Work Permits and Work Visas in Iraq

Applying for a work permit and a work visa in Iraq can be a complicated process if you do not have access to the right resources.
ALSAIF Law Firm provides complete guidance, including:

  • Procedure overview
  • Required documents
  • Where and how to submit them
  • Legal compliance

Below is a clear and structured explanation of how the process works under Instructions No. (18) of 1987, Labor Law No. (37) of 2015, and Foreigners’ Residence Law No. (76) of 2017.

Work Permit and Work Visa Application Procedures

Foreign individuals who have yet to enter or are already inside Iraq and wish to obtain a work permit and visa should follow these steps:

  1. Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs – Department of Labour and Vocational Training
    (Applied for Private Sector Only):

    • Submit application for a work permit via:
      • The closest Iraqi embassy abroad (if outside Iraq)
      • An attorney in Iraq
      • The employer wishing to hire the individual
    • Application should include:
      • Full name, nationality, type of work, duration of employment
      • Employer’s name, full address, and official documents
      • Supporting documents (degrees, professional certificates)
    • Review by the department:
      • Verify legal conditions
      • Coordinate with relevant authorities
      • Issue work permit
      • Process time: approximately 5–10 business days
  2. Department of Civil Status, Passports and Residence
    • Verify legal conditions
    • Issue work visa based on the permit
    • Health insurance is required for the visa duration
    • Visa processing time: approximately 5–10 business days
  3. After Entry to Iraq:
    • Undertake a blood test for HIV/AIDS at a Ministry of Health clinic
    • Obtain Residency ID (processing time: 2–4 business days)

Legal Compliance as per Iraqi Labour Law

We offer specialized employment law services to assist employers in meeting contract requirements and verifying employment documentation to ensure compliance with Iraqi legislation.

Employment Contract Requirements

Employment contracts must be written in Arabic, signed in three identical copies, and include:

  • Employer’s name and address; nature of the business
  • Employee’s name, DOB, nationality, qualifications, and residence
  • Nature, type, length, and start date of the contract
  • Salary, allowances, bonuses, and payment terms
  • Working hours and schedule
  • Annual leave entitlement (minimum 21 days)
  • Sick leave structure and limitations

Termination of Employment Contract

Contracts may be terminated under the following circumstances:

  • Death of the employee
  • Imprisonment exceeding one year
  • Death of the employer with no business succession
  • Business liquidation with Minister’s approval
  • Mutual agreement (in presence of a worker representative)
  • Expiry of the contract
  • Resignation with 30-day notice
  • Force majeure or unavoidable circumstances

Dismissal of Employee – Employer Rights

Employers may dismiss employees in the following cases:

  • Medical incapacity (75%+), officially verified
  • Chronic illness exceeding six months
  • Reaching legal retirement age
  • Downsizing or project cuts (approved by the Minister)
  • Breach of contract or duty negligence
  • Use of forged documents or false identity
  • Failure to pass probationary period
  • Causing significant loss or disruption to operations

How ALSAIF Law Firm Supports You

With over 46 years of legal experience, ALSAIF Law Firm provides comprehensive support for individuals, employers, and investors seeking to:

  • Obtain work permits and licenses
  • Draft and validate employment contracts
  • Ensure compliance with Iraqi labour laws
  • Represent clients before government agencies (Ministry of Labour, Social Security, etc.)

We are proud to be verified by most European, Asian, and American embassies operating in Iraq and serve clients throughout Baghdad, Erbil, Basra, Najaf, and Karbala.

Ready to proceed? Your first consultation is free.
Contact us today to schedule a meeting with our legal team.

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