Most expats will require a visa for Iraq, which should be applied for and arranged before any upcoming visit.
Most governments advise their citizens against all but essential travel to Iraq because of the country's volatile security situation. Expats who move to Iraq typically do so for short-term employment contracts, and in this case, the employer takes responsibility for applying for a work permit.
Visitor visas for Iraq
Foreigners generally need to secure a visa before arriving in Iraq. Most nationalities must apply online via the government's e-Visa portal, although a small number of nationalities remain eligible for a visa on arrival. Those who need to apply beforehand can either do so at their closest Iraqi embassy or online via the Iraq E-Visa system. Visitor visas are valid for stays of up to 60 days.
Kurdistan was previously administered under a separate visa system, but Iraq’s federal e-Visa portal is now the single entry point for the entire country, including the Kurdistan Region. A federal Iraq e-Visa covers travel to and from Kurdistan without the need for a separate regional visa.
Travellers who arrive at Kurdistan’s airports at Erbil or Sulaymaniyah may still be eligible for a visa on arrival, although a visa obtained this way is valid only within the Kurdistan Region. It does not permit onward travel to the rest of Iraq, and those who wish to travel across both regions should obtain the federal e-Visa before departure.
Work permits for Iraq
Expats moving to Iraq to take up a job offer will have their employer carry the burden of applying for their work permit. The employer will act as a sponsor for the expat and will need to provide a motivational letter to the Iraq Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.
The work permit needs to be applied for before the expat arrives in Iraq and is usually renewable and valid for one year. Renewal papers should be submitted by the permit holder's employer at least a month in advance of expiry.