In order to operate in Iraq, any international or local non-profit organization must be registered with the NGO Directorate-General Secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers.

A non-governmental organization in Iraq may not aim for profit and may not be affiliated with the government. The NGO Directorate regulates and supervises an NGO after it has been registered. The NGO will not be subject to corporate tax but to personal income tax.

The number of foreigners who can join national NGOs is unlimited, so long as the NGO is founded by a foreigner. In addition to that, NGOs can be legally formed in Iraq by foreigners with a residency there. An NGO founded by an Iraqi citizen may not have more than 25%, foreign members.

All organizations must inform the following to the NGO Directorate,

• With the help of any top Iraqi Lawyers, you have to inform the NGO before entering into any partnership or contractual arrangements with a foreign organization.
• Do not work with any of the International Organization that does not have a registration with an NGO.
• You must notify the NGO Office of any administrative changes within 30 days.
• If in case, there are any changes to the by-laws of the organization that too should be informed to the NGO within 30 days.
• Any proposed branch opening in Iraq must be legally notified with the help of any reputed Iraqi Lawyers to the NGO Office before the opening occurs.
• Report to the NGO Office on the organization’s activities on a quarterly basis with detailed information and supporting evidence.

Obtaining nongovernmental status (NGO) provides several benefits, such as access to government funding and tax exemptions, as well as access to foreign NGOs and international funding partners, which could help improve the capabilities of your organization.

Organize all the documentation needed for your NGO registration application first. Our Iraqi Lawyers can help you collect the necessary documents and also in submitting them to the respective authorities.

International NGO Registration in Iraq

Before registration, there is certain paperwork that an NGO need to do. For this, they can consult a legal firm and seek help from any Iraqi Lawyers. the necessary documents include,

• Pick an official name for the organization
• A local authority must certify the address of the main office of the foreign NGO in Iraq.
• A detailed description of the organization’s objectives in Iraq
• Current contacts and names of the Iraq-based staff of the Foreign NGO.
• Staff members must provide a copy of their Iraqi nationality certificate and civil status identification card if they are Iraqis. Employees who are foreigners must submit a copy of their passport and residence documents.
•  Guidelines established by the parent organization.
• Documentation proving that the Foreign NGO is legally established in its country of origin as a not-for-profit non-governmental organization.
• An activity report for the foreign non-governmental organizations outside of Iraq.

National NGO Registration in Iraq

To begin, you must file the organization’s name with the directorate, and send the forms via email for initial approval.

The following documents should be completed and submitted within 30 days after the name approval:

•  Complete the registration form, and have it signed and stamped by a board member.
• Those Founding members who are Iraqi citizens must submit a copy of their Iraqi nationality certificate and civil status identity card. If they are foreigners, they must provide a copy of their passport and residence documents.
• Organization Bylaws.
• The appointment decision (appointing the board members) signed by a certified Iraqi lawyer.
• The address of the main office, certified by a competent authority.

We have certified attorneys, the best Legal Officers and business professionals in Iraq who can lead you through the process whether you’re starting a new organization or expanding. We provide legal consulting for all details. In addition to that, we help you to identify key issues, identify the viable options and make the best decisions to minimize your risk, protect your interests, and give you peace of mind.

We have been helping the international and local organizations for years to achieve their goals in both Kurdistan Region and Central Government.

GHI Legal is one of the leading legal firm, we have a team of the finest Iraqi Lawyers. Our services are not only limited to Iraq but also to different areas with the help of the top Legal Representative in Dubai and Corporate Legal Officer in Dubai.