Step-by-step: How to Establish a Company in Iraq
- Choose the legal form: Most common is Limited Liability Company (LLC), Joint Stock Company, or Foreign Company Branch/Representative Office.
- Reserve the company name: Submit proposed names and obtain name approval from the Companies Registration Department (Ministry of Trade).
- Prepare incorporation documents: Articles/contract, shareholder/owner IDs, addresses, management details, company objectives, and (for foreign owners) legalized corporate documents and Power of Attorney.
- Register the company: File the application with the Companies Registration Department and complete required forms and approvals until the registration certificate is issued.
- Open a bank account: Open a corporate account and complete any capital deposit requirements (if applicable to your company type).
- Tax registration: Register with the General Commission for Taxes and obtain a tax file number (and withholding/VAT-style obligations if applicable to your activity).
- Social security / labor registration: Register employees and the company with the relevant Social Security / Labor authorities once hiring begins.
- Municipality & premises requirements: Secure a lease/title and obtain local municipality approvals and signage permissions if required.
- Sector licenses: Obtain any necessary permits from the competent regulator (e.g., oil & gas, telecom, health, education, transport, finance, trade).
- Post-registration compliance: Maintain company records, renew licenses where needed, and comply with reporting, payroll, and tax filings, legal advisor, social security, visa and work permit for foreigners, mail box & IQ domain, security approval etc..
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.