As far as we know Iraq is not a party to the Apostille Convention, so documents are notarised in Iraq, legalised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or the Kurdistan Region's Department of Foreign Relations for some documents, and then attested by the Embassy of India in Baghdad or the Consulate General in Erbil. Indian citizens can usually sign before the Indian consular officer. Iraq is not a reciprocating territory but joined the New York Convention in 2021.
- Document route
- Iraqi notary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs legalisation, then Indian mission attestation
- Time difference
- IST is 2h30 ahead of Iraq all year
- Foreign judgments in India
- Not reciprocating: fresh suit
- Apostille with India
- Not in force as far as known: consular attestation (check current status)
Indians in Iraq and Iraqi business with India
Thousands of Indians work in Iraq, in oil fields around Basra, in construction and hospitality in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, and as doctors and nurses. Many are on long contracts and become NRIs, while keeping homes and family responsibilities in Punjab, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Tamil Nadu. Iraqi importers are among the largest buyers of Indian rice and buy pharmaceuticals, meat and vehicles. Iraqi patients travel to Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai for treatment, and Shia pilgrims and scholars travel in both directions.
We help with powers of attorney, property in India, property disputes with relatives or tenants, divorce and family cases while working abroad, trade contracts and recovering money from Indian parties.
Signing documents in Iraq for use in India
Iraq is not, as far as we are aware, a party to the Hague Apostille Convention, so documents follow the legalisation route. Confirm the current procedure with us before you sign. The usual chain is:
- Sign before a notary (katib al-adl) in Iraq with your passport and residence permit.
- Have the document legalised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Baghdad, or by the Kurdistan Regional Government's Department of Foreign Relations in Erbil where that is accepted.
- Have it attested by the Embassy of India in Baghdad or the Consulate General in Erbil, then courier it to India and stamp it within three months.
Indian citizens can usually sign directly before the Indian consular officer, which is far quicker. Arabic and Kurdish documents need a certified English translation.
Most requested services from Iraq
These six services cover most of what Indians and businesses in Iraq need from an Indian lawyer. Each page explains the route from Iraq and what then happens in India.
Power of Attorney
Sign at the Embassy in Baghdad or the Consulate in Erbil and let a relative act for you in India.
Buying & Selling Property
NRIs in Iraq buy and sell Indian homes through an attorney holder, with TDS and repatriation.
Money Recovery from India
Iraqi importers recover advances and unpaid dues from Indian suppliers.
Commercial Contracts
Rice, pharmaceutical, meat and machinery contracts with Indian exporters.
Property Disputes
Relatives or tenants occupying your home in India while you work in Iraq.
Divorce for NRIs
Mutual consent and contested divorce in India while working in Iraq.
NRI status, tax and money
An Indian who goes to Iraq for employment becomes a non-resident under FEMA, and usually under the Income-tax Act if they spend fewer than 182 days in India in the tax year. Savings accounts should then be converted to NRO accounts, and earnings abroad can be kept in NRE accounts, whose interest is tax-free in India for non-residents. We are not aware of a comprehensive tax treaty between India and Iraq in force, so Iraqi tax and Indian tax are assessed separately. NRIs can repatriate up to USD 1 million per financial year from an NRO account after tax.
Property in India
NRIs in Iraq can buy and sell Indian residential and commercial property, other than agricultural land and farmhouses, freely, and inherit any property. Iraqi citizens are not on the list of nationalities that need special RBI permission, but as foreign nationals living outside India they generally cannot buy Indian property unless they hold OCI status; they can lease it and can inherit it. Iraqi patients and students usually rent homes on short leases.
Iraqi judgments, contracts and family matters
Iraq has not been notified as a reciprocating territory under section 44A of the Code of Civil Procedure, so an Iraqi judgment can only found a fresh suit in India. Iraq acceded to the New York Convention in 2021, so arbitration awards can generally be enforced in India. For Indian couples where one spouse works in Iraq, divorce, maintenance and custody cases are usually filed in India, and many courts allow hearings by video.
All services for clients in Iraq
NRI Property Law
- Property Disputes
- Encroachment & Illegal Possession
- Partition of Family Property
- Buying & Selling Property
- Title Search & Due Diligence
- Tenant Eviction
- Builder Delay & RERA
Inheritance & Documents
Cross-Border Family Law
- Divorce for NRIs
- International Child Custody
- Maintenance & Alimony
- Marriage Registration
- 498A & Dowry Case Defence
- OCI Card Issues
Doing Business in India
- Company Setup for Foreigners
- Indian Subsidiary Setup
- Branch & Liaison Office
- FDI & FEMA Compliance
- Trademark Protection in India
- Commercial Contracts
- Employment Law for Foreign Employers
- GST for Foreign Businesses
- Investing in Indian Startups
- Legal Advisory for NRI Investors
Disputes & Enforcement
- International Arbitration
- Enforcing Foreign Judgments
- Money Recovery from India
- Shareholder Disputes & NCLT
- Accident Compensation Claims
- Cyber & Investment Fraud
- Criminal Defence & Look Out Circulars
Cross-Border Tax & Money
Indian missions in Iraq
The Embassy in Baghdad and the Consulate General in Erbil provide passport, consular and attestation services for Indian nationals in Iraq.
- Embassy of India, Baghdad
- Consulate General of India, Erbil
Frequently asked questions
Does Iraq issue apostilles for documents going to India?
As far as we know Iraq is not a party to the Apostille Convention, so documents are legalised in Iraq and attested by the Indian mission.
Can I sign a power of attorney at the Consulate in Erbil?
Usually yes for Indian passport holders; book the consular slot first.
Am I an NRI while working in Basra?
Usually yes, for FEMA and, if you spend fewer than 182 days in India, for income tax.
Can an Iraqi citizen buy a flat in India?
Generally not without OCI status, but leasing is possible.
Can an Iraqi court judgment be enforced in India?
Not directly. A fresh suit is needed.
Can an arbitration award from Iraq be enforced in India?
Generally yes, since Iraq joined the New York Convention in 2021.
Can I get divorced in India while working in Iraq?
Yes, often with limited personal attendance.
How do we communicate?
Mostly by WhatsApp and email, with video calls for advice. Iraq is 2 hours 30 minutes behind India.