Iraq Business Visa - Everything You Need To Know - (Indian Passport Holders)

Summary -

Visa types for Indians: visit, business, transit and visit.
Step-by-step Iraq visa application process.
Information on Iraq visa fees and processing time.
Essential travel tips and entry requirements for Indians.

If you are planning to visit Iraq for business purposes then there are some rules, regulations and Iraq Business Visa requirements for Indians. If you get the proper guidance then it will become easy for you to apply for a Iraq Business Visa.

Iraq's economy is poised for significant growth, with a projected GDP increase of 1.4% in 2024 and 5.3% in 2025, supported by fiscal expansion and a revival in the non-oil sectors. For Indian businesses, sectors such as construction, finance, and technology present lucrative opportunities due to Iraq's push for diversification beyond oil.

The Iraqi government is emphasizing reforms to modernize its banking sector, improve business regulations, and combat corruption. These measures create a more favorable environment for Indian entrepreneurs seeking partnerships or market entry

Specific requirements may apply based on the traveler's business background, prior travel history, or security clearances. Failure to meet these requirements can result in visa rejection. Approximately 25% of applications are rejected due to incomplete documents, insufficient proof of funds, or other factors.

Sometimes there might be specific requirements for a person depending on his travel history etc. If you cannot fulfill the specific requirement then there are high chances that your visa might get rejected.

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Click here to check - How does visa rejection affect your future travels?

So it is highly recommended that you check your specific requirements by contacting the Embassies and consulates or alternatively, (very simple) just contact our visa expert, who can tell you your specific requirements within 5 minutes.

What is Iraq Business Visa?

The business is the endorsement required for people to enter Iraq for business. Nationals from almost every country require a permit to enter Iraq. Although, a few Arab countries do possess visa-free entry, and certain other countries can get it on arrival in selected airports. However, India isn’t among them. As a result, the Iraq business visa for Indian citizens is mandatory.

How to Apply for Iraq Business Visa?

Iraq Business Visa

The application for an Iraq business visa from India is a complicated and tedious process. In fact, due to the complex requirements, it is strictly advised to use the services of a travel agent to apply for the permit. However, before starting the process, you will need to check if you are eligible to apply for the business permit. After that, you can proceed to make the application as follows -

Obtain approval from the Ministry of External Affairs in Iraq. Since you will not be able to do this on your own, you will require professional help.
Fill in the application form obtained from the embassy of Iraq.
Provide all the relevant details including mentioning the purpose of your visit as ‘business’.
Acquire all the necessary documents.
Along with the documents and the application form, visit the embassy/consulate of Iraq to submit.
Pay the fees at the embassy.

Eligibility for Iraq Business Visa

In order to be able to get the visa to do business in Iraq, you will need to meet the following eligibility criteria -

You must be living in India while lodging the application. If you are living on a residence permit in another nation, you will have to apply to the respective authority there.
You must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of your entry in the country.
Your sole purpose of the visit must be to take part in business meetings, conferences, negotiations, etc.
You must be invited by an Iraqi company to participate in business meetings, negotiations, etc.
You must possess an approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Iraq.
You must possess sufficient funds to support your stay.

Documents Required for Iraq Business Visa

As per the Iraq business visa requirements from India, the following documents are required for the application -

A passport valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry in Iraq.
Passport size photos as per the specifications.
Confirmed flight bookings.
Bank statements to show possession of sufficient funds.
Medical test reports.
Income tax returns.
Invitation letter from the Iraqi company.
Covering letter from the sending Indian company.
Approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Photo Specification of Iraq Business Visa

As per the Iraq business visa photo requirements, the photo to be submitted must meet the following specifications -

Dimensions: 35mm X 45mm
Colour: Coloured
Head must occupy the central position
Must be recently captured within the last 3 months
Background: Solid, plain white or grey
80% face coverage
Neutral expression
Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription are permitted
Headgears are allowed only for religious reasons
Facial hair - permitted

Processing Time for Iraq Business Visa

The processing time for the business permit is depends on several factors. The time taken to get approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can take around 15-20 working days. After that, the submission at the embassy/consulate will take around a week to process your application. This again can depend on the number of entries, volume of applications, etc. As a result, it is advised that you apply well in advance.

Iraq Business Visa Fees

The fees for the Iraqi business permit depends on several factors. It is dependent on the number of entries, as well as on the foreign exchange rate. You may also have service charges for obtaining the approval and some charges levied by the travel agency. As a result, you must ensure that you check the exact amount before starting your application.

Entry	Stay Duration	Validity	Fees
Single Entry Normal	90 days	3 months	0.0

After Submission

Once you have submitted the application at the embassy, they will start processing. On approval, you can collect the passport from the embassy during the allotted time. Note that you cannot change or withdraw the application once submitted. As a result, ensure that you fill in the details correctly. Providing false information or fake documents can lead to visa rejection.

How to Check Visa Status?

Since the application for business visas is made offline, it is not possible to track them online. However, once you have submitted the application at the embassy/consulate, you can contact them to know the status. Alternately, you can contact your travel agency to have them track the status for you.

When you have this visa

On successfully receiving the business permit, you must keep in mind the following few points to ensure that you have a pleasant stay -

Before you travel -

Note the validity and number of entries mentioned on your visa. You must not stay in the country beyond this period. You must also follow the entry type given.
Carry all your travel documents before you travel to the country.

At the border

You must show your passport with the visa to the immigration officer. Your passport will be stamped with the entry stamp.
You may be asked to show the copy of the other documents submitted as a part of your application.
You may be asked about the basic details of your visit. Ensure that you answer honestly and without any hesitance.

When you enter Iraq

While you are on a business permit, you cannot work on the payroll of an Iraqi company.
Carry a copy of your passport and visa while you are travelling within the country.
You must respect the culture and customs of the country, as well as abide by the immigration laws during your stay.
You must stay away from the prohibited travel zones.
As per the Indian government, it is strictly advised to stay out of the provinces of Nineveh, Salahuddin, Diyala, Anbar, and Kirkuk.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Extend My business visa from Iraq?

As a result of its initiatives to increase the number of visitors, the Iraqi ministry allows for extending the business permit in certain cases. You can do this by visiting the nearest department of immigration and applying for an extension. In case you are unable to get the extension, you must leave the country.

After Expiring My Iraq Business permit, How Long Can I Stay?

If your business permit has expired, you will not be able to stay back any longer. You must apply for an extension before your permit expires. Failure to do so can lead to hefty charges for each day you stay. In certain cases, you may even be deported.

What is the Medical Test for Iraq Business permit?

In order to ensure the safety of the traveller as well as the people living in Iraq, the government has made it mandatory for all business visitors from specific countries to get a medical test done. If you are travelling from India, you will need a medical report stating that you are clear of HIV and from different types of Hepatitis. You may also need to show that you have been vaccinated.

Can I Convert My Iraq Business permit into Work permit?

No, it is not acceptable or possible to convert the business permit into a work permit. You are also not permitted to work on the payroll of an Iraqi company. In case you require to work in the country, you must return to your home nation and apply for a work permit provided that you meet the necessary eligibility conditions.

How Much Bank Balance is Required to Get Iraq business permit?

There is no strict rule on the exact amount you must possess for the business permit. As per the requirements, you are expected to hold enough funds in your bank to support your entire stay duration. You must also be able to use these funds whenever necessary. While showing the bank statements, the transactions should be steady. Any unusual transactions may require explanations.

How many days before the trip should I apply for the business visa for Iraq?

Although it only takes about 7 working days from the date of application at the embassy to get your business visa, it can take almost 20 working days to get an approval from the ministry in Iraq. As a result, it is suggested that you apply at least one month in advance. A standard recommended time would be to apply about 5-8 weeks before your date of travel.