Iraqi Kurdistan Investor Residency

The Iraqi Kurdistan Investor Residency program allows foreign nationals to obtain long-term residency in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, a semi-autonomous and politically stable area with its own investment framework, through two qualifying pathways: confirmed investor status with the Kurdistan Region Board of Investment, or the purchase of a residential unit within an approved investment project valued at no less than US$50,000.

Confirmed investors receive permits valid for three to five years, while property purchasers receive permits valid for one to three years. Both permit types are renewable and extend to the holder's spouse, children under 18, and parents.

The program is administered by the Kurdistan Region Ministry of Interior in coordination with the Board of Investment, and is distinct from any federal Iraqi immigration framework. Note that this program grants residency in the Kurdistan Region only; it does not grant residency rights recognized by the federal Iraqi government.

The Iraqi Kurdistan Investor Residency program offers two qualifying pathways.

Pathway 1: Confirmed Investor Status (3 to 5 Year Permit)

• Obtain confirmation of investor status from the Kurdistan Region Board of Investment

• Hold a Board-issued investment license for an active project within the Kurdistan Region

• The Board assesses applications within 30 days of receipt of complete documentation

• Upon confirmation, the Ministry of Interior issues a renewable permit covering the investor's spouse, children under 18, and parents

Pathway 2: Approved Property Purchase (1 to 3 Year Permit)

• Purchase at least one residential unit within a Board of Investment-approved development project

• Minimum property value of US$50,000

• Permit is renewable as long as the property remains under the purchaser's ownership

• Coverage extends to the purchaser's spouse, children under 18, and parents

General Requirements (both pathways)

• Valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity

• Proof of investment or property purchase within an approved project

• Security clearance from the General Asayesh

• Medical certificate confirming absence of communicable diseases

• Proof of residential address in the Kurdistan Region

• Mild climate
• Low taxes
• Low investment requirement
• Low cost of living

The Iraqi Kurdistan Investor Residency does not offer a pathway to Iraqi citizenship.

Naturalization in Iraq requires renunciation of all other citizenships, a minimum of ten years of lawful continuous residency in Iraq, demonstrated integration, and approval by the Council of Ministers, a process that is highly discretionary and rarely granted to foreign investors.

Additionally, this permit is valid within the Kurdistan Region only and does not constitute residency recognized by the federal Iraqi government for the purposes of naturalization.

Browse 195 countries’ paths to citizenship in the hyper-detailed IMI Citizenship Catalog.

Applications for this program may be directed to the Kurdistan Region Ministry of Interior and the Kurdistan Region Board of Investment.

Legislation upon which this program is based: Kurdistan Region Investment Law No. 4 of 2006 (as amended); Foreigners Residency Law No. 76 of 2017 of the Iraqi House of Representatives; KRG Ministry of Interior Directive No. 1 of 2021 on the issuance of electronic visas and residency cards; Joint KRG Ministry of Interior and Board of Investment decision of 2024 on investor residency measures.