Iraq has granted citizenship to 2,757 foreign nationals since 2006, with most approvals linked to marriage with Iraqi citizens, according to the country’s Interior Ministry.
A ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday that all naturalisation cases were processed under existing legal frameworks and required official approvals following security and administrative checks.
The figures show that the majority of those granted nationality obtained it through family ties, while others qualified after legally residing in the country for at least 10 years without interruption, in line with Iraqi nationality law.
Officials stressed that the process is tightly regulated and involves multiple stages of verification before approval is granted. Applications are reviewed to ensure compliance with legal requirements, including background checks and documentation review.
Under Iraq’s nationality system, foreign residents can apply for citizenship through specific legal pathways, primarily marriage or long-term residence, provided they meet strict conditions set by the authorities.
The announcement comes as Iraq continues to manage issues related to migration, residency, and national identity within its broader administrative and legal framework. Similar citizenship systems across the Gulf and wider Middle East often balance integration of long-term residents with security and demographic considerations.
