Clear answers for doing business in Iraq
Questions answered. Decisions made clearer.
Find practical guidance on powers of attorney, litigation, investment, company formation and the legal requirements that matter in Iraq.
Explore the questionsQuestions worth
asking clearly.
Practical answers to the legal questions clients most often ask when operating, investing and resolving disputes in Iraq.
Is a Power of Attorney required for representation in Iraq?
Yes. A notarised Power of Attorney is generally required for an attorney to represent a client before Iraqi government authorities, ministries and courts.
A PoA issued outside Iraq must be notarised and attested in the issuing country, including by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Iraqi Embassy or Consulate. The original must be sent to Iraq, legally translated into Arabic by a certified translator and completed through the required Iraqi authentications.
A PoA issued inside Iraq must be issued and notarised before an Iraqi Notary Public. Additional tax-authority attestation may be required when it covers real estate, asset transfers or certain financial transactions.
What are the stages of litigation in Iraq?
Litigation generally proceeds through three judicial stages: the Court of First Instance, the Court of Appeal and the Court of Cassation.
The first court hears the dispute and issues judgment. The Court of Appeal may uphold, amend or reverse that decision. The Court of Cassation reviews the legal correctness of the lower courts’ decisions and may affirm, reverse or remand the case.
Our litigation team represents clients throughout the Iraqi court process, from commencement through final judgment and enforcement.
How long does litigation take in Iraq?
The timeframe varies with the nature and complexity of the case, service of process, pleadings and evidence, court scheduling, expert reports and other procedural requirements.
In commercial disputes, proceedings through all three judicial stages may take approximately ten months under ideal circumstances. Most cases take longer. Our team works closely with clients to manage proceedings efficiently and keep them informed.
Can foreign investors establish a company in Iraq?
Yes. Foreign investors may establish a business presence through several legal structures, including an Iraqi limited liability company or a branch of a foreign company.
Foreign investors may own up to 49% of an Iraqi LLC, while 51% must be owned by an Iraqi national. A foreign company may register a branch to conduct business in accordance with Iraqi laws and registration requirements.
Our team advises on the available options and assists with registration and establishment.
Can foreigners invest in Iraq?
Yes. Iraq welcomes foreign investment across a wide range of sectors. Under the Iraqi Investment Law, foreign and Iraqi investors are generally afforded equal rights, benefits, protections and obligations, subject to applicable laws and regulations.
Additional approvals, licensing requirements or sector-specific regulations may apply. We advise local and international investors on opportunities, market entry, investment licensing and compliance throughout Iraq.
Is the Iraqi banking system recognised internationally?
Yes. Iraq’s banking sector operates under the supervision of the Central Bank of Iraq and follows internationally recognised banking and regulatory standards.
The sector includes local and foreign banks, many of which maintain correspondent banking relationships and facilitate international transactions. Procedures may vary by institution and transaction.
We advise clients on banking, financial, investment and regulatory matters connected with doing business in Iraq.
Built for the realities
of Iraq.
A full-service Iraqi law firm combining deep local knowledge with an international perspective.
Justice Towers is a full-service Iraqi law firm providing strategic legal advice and representation to local and international clients across a wide range of industries and sectors. We advise corporations, financial institutions, investors, government institutions, state-owned enterprises, international organisations and private clients on complex legal, regulatory, commercial and dispute-related matters.
Combining deep knowledge of Iraqi law with international insight, we deliver practical, commercially focused solutions tailored to our clients’ objectives. Our multidisciplinary team works closely with clients to navigate legal challenges, manage risk, seize opportunities and achieve successful outcomes.
Although our office is based in Baghdad, our team is qualified and experienced in advising and representing clients throughout Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region.
Long-term trust.
Clients choose Justice Towers for our combination of local expertise, international perspective and practical approach to problem-solving. We understand the legal, regulatory and commercial realities of doing business in Iraq and provide clear, solution-oriented advice tailored to each client’s needs.
Our multidisciplinary team brings together experience across corporate, commercial, regulatory, dispute resolution, employment, construction, investment, technology, intellectual property and public-sector matters, enabling integrated legal solutions for complex issues.
We are committed to building long-term relationships based on trust, responsiveness, professionalism and results.
The standards that guide how we work.
Excellence
High-quality legal services and practical solutions that help clients achieve their objectives.
Integrity
Professionalism, independence and the highest ethical standards in everything we do.
Collaboration
Working closely with clients, colleagues and trusted partners for seamless support.
Innovation
New ideas, technologies and approaches that create value for our clients.
Commitment
Responsive, reliable and result-oriented advice shaped around each client’s goals.
Experience that
travels across sectors.
When the answer matters
Let’s make
the next step clear.
If your question is not listed, our team can provide practical legal guidance tailored to your business, investment or dispute in Iraq.
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