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Iraq · Relocation guide

Moving to Iraq: work, residence and high-risk planning

FCDO advises against all or all but essential travel to parts of Iraq. Essential workers need a sponsor-led work and residency chain plus professional security; an e-Visa or normal entry visa does not authorise employment.

Content updated 12 September 2026. Individual source-check dates are listed below.

Treat location and sponsor security as decisive

Terrorist attacks, rockets, drones, militia activity, mines and sudden airport or border closure affect federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Region differently. Map every work site and road against current advice.

An essential employer should provide vetted transport, secure housing, communications, shelter supplies and evacuation. Postpone ordinary independent relocation.

Separate federal and Kurdistan procedures

Iraq’s e-Visa and consular visas govern entry. Local employment requires the sponsor’s work permit and residence process with the competent federal or Kurdistan authority.

Do not assume a federal document is interchangeable with a Kurdistan Region permission or that an e-Visa authorises work.

Separate federal and Kurdistan procedures
NeedRoute to examineBoundary
Visitor entryTourist eVisaEntry only; not work or residence.
Work-linked entryWork-Permit-Linked Visa or Residence PermitSponsor and competent labour/residence authority required.
Regular entry categoryNormal VisaPurpose-specific; verify the post-entry permission.

Complete sponsor-led residence and address steps

Carry visa, work approval, medical and sponsor documents and complete the authority process serving the actual governorate. Retain residence and registration evidence.

Use only vetted housing and routes. Do not cross an unofficial border or enter an uncleared rural area.

Verify the job, medical cover and payroll

Do not start until the work and residence approvals are active. Confirm employer, site and role limitations before reassignment.

Arrange comprehensive medical evacuation. Ask payroll about tax and social-security registration; sanctions and cash-heavy operations require compliance review.

Keep dependants and exit planning conservative

Do not bring dependants until secure housing, school, medical and evacuation capacity are confirmed. Each person needs status and registration.

Renew early and keep documents, essential supplies and more than one lawful exit route ready; airports and land borders can close without notice.

Your moving checklist

Tick off the tasks that apply to you. The timing is a planning order, not a substitute for the deadlines on your permission or an official instruction.

0 of 11 tasks completed

Before you move
On arrival
Your first month
Later and before renewal

Sources and checks

The linked authorities set the rules. VisaAtlas explains how the steps fit together; planning suggestions are not a decision on your immigration status, tax residence or entitlement to services.

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