Overall Rank: #186 out of 199 countries
Iraq ranks #186 out of 199 countries and territories in the Globevisa Passport Ranking, placing it in the low-ranking category. Across the five core dimensions — Mobility (#197), Governance (#162), Security (#181), Education (#127), and Quality of Life (#157) — Iraq performs strongest in education (#127), followed by quality of life (#157). Its weakest dimension is mobility (#197).
Mobility: #197 (score 2/100), Governance: #162 (score 19/100), Security: #181 (score 10/100), Education: #127 (score 37/100), Quality of Life: #157 (score 22/100)
Iraq ranks #186 globally in the 2026 Globevisa Passport Ranking, which evaluates 199 countries and territories worldwide. Unlike traditional passport indices that focus solely on visa-free destination counts, the Globevisa Passport Ranking provides a comprehensive structural assessment across five core dimensions: Mobility, Governance, Security, Education, and Quality of Life. Iraq shows a relatively balanced profile across all dimensions. However, Education (#127) and Quality of Life (#157) and Governance (#162) and Security (#181) and Mobility (#197) represent structural areas of concern.
Country Overview: Iraq is a conflict-affected, resource-rich nation with highly restricted immigration and significant security challenges. / Limited mobility passport with restricted immigration pathways (Not currently recommended).
Identity Attributes: Not Recommended
Global Taxation: Partial (Mixed or Conditional System)
Cost of Living: Low
Culture & Adaptation: Significant language barriers with limited English proficiency; high cultural distance due to strict religious and traditional norms; extremely challenging adaptation for most international residents
Employment & Development: Oil-dependent economy with significant reconstruction needs; specialized opportunities in energy, construction, and engineering; high barriers due to security risks and structural instability.
Holding an Iraqi passport does not provide visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, or the United States, as formal visa applications are required for these destinations. Internationally, the passport is recognized as having limited global mobility and is subject to rigorous security-related vetting and scrutiny across major jurisdictions. While there is no immediate risk of a visa-free agreement being suspended since one does not currently exist, the document remains under constant review due to regional geopolitical challenges and security considerations. Consequently, travelers should prepare for high compliance standards and thorough documentation requirements when navigating international travel and immigration processes.
Iraq's immigration landscape is currently evolving as the government transitions toward its first formal national migration plan aimed at stabilizing residency and labor pathways. While the historical context has been defined by reactive measures and security-based restrictions, recent policy shifts suggest a move toward more structured governance and international cooperation. However, applicants could face increasing scrutiny or administrative delays due to persistent international pressure for more rigorous financial oversight and anti-money laundering compliance. Consequently, potential residents should be prepared for a high-compliance environment where regulatory requirements may be subject to updates based on the regional security and geopolitical climate.
Iraq is currently experiencing its most stable period in recent decades, characterized by a transition from active conflict toward economic development, though political stability remains fragile due to underlying sectarian tensions and regional volatility. Safety conditions vary significantly by geography, with the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region and southern provinces generally offering a more secure environment for residents compared to the north-central and western regions where sporadic insurgent activity persists. Institutional security is maintained through a complex network of federal and regional police, military units, and state-sponsored militias, though the effectiveness of legal and enforcement protections can be inconsistent and influenced by political or tribal affiliations. While urban centers like Baghdad and Erbil have seen improved day-to-day security, residents should maintain a high level of situational awareness and utilize professional security services to navigate the risks of organized crime and localized unrest.