Etihad Law

Foreign Investor Participation in the Telecommunications Sector

The Iraqi telecommunications and media sector attracts interest from regional and international investors. Foreign participation may take the form of direct investment, joint ventures, strategic partnerships, or technology transfer arrangements. However, foreign investors must navigate licensing, ownership restrictions, national security considerations, and regulatory approvals from the Communications and Media Commission (CMC) and other governmental bodies.

Considerations for Foreign Investors

  • Licensing and authorization pathways
  • Ownership and control restrictions
  • Local partner requirements (if applicable)
  • Regulatory approvals for mergers/acquisitions
  • Technology transfer and localization expectations

CMC Compliance

  • Disclose ownership and beneficial control structures
  • Demonstrate financial and technical capacity
  • Localize parts of infrastructure or data hosting
  • Obtain security clearances for certain activities

How Etihad Can Assist

Etihad provides legal and regulatory advisory services to banks, financial institutions, and businesses, supporting compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and regulatory guidance issued by any competent authorities.