Relocation Guide
Moving from Iraq to the UK
The routes to the UK that are open to you from Iraq, what changes because of where you live and your passport, and what to prepare before you apply.
Quick answer
Moving from Iraq to The UK: Skilled Worker visa · Global Talent visa.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Short visits | We confirm this for your case |
| Documents | We confirm this for your case |
| TB test | Needed: a TB test from a Home Office approved clinicSource · checked October 1, 2026 |
| Double tax treaty | We confirm this for your case |
| Dual citizenship | We confirm this for your case |
We have not yet written a detailed guide for this pair. The facts below come from our country data; an adviser will confirm them for your case.
Routes open to you
Figures are statutory minimums from official sources. Official fees are estimates and change; our own fees are quoted for your case.
Skilled Worker visa
People with a job offer from a UK employer holding a sponsor licence.
- Official fees
- Application fee (outside the UK): £819 up to 3 years; £1,618 over 3 years (a new fee table is due on 8 October 2026)
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per adult per year
Global Talent visa
Leaders or potential leaders in research, arts and culture or digital technology, endorsed by a UK body.
- Official fees
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per adult per year
Not sure which route fits?
An adviser checks your eligibility from Iraq and replies within one working day.
Documents and legalisation
Ask us how documents from Iraq are legalised for the UK: the chain depends on the document and where it was issued.
You will usually need a police certificate from Iraq and from every other country you have lived in recently.
Where to apply
Apply online on GOV.UK, then give biometrics at a UK visa application centre in the country where you live (or use the UK Immigration: ID Check app where eligible).
Tax: what to check before you move
General information, not tax advice. Tax points on this page are awaiting review by a tax specialist.
Advisers who speak your language
Speak to someone who knows the process from Iraq.
- William HarringtonHead of Middle East & GCCArabic, English, French
Sources and review
Parts of this page are awaiting review by our legal team; we confirm every point for your case before you apply.
Speak to a senior adviser
Not Sure Which Programme to Choose?
Book a one to one video consultation. We look at your goals, family and budget, then set out which programmes fit you, with the costs, timelines and next steps.
- Confidential, covered by an NDA
- Led by a senior adviser
- Final price shown before you book
Programme Review
You review your booking and pay securely on the next step.
Frequently asked questions
Which route suits me best?
It depends on your goal: living in the country, a second passport, tax planning or a base for your family. The routes on this page are ranked by fit for people moving from your country.
How long does it take to move?
Timelines depend on the route, the completeness of your file and government processing. Each programme page shows its published processing range.
Explore further
Programmes, guides, insights and tools related to this page.