Residence & citizenship
Iraqi Permanent Residency
Long-term legal residence in Iraq for those settling in the country, which can lead to eligibility for naturalisation over time.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
Iraq does not publish a single 'permanent residency' status on the official portals reviewed; long-term residence is via renewable residency permits. Detailed conditions and any permanent-residence category should be confirmed with the Directorate of Residency.
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
- Residency permit (long-term)
- Route type
- Settlement
- Path to citizenship
- Generally 10 consecutive years of legal residence
- Per Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Where to apply
- Directorate of Residence (Ministry of Interior)
- Legal basis
- Foreigners Residence Law No. 118 of 1987 (and amendments)
- Registration deadline
- Report arrival within 10 days of entering Iraq
- General residency rule per MOFA
Who it is for
- Foreign nationals settling long-term in Iraq through work, family or other lawful basis
- Those intending to build toward naturalisation
Requirements
- Maintaining a valid residency permit through the Directorate of Residency
- Continuous lawful residence
- Good character and no serious criminal record
How to apply
- Renew and maintain residency permits at the Directorate of Residency on a lawful basis
Documents you may need
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Current residency permit and evidence of continuous lawful residence
- Evidence of the lawful basis of stay (e.g. work, family)
- Police/character evidence and a clean serious-criminal record
- Any additional documents requested by the Directorate of Residence
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.