sitemap/] PLAN YOUR MOVE * Eligibility quiz [/tools/eligibility/] * Tax calculator [/tools/tax-calculator/] * Tax compare [/tools/tax-compare/] * Tax guides [/tools/tax-guides/] * Points calculator [/tools/points-calculator/] * Cost calculator [/calculator/] * Move planner [/tools/planner/] * Best country [/tools/best-country/] * Pathway finder [/tools/pathway-finder/] * Corridor fit [/tools/corridor-fit/] * Compare 3 countries [/tools/compare-three/] * Job → visa matcher [/tools/job-visa-match/] * Scam checker [/tools/scam-check/] * All tools [/tools/] GUIDES & SAFETY * Visa guides [/visas/] * Scholarships [/scholarships/] * Government jobs [/government-jobs/] * Immigration updates [/countries/canada/immigration-updates/] * Embassies [/embassies/] * Laws [/laws/] * Scam alerts [/scam-alerts/] * Checklists [/checklist/] * Country profiles [/countries/] COMMUNITY * Q&A [/qa/] * People stories [/stories/] * Blog [/blog/] * Android app (Google Play) [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.migrantiq.app&hl=en] * Write for us [/write-for-us/] * Experts [/experts/] * Apply for expert listing [/experts/apply/] * Documentation [/documentation/] * Employers (HR) [/employers/] ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#organization","name":"MigrantIQ","url":"https://migrantiq.com","logo":"https://migrantiq.com/logo.png","description":"MigrantIQ publishes free migration guides covering visas, laws, costs, culture, banking, healthcare, scam alerts, and moving checklists for 220 countries.","knowsAbout":["immigration","visa requirements","moving abroad","cost of living","immigrant laws","scam protection","arrival checklists"],"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/migrantiq/","https://x.com/MigrantIQ","https://www.instagram.com/migrantiqorg/","https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.migrantiq.app&hl=en"],"contactPoint":[{"@type":"ContactPoint","contactType":"customer support","email":"Info@MigrantIQ.com","url":"https://migrantiq.com/contact/","availableLanguage":["English"]}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#website","name":"MigrantIQ","url":"https://migrantiq.com","publisher":{"@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#organization"},"inLanguage":"en","potentialAction":{"@type":"SearchAction","target":"https://migrantiq.com/search/?q={search_term_string}","query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}}]} {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://migrantiq.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Countries","item":"https://migrantiq.com/countries/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Iraq","item":"https://migrantiq.com/countries/iraq/"}]} {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/countries/iraq/#webpage","name":"Moving to Iraq: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide","description":"Iraq has a long history and culture, offering opportunities for families relocating for work, study, family reunification, or temporary visits. Baghdad, the capital, is a central hub for economic and educational activities. As you prepare for your move, learn about local customs, language, and lifestyle to ease your transition in the first 90 days. Understanding the visa process and entry conditio","url":"https://migrantiq.com/countries/iraq/","isPartOf":{"@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#website"},"publisher":{"@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#organization"},"mainEntity":{"@id":"https://migrantiq.com/countries/iraq/#article"},"about":{"@id":"https://migrantiq.com/countries/iraq/#country"},"inLanguage":"en","speakable":{"@type":"SpeakableSpecification","cssSelector":["#quick-answer","h1"]},"dateModified":"2026-07-14T00:07:56.787Z"},{"@type":"Article","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/countries/iraq/#article","headline":"Moving to Iraq: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide","description":"Iraq has a long history and culture, offering opportunities for families relocating for work, study, family reunification, or temporary visits. Baghdad, the capital, is a central hub for economic and educational activities. As you prepare for your move, learn about local customs, language, and lifestyle to ease your transition in the first 90 days. Understanding the visa process and entry conditio","url":"https://migrantiq.com/countries/iraq/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https://migrantiq.com/countries/iraq/#webpage"},"author":{"@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#organization"},"publisher":{"@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#organization"},"about":{"@id":"https://migrantiq.com/countries/iraq/#country"},"inLanguage":"en","dateModified":"2026-07-14T00:07:56.787Z","datePublished":"2026-07-14T00:07:56.787Z"},{"@type":"Country","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/countries/iraq/#country","name":"Iraq","description":"Immigrant guide for moving to Iraq: cost of living, visa options, banking, healthcare, and settlement.","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressCountry":"Iraq","addressRegion":"Asia"},"capital":"Baghdad","inLanguage":["The majority of Iraqis speak Arabic","with variations in dialect according to region. Modern standard Arabic is spoken by educated Iraqis and is the written language. Other languages spoken include Chaldean","Armenian","Syriac","Turkish dialects and Persian. English is the most widely used foreign language and is taught in Iraqi schools."],"additionalProperty":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"currency","value":"IQD"}},{"@type":"ItemList","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/countries/iraq/#related-guides","name":"Iraq related migration guides","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Iraq visa hub","url":"https://migrantiq.com/visas/iraq/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Iraq laws","url":"https://migrantiq.com/laws/iraq/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Iraq scam alerts","url":"https://migrantiq.com/scam-alerts/iraq/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Iraq arrival checklist","url":"https://migrantiq.com/checklist/iraq/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":5,"name":"Iraq immigration updates","url":"https://migrantiq.com/countries/iraq/immigration-updates/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":6,"name":"Iraq scholarships","url":"https://migrantiq.com/scholarships/?country=iraq"}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/countries/iraq/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://migrantiq.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Countries","item":"https://migrantiq.com/countries/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Iraq","item":"https://migrantiq.com/countries/iraq/"}]},{"@type":"FAQPage","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/countries/iraq/#faq","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"What types of visas are available for moving to Iraq?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Iraq offers several visa options, including Business/Investor Visas, Employment Visas, Family/Spouse Visas, and Student Visas. Choose the right visa based on your purpose of moving."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How is the healthcare system structured in Iraq?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Iraq has a universal healthcare system known as the Beveridge model. However, access for immigrants can be limited, so it's advisable to have private health insurance."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What should I know about the cost of living in Iraq?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The cost of living in Iraq is relatively low, with an index of 28.4. However, this varies by region, so research the specific area you plan to move to."}}]},{"@type":"ItemList","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/countries/iraq/#city-costs","name":"Cost of living by city in Iraq","numberOfItems":1,"itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Baghdad (national signals)","description":"Single monthly IQD 3,364; family monthly —; 1BR center IQD 234"}]}]} {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"ItemList","name":"Related Iraq Guides","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Iraq Visa Hub","url":"https://migrantiq.com/visas/iraq/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Iraq Laws","url":"https://migrantiq.com/laws/iraq/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Iraq Scam Alerts","url":"https://migrantiq.com/scam-alerts/iraq/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Iraq Arrival Checklist","url":"https://migrantiq.com/checklist/iraq/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":5,"name":"Migration blog","url":"https://migrantiq.com/blog/"}]} ```