Working in Iraq
For transparency, AI has been used during the generation of this content, with every care taken to verify its accuracy.
Average Salary
In Iraq, the average monthly salary is about IQD 2,050,000 ($1,565), though this can vary widely by job, experience, and location. For example, salaries are higher in the engineering and energy sectors – with petroleum and energy engineers in major oil regions earning up to IQD 3,000,000 per month ($2,291).
Expats typically earn higher salaries than local employees, especially in sectors like oil, energy, construction, and in international organisations. Expat packages often include higher base pay, housing and transport allowances, and sometimes schooling for children.
General information
Currency
Iraqi Dinar (IQD)
Official language
Arabic Kurdish
Conversational languages
Iraqi Arabic Turkmen Persian
Time zone
Arabian Standard Time (UTC+03:00)
Common types of Employment or Contracting
In Iraq, work arrangements generally fall into formal employment governed by labour law, and contracting arrangements governed by civil law. Employment offers greater legal protection and benefits, while contracting provides flexibility but fewer statutory rights.
Common types of employment
Common types of contracting
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Living in Iraq
Living in Iraq offers a mix of urban and traditional lifestyles in a culturally diverse country, with Arabs, Kurds, Turkmen, and Assyrians contributing to its social fabric. Cities like Baghdad, Basra, and Erbil are busier and more expensive, while smaller towns are quieter and cheaper. Cost of living is generally low, though rent can be costly in major cities.
- A weekly grocery shop for a small family costs roughly IQD 300,000 – 525,000 ($80 - $140)
- Monthly rent costs around IQD 950,000 – 3,600,000 ($250 - $950)
- Monthly childcare costs average around IQD 500,000 – 700,000 ($130 - $185)
- Petrol costs around IQD 1,850 – 2,100 per litre ($0.49 - $0.56), with diesel costing similar
Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road in Iraq. Expats can use an International Driving Permit short-term, but long-term residents must obtain an Iraqi driver’s licence through local authorities; the process to obtain this includes medical checks and tests.
Weather in Iraq
Iraq has a hot, arid to semi-arid climate with long, dry summers and short, mild winters. Summers are extremely hot, especially in central and southern regions, with daytime temperatures commonly reaching 40 – 45°C and sometimes higher. Winters are much cooler, with daytime highs averaging 12 - 18°C and nighttime temperatures dropping to around 3 – 8°C. Northern regions can be colder and occasionally experience frost or snow.
Language and integration support
Whilst English is widely used in business, education, and international organisations, expats in Iraq may benefit from the support on offer to help with social integration. Language courses, cultural orientation programmes, and general support are available through employers, international schools, and community organisations.
For any translation needs - especially those required for work permit or visa applications - our dedicated Languages team is ready to support you. They provide accurate, timely translations and can guide you through the process to ensure all necessary documents meet the required standards.
Our services in Iraq
Across the globe, we support energy and engineering companies with the international recruitment and global mobilisation solutions they need to extend their capability and grow their businesses.
Find out about our international services
Global mobility
NRL Recruitment simplifies international employee relocation with seamless global mobility services. From visa assistance to cultural onboarding, we ensure your staff transitions smoothly across borders, minimising disruption and maximising productivity.
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Managing payroll across multiple countries can be complex, but our payroll solutions make it simple. We handle accurate, compliant compensation for your global workforce, ensuring employees are paid correctly and on time, every time.
Global employer of record
With our global employer of record services, you can legally employ staff overseas without establishing local entities. We manage compliance, contracts, and HR administration, giving you the freedom to expand globally with confidence and ease.
International recruitment
Finding the right talent worldwide is effortless with our international recruitment solutions. We connect your business with top-tier professionals, managing the end-to-end hiring process so you can focus on growth and strategic priorities.
