1. Is it possible for the foreign investor to invest without a local partner?
The Investment Law of Iraqi Kurdistan Region treat foreign and local investors equally. The foreign investor has the right to invest for himself without a partner or choose a partner as he likes.
2. How does employment take place in the region?
Labors, executives, technicians and others are employed either through direct contact with companies and business owners or through advertising posts in local newspapers or TVs.
3. Is it possible for foreign investors the income achieved from the investment project to his original country?
Foreign investors have the right to transfer all his gains to his original country or to any other countries he likes.
4. Does the Board offer loans or financial support to the investors?
Loans or financial supports to the investors are not available since they are not under
5. Do investors have the right to bring foreign labors to employ them in the investment projects in the Region?
Investors have the right to employ foreign labors in their projects and the foreign labors have the right to transfer their gained money to their original countries.
6. What are the Board's commitments to local and foreign investors?
The board has to organize the Investment Operation in the region and Facilitating the administrative Procedures for the investors a achievement of the stated Facilitations , exemptions and Privileges in the law of investment.
7. What are the economic sectors where one can invest?
Below are several economic sectors where one can invest:
- Manufacturing and electric industries and their related services.
- Agriculture, animal wealth (livestock) and forests.
- Hotels, tourism, recreational projects and city games.
- Health and environment.
- Communication and transportation.
- Banks, insurance companies, and financial institutions.
- Infrastructure projects like: housing, rebuilding, roads, bridges, constructing cities and airports.
- Scientific and technological researches and information technology.
- Free zones and contemporary commercial markets.
- Assessment at all levels according to the educational policy in the Region.
- Any other project in any other sector will be agreed by the High Council of Investment in the region.
8. Is foreign investor entitled to invest in the Region?
The foreign investor is entitled to invest in the region and his capital is treated like the national investor's capital. The foreign investor has the right to reduce the entire capital held by any project in the region.
9. If I want to invest in one of the projects in the Region, which authority should I contact first?
The investor who likes to invest in the region should contact first with Investment Board.
10. Is there any special form for starting any investment project?
There are tow special forms in the Region to be filled in by the investor and they could be obtained from the Investment Board.
11. What are the investment guarantees in the Kurdistan Region?
- Legal Guarantees.
- An investor may obtain insurance cover for his investment project from any foreign or national insurance company that he sees fit, as such all aspects of operations that he carries out will be insured.
- An investor may employ local and foreign staff needed for the project, with the priority being given to local manpower in accordance with the laws and regulations applicable in the region.
- A foreign investor is entitled to transfer the profits and revenues of his capital abroad, in accordance with the provisions of this law.
- Foreign members, staff or agents of the projects are entitled to transfer their dues and wages abroad in accordance with the applicable laws.
- Foreign investors are entitled to send back their incomes abroad upon completing projects with abiding by applicable laws and regulations regarding taxes and customs.
- An investor may transfer his investment totally or partially to another foreign investor, or may assign the project to his partner with the approval of the Board. The new investor then replaces the previous one with having the same rights and obligations related to the project.
- An investor can open bank accounts for his project licensed under this law in national or foreign currency or in both irrespective of whether the bank is located inside or outside the region.
- Without prejudice to applicable laws regarding the boards of directors of joint-stock companies, the projects registered under this Law shall be deemed as private sector projects, regardless of the legal form and nature of their shareholder funds.
- An investor may under this Law maintain confidentiality technical and economic know-how of the project, and may uphold the investment initiatives in accordance with the previous of laws, regulations and directives applicable in the region. Law will punish.
- Any person if he discloses any information related with the investment initiative and with technical, economic or financial aspects of the project.
