Dual citizenship is a legal status in which a person is simultaneously recognized as a citizen of two or more sovereign states. Each country grants them rights and imposes obligations. For millions of Iraqis scattered around the world as a result of decades of conflicts and economic instability, this topic holds immense personal and practical significance.
The main question that concerns the diaspora: does Iraq allow dual citizenship? The answer is yes, but with very important conditions. After 2005, Iraq radically changed its legislation, moving from a complete ban to the legalization of multiple citizenships. However, Iraq’s law on dual citizenship contains a number of restrictions and obligations, especially for those connected with public service.
Constitutional reform of 2005
Before the overthrow of Saddam Hussein’s regime in 2003, Iraq categorically did not recognize dual citizenship. Obtaining a passport from another country automatically meant the loss of Iraqi citizenship. This forced millions of refugees and emigrants to face a painful choice: integrate into a new country or maintain a formal connection with their homeland.
Everything changed with the adoption of the new Constitution of Iraq in 2005. This document laid a new foundation for nationality.
The key provision became Article 18(4). It explicitly states:
“An Iraqi can hold more than one citizenship. Anyone holding a high position in the field of security or sovereignty must renounce any other acquired citizenship. This is regulated by law.”
This short provision caused a revolution. It not only allowed Iraqis to have a second passport; it acknowledged the reality in which a huge diaspora lived. Based on this article, in 2006, a new Iraqi Citizenship Law (Law No. 26) was adopted, which detailed the procedure.
Main Provisions of Law No. 26 (2006)
This law confirmed the constitutional norm. Article 10(1) of Law No. 26 states that an Iraqi who voluntarily acquires the citizenship of another country retains their Iraqi citizenship unless they officially declare its renunciation.
Thus, to the question of whether there is dual citizenship in Iraq, the legislation responds affirmatively. An Iraqi who has become a citizen of the USA, Canada, Sweden, or Australia no longer automatically loses their Iraqi passport. Similarly, a foreigner obtaining Iraqi citizenship (for example, through marriage or naturalization) is not required to renounce their original passport if the law of their home country allows it.
Who can have dual citizenship?
Although the law permits dual citizenship in Iraq, it immediately imposes restrictions stemming from the second part of Article 18(4) of the Constitution. These restrictions do not concern ordinary citizens but exclusively individuals holding high-ranking positions in the field of security or sovereignty.
The legislator’s logic is simple: an ordinary citizen may have dual loyalty, but a person making decisions of national importance (a minister, general, judge) must be loyal only to Iraq.
Law No. 26 and subsequent regulatory acts determine who falls under these restrictions. If an Iraqi with dual citizenship is appointed or elected to one of the following positions, they face a situation of choice:
- Ministers and their deputies;
- Members of Parliament (Council of Representatives);
- Judges of higher judicial instances;
- Senior officers of the army and security services (generals);
- Ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions;
- Heads of independent commissions (e.g., the Electoral Commission).
These individuals cannot hold their position while retaining a second passport. They are required either to renounce foreign citizenship or to step down from their position. This is not a ban on dual citizenship as such, but a prohibition on combining it with supreme authority.
Duty of Notification: Formality or Necessity?
The Law on Citizenship of Iraq (dual citizenship) also implies that citizens must be honest with the state. Although procedures may not always be clearly streamlined, it is assumed that an Iraqi who has obtained a second passport must notify the Ministry of Interior or the appropriate consulate abroad.
What will happen if this is not done? Unlike countries such as China, Iraq does not provide for automatic “punishment” in the form of revocation of citizenship for failure to notify. However, concealing this fact may lead to serious problems.
For example, if a person with a secret second citizenship tries to get a job in any (even not the highest) government service, they may be accused of providing false information. This could result in the loss of their position, fines, or other legal sanctions. Essentially, the state reserves the right to know which of its citizens are also citizens of another country.
Why are Iraqis looking for a second passport?
Understanding Iraq nationality law dual citizenship is important in the context of the huge demand for second citizenship. The reasons for this demand are obvious.
- Global mobility. The Iraqi passport is one of the weakest in the world according to the mobility index. It requires obtaining a visa to enter almost all countries in the world, including nearby neighbors and key economic centers. A second passport (for example, of a European or Caribbean country) opens a visa-free world.
- Security and “Plan B”. The political and economic situation in Iraq remains unstable. Having a second passport provides a “backup airfield” — the opportunity to quickly move the family to a safe jurisdiction in case of an escalation of conflict or economic collapse.
- Economic opportunities. A second passport facilitates the opening of international bank accounts, company registration abroad, asset diversification, and access to international labor and education markets.
The traditional path to obtaining a second citizenship is naturalization. It requires physical residence in another country (for example, the USA or Germany) for 5-10 years, passing language and history exams. This path is long, complex, and not suitable for wealthy investors and businessmen who cannot leave their business for such a period.
The investment path to obtaining a second passport for citizens of Iraq
For Iraqis who value their time and are looking for a fast and legal way to achieve global mobility, there is an alternative — citizenship by investment (CBI) programs.
These programs allow obtaining a second passport in exchange for a significant economic contribution to the country. Since Iraq permits dual citizenship, this path is absolutely legal. The investor obtains a second passport and legally retains their Iraqi one.
Citizenship in Vanuatu by Investment
Among a dozen countries offering CBI, the Vanuatu program (Vanuatu Development Support Program) stands out as one of the most attractive for Iraqi citizens. This Pacific Commonwealth nation offers a unique combination of speed, simplicity, and confidentiality.
For an investor comparing options, Vanuatu offers the following key advantages:
- Speed: This is the fastest CBI program in the world. The entire process, from submitting documents to approval and passport issuance, usually takes only 2-3 months.
- Simplicity and accessibility: The program requires a one-time non-refundable contribution to the state fund. The minimum threshold starts at $130,000 for a single applicant.
- Remote process: The applicant does not need to visit Vanuatu either before, during, or after obtaining citizenship. The entire process is handled remotely.
- Tax haven: Vanuatu is a jurisdiction with a favorable tax regime. There are no taxes on global income, capital gains, inheritance, or gifts.
- Mobility: A Vanuatu passport provides visa-free or simplified access to many countries worldwide, including important business hubs such as Hong Kong and Singapore.
Obtaining a Vanuatu passport does not require renouncing Iraqi citizenship. The investor receives a powerful tool for travel and business while maintaining full legal ties with their homeland.
How can we help?
Navigation through questions of Iraq dual citizenship law and choosing the optimal investment program require professional guidance. Errors in document submission or incorrect assessment of legal consequences can be costly.
Our team has many years of experience in the field of immigration law and citizenship-by-investment programs. We provide a full range of services for clients from Iraq:
Confidential consultation: We analyze your personal situation, goals (mobility, security, taxes), and answer all questions related to dual citizenship of Iraq. Program selection: We help choose the best jurisdiction based on your budget and needs, whether it’s Vanuatu or other Caribbean countries. Full support: We take care of all the paperwork, Due Diligence checks, and interaction with government authorities, ensuring a smooth and successful process.
If you are looking for a legitimate, fast, and reliable way to obtain a second passport while retaining Iraqi citizenship, contact us today for a private consultation.