Country guide · 2026Move to Iraq: Visas, Costs and the Real Logic of Relocation
Moving to Iraq in 2026 is usually employer-led through energy, construction, logistics, international organisations or professional services. Federal eVisa and Kurdistan Region visas use separate official systems; permission from one jurisdiction should not be assumed to cover the other. For local employment, the employer follows Ministry of Labour recruitment, labour-market, entry and residence procedures. A practical international-worker budget is $1,200–2,800 per month before premium secure-compound costs.
Overview
Why Choose Iraq
Iraq is mainly a realistic move with a confirmed contract in energy, infrastructure, an international organisation or another project providing a complete security package. Baghdad centres government and business, Erbil hosts international firms and Kurdistan Region services, and Basra anchors oil, gas and port logistics.
Federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Region use separate visa and residence procedures. A visitor eVisa does not replace work permission, while an international employee's real costs depend heavily on secure housing, transport, insurance and evacuation cover.
Visas
Visa Routes in 2026
Conditions change regularly. Verify current requirements on official government sources before applying.
| Visa | Duration | Key Requirements | Who It's For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Iraq eVisa | According to the official portal decision | Passport, eligible category, eVisa and trip documents | Federal Iraq visit — not employment |
| Kurdistan Region eVisa | 30-day stay; enter within 90-day validity | Eligible passport or advance application through a KRG representation | Visit to the Kurdistan Region |
| Federal work permit + residence | Linked to contract and permit; employer-led renewal | Employer, local labour check, qualifications, entry, insurance and residence | Foreign specialists in federal Iraq |
| KRG work and residence | Linked to regional approval and sponsor | Employer or authorised company, labour approval, visa and residence card | Work and residence in the Kurdistan Region |
Cost of Living
Cost of Living in Iraq
Excludes insurance, visa fees, flights and setup costs.
Top Cities: Baghdad · Erbil · Basra
Analysis
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Energy, infrastructure, construction and international projects can offer a strong employer package
- Erbil has the deepest international environment, English-language services and direct air links
- Local daily costs can be below Gulf levels when housing and security are already covered by the employer
- Basra remains a major oil, gas, port and industrial-logistics centre
Cons
- Official security warnings cover substantial areas and require route planning, insurance and evacuation arrangements
- Federal and Kurdistan visas, work permission and residence are not interchangeable; cross-region travel needs a separate check
- Work permission depends on the employer and a labour-market check for available Iraqi workers
- International-standard housing, secure transport, generator power, private care and evacuation cover can raise the budget sharply
Practical Answers
Relocation Questions
Do you need a visa for Iraq?
Yes; the route depends on nationality, purpose and territory. Federal Iraq uses Iraqi eVisa, while the Kurdistan Region has a separate KRG portal. Check the passport in the relevant system and do not assume a regional visa covers the whole country.
What is the cost of living in Iraq in 2026?
A practical international-worker range is $1,200–2,800 per month. A secure compound, company transport, generator power, insurance and evacuation cover can push the figure substantially higher.
How do you get a work permit?
In federal Iraq the employer applies, demonstrates the need for a foreign specialist and completes a local labour-market check. Entry, work permit, insurance and residence follow. The KRG process is separate.
Does a KRG visa cover Baghdad and Basra?
Do not assume that it does. Federal Iraq and Kurdistan Region systems are separate. Before cross-region travel, confirm permission with both competent authorities and the carrier.
How long is a Kurdistan Region visa valid?
The official KRG portal states a 30-day authorised stay and 90-day entry validity. Access to eVisa or visa on arrival remains passport-specific.
Can family members relocate?
Family status depends on the main applicant's residence, employer and jurisdiction. Under elevated risk, international organisations may classify assignments as non-family; confirm the package before relocation.
Does Iraq have a digital-nomad visa?
No dedicated digital-nomad visa was found on the federal or KRG official portals. A visitor eVisa does not replace work or residence status; foreign remote income and tax need individual review.
Is income subject to tax?
The General Commission for Taxes publishes progressive individual bands of 3%, 5%, 10% and 15% after applicable allowances. Residence, income source and KRG treatment require local calculation.
Should you choose Baghdad, Erbil or Basra?
Baghdad suits government, infrastructure and international organisations. Erbil offers a stronger international environment and regional offices. Basra centres oil, gas, ports and engineering projects.
What should the contract cover?
Put net salary, permit jurisdiction, housing, security, transport, generator power, healthcare, insurance, evacuation, rotation and flights in writing. Headline salary alone does not show the offer's real value.
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Official Sources To Verify Before You Pay
Use these official pages for stay length, renewal logic, income proof, permitted activity, dependants and document checks before paying for housing, flights or services.
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