Iraq, in the numbers that decide it
What life costs
medium confidence- One-bed flat, city
- €280/mo
- Three-bed home
- €420/mo
- Groceries, one person
- €95/mo
- Utilities
- €65/mo
- What a local salary buys
- 58/100
Ways in
Moving with family
- Routes through marriage
- 2
- Healthcare system
- mixed
Day-to-day life
high confidence- Healthcare
- 39/100
- English in daily life
- Very Low (EF EPI 35)
- Internet speed
- 10 Mbps
Tax, in practice
medium confidence- Real rate at €90k
- 15.0%
- Take-home per month at €90k
- €6,400
- VAT
- 15%
- How it is structured
- progressive
Iraq offers 3 distinct visa pathways for skilled workers and migrants in 2026. Located in Western Asia, processing times range from 1–2 months. The country scores a quality of life index of 4.0/10 and a safety score of 3.0/10. Monthly living costs for a single person range from €964–€1,134 depending on the city. The primary language is Arabic. Top-scoring professions for immigration include AI Engineer (5.3/10), Nurse (5.3/10), Doctor (5.3/10). Overall migration friendliness is rated 4.0/10. Figures as of H2 2026 (official sources, last re-check).
Visa Programs
| Program | Min Income | Min Savings | Language | Processing | Path to PR | Citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residency permits for foreign workers | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Financial Requirements
No fixed income or savings threshold is published for the pathways currently tracked for this country.
Cost of Living
Top Professions for Emigrating
| Profession | Score | Est. Net Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| AI Engineer | 5.3/10 | €1,102/mo |
| Nurse (license req.) | 5.3/10 | €1,225/mo |
| Doctor (license req.) | 5.3/10 | €1,378/mo |
| Dentist (license req.) | 5.3/10 | €1,102/mo |
| Civil Engineer | 5.3/10 | €1,443/mo |
| Teacher | 5.3/10 | €1,155/mo |
| Software Engineer | 5.0/10 | €992/mo |
| Data Analyst | 5.0/10 | €771/mo |
| Cybersecurity Specialist | 5.0/10 | €937/mo |
| Pharmacist (license req.) | 5.0/10 | €882/mo |
Downloadable Data
Explore More: Iraq
Official sources
Iraq
- Residency permits for foreign workers — mofa.gov.iq — last re-checked 2026-06-24
- To get Nationality for the husband of the Iraqi woman — data.globalcit.eu — last re-checked 2026-06-10
Figures are compiled from official government sources and re-checked on a rolling basis. Always confirm on the official page before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many immigration pathways does Iraq have?
Iraq: Visa Programs, Requirements & Costs (2026) has 3 active immigration pathways in 2026, including family reunion, skilled worker routes. Each pathway has different requirements for income, qualifications, and experience.
What is the cost of living in Iraq?
Monthly costs for a single person in city center: Baghdad: €1,134/mo; Basra: €964/mo; Erbil: €964/mo. These include rent, groceries, transport, and utilities.
Can I get permanent residency in Iraq?
Permanent residency may be available depending on the visa stream; specific timelines are not published for the pathways currently tracked.
What are the best professions for emigrating to Iraq?
The highest-scoring professions for Iraq are: AI Engineer, Nurse, Doctor. Scores consider visa accessibility, salary competitiveness, cost of living, and quality of life.
What types of visas does Iraq offer?
Iraq: Visa Programs, Requirements & Costs (2026) offers the following visa categories: Family: Naturalization of the wife of the Iraqi, To get Nationality for the husband of the Iraqi woman; Skilled Worker: Residency permits for foreign workers.
Can I bring my family to Iraq?
Yes. 3 pathways allow family members. Options include: Naturalization of the wife of the Iraqi, Residency permits for foreign workers, To get Nationality for the husband of the Iraqi woman. Spouses may also be eligible to work depending on the visa type.
Does Iraq have a digital nomad visa?
Iraq does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. Remote workers typically use standard work permits or temporary residence visas.
How long does visa processing take in Iraq?
Processing times vary by pathway: Naturalization of the wife of the Iraqi: ~180 days; Residency permits for foreign workers: ~180 days; To get Nationality for the husband of the Iraqi woman: ~180 days. Times may vary based on application volume.
What is the quality of life like in Iraq?
Iraq scores quality of life: 4.0/10, safety: 3.0/10, healthcare: 4.0/10. These ratings consider healthcare access, public safety, infrastructure, and overall living standards for expatriates.
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