Residence & citizenship
Iraqi Citizenship by Naturalisation
Acquiring Iraqi nationality through descent, marriage, or long-term naturalisation, granting the full rights of an Iraqi citizen.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
Legal-basis statutes (Law No. 26 of 2006 and predecessors) and the 90-day oath timeframe come from secondary legal summaries; the residence/marriage periods and certificate documents are from the official MOFA nationality page. Confirm current fees and procedure with MOFA.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Iraq government website before you apply.
- Official name
- Iraqi nationality / naturalisation
- Route type
- Citizenship
- General naturalisation
- 10 consecutive years of legal residence
- Per Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- By marriage
- 5 years of marriage and residence
- Per Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Minimum age
- 18
- Dual nationality
- Recognised, with restrictions for senior sovereign/security roles
Who it is for
- People born to an Iraqi father or mother (by descent)
- Foreign spouses of Iraqi citizens after the qualifying period
- Long-term legal residents seeking naturalisation
Requirements
- Adult (18 or over)
- The qualifying period of residence or marriage
- Good character / good repute and a clean serious-criminal record
- For naturalised citizens: an oath of allegiance
- Financial stability
What you can do
- Hold Iraqi nationality (dual nationality is recognised)
- Note: naturalised citizens face temporary bars on certain high offices, and Iraq's highest offices are reserved
How to apply
- Apply through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Nationality Directorate or an Iraqi embassy or consulate
- For a nationality certificate, submit the application form with photograph, copies of a parent's nationality certificate, civil-status identity documents, and the prescribed fee
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.