Visitors wishing to extend their stay in the Kurdistan Region beyond a three month period must apply for a Card of Residence.
Below is a general outline of the requirements for obtaining a residency card for an extended stay in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq:

- One will need a sponsor/guarantor,
- Fill out Application
- Undergo a blood test
- Provide 2 Photos
- Clear an investigation

Pictures and blood tests are performed at the KRG Directorate of Residency offices. The fee is 36,000 Iraqi Dinars, and the process usually takes approximately 2-3 hours.

KRG Directorates of Residency in the Region:

Directorates of Residency Address
Erbil Ankawa Area / 100 meter road / next to the Erbil International Airport
Dohuk
Suleimaniah

How do I obtain a short-term residency card if I am a foreign visitor?

Short term residency is available to foreigners who wish to stay in Kurdistan for longer than the 15 days granted on entry and for up to 3 months. If the holder is issued a residence card for this purpose and leaves Kurdistan before it has expired, the card will be retained by immigration staff on departure. A fresh residency application must be made upon returning to Kurdistan.

The residency permission requirements, according to all regulations and instructions issued by the KRG Ministry of Interior ministry are:

  • A support letter form the applicant’s employer and the company registration document in Kurdistan.
  • A written personal guarantee from a person of Iraqi nationality who is a resident of the Erbil Governorate.
  • Evidence that the applicant has undertaken a blood test according to the procedures of the residence office. A form to obtain a blood test appointment can be collected from the residence office as part of the application process. The blood test result can usually be obtained within 2-3 days.

How do I obtain a long-term residency card if I am a foreign visitor?

Long term residency is available to foreigners who wish to stay in Kurdistan for between 6 and 12 months. Residence cards may be retained by holders leaving Kurdistan for short periods.

The requirements for obtaining residency are:

  • A support letter form the applicant’s employer and the company registration document in Kurdistan.
  • A written personal guarantee from a person of Iraqi nationality who is a resident of the Erbil Governorate.
  • Evidence that the applicant has undertaken a blood test according to the procedures of the residence office. A form to obtain a blood test appointment can be collected from the residence office as part of the application process. The blood test result can usually be obtained within 2-3 days.
  • Applicants who are citizens of some countries must also obtain approval from the KRG Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. Applicants from these countries need approval from KRG security establishments. The Residency office can inform you which nationalities need such approval.

How do I obtain a residency card if I am an Iraqi citizen but not from Kurdistan?

If an Iraqi citizen living outside of Kurdistan wishes to apply for a residency card in the Kurdistan Region, he or she must visit the residency office of the governorate to which they will apply in person.

Do I need to obtain a residency card if I am a foreign citizen but I belong to a family from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq?

If a Kurdish individual was born in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq or was born abroad but his/her family is from the Region, he or she does not need a residency card. He or she does need to obtain identify cards (jinsiya, hawiya, zanyari, and food ration card).

How do I obtain a visa if I am a foreign worker?

  • Download the application form (available here)
  • Application form by the company
  • Letter of Guarantee with ID and Information CARD copies
  • Copy of passport
  • The foreigner should have scientific and academic achievements and/or be a businessperson with a commercial ID
  • The certifications of the company should be submitted

*all certifications should be photocopied (2 color copies)

How can my company obtain visas for foreign workers?

Application for importing foreigners by the companies:

  • Download the application form (available here)
  • Letter of Guarantee
  • Copy of passport
  • The foreigner should have scientific and academic achievements and/or be a businessperson with a commercial ID
  • The certifications of the company should be submitted

* all certifications should be photocopied (2 color copies)

Application for importing foreigner manpower by the companies:

  • Application form by the company
  • Download the application from (available here)
  • Letter of Guarantee
  • Copy of passport
  • CV of the laborer / worker
  • Project profile and related documents
  • Official support and recommendations submitted by the concerned party
  • Company documentation
  • The job should be published in the local newspapers
  • The certifications of the company should be submitted