Minister of Investment Decision No. 22 of 2014

Legal Basis and Preamble

Pursuant to the provisions of Iraq’s Investment Law No. 13 of 2006, and in exercise of the powers vested in the Minister of Investment, this decision is issued to regulate investment procedures, licensing, and operational frameworks nationwide.

Article 1: Definitions

For the purposes of this decision, the following terms shall carry the meanings indicated:

1. Investor: Any natural or legal person, Iraqi or foreign, domestic or international, who establishes or participates in an investment project.
2. Investment Project: Any economic activity falling within the approved investment sectors, including industrial, agricultural, service, and infrastructure ventures.
3. Ministry: The Ministry of Investment of Iraq.
4. Investment License: The official authorization issued by the Ministry permitting the establishment and operation of an investment project.
5. One-Stop Shop: The centralized service unit established by the Ministry to facilitate investor registration, licensing, and regulatory compliance.

Article 2: Scope and Application

This decision applies to all investment projects seeking establishment, expansion, or operational licensing within the Republic of Iraq. It governs procedures for both domestic and foreign investors, ensuring equal treatment and regulatory transparency.

Article 3: Investment Procedures and Licensing

1. Investors must submit a complete application dossier to the relevant One-Stop Shop, including feasibility studies, environmental impact assessments, and proof of financial capacity.
2. The Ministry shall review applications within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of complete submission.
3. Approved projects shall be issued an Investment License valid for the project’s lifespan, subject to annual compliance reviews.
4. License transfers, amendments, or renewals require prior written approval from the Ministry and must comply with updated regulatory standards.

Article 4: Investor Rights and Obligations

1. Investors are guaranteed protection of capital, repatriation of profits, and access to national infrastructure in accordance with applicable laws.
2. Investors must adhere to Iraqi labor laws, environmental regulations, tax obligations, and sector-specific operational standards.
3. The Ministry shall provide technical assistance, investment counseling, and dispute mediation services to licensed investors.

Article 5: Incentives and Support Mechanisms

1. Qualified investment projects may access fiscal incentives, customs exemptions, and land allocation benefits as outlined in the Investment Law and supplementary regulations.
2. Priority sectors, including renewable energy, manufacturing, and agricultural modernization, shall receive expedited licensing and enhanced financial support.
3. The Ministry shall coordinate with relevant ministries and provincial authorities to ensure seamless implementation of incentive packages.

Article 6: Monitoring, Compliance, and Dispute Resolution

1. Licensed investors must submit annual operational and financial reports to the Ministry for regulatory verification.
2. Non-compliance with licensing conditions, environmental standards, or reporting obligations may result in warnings, fines, license suspension, or revocation.
3. Disputes arising from the application of this decision shall be resolved through administrative mediation or referral to the competent judicial authorities.

Article 7: Amendments and Repeals

1. This decision amends and supplements previous ministerial directives related to investment licensing and procedural standards.
2. Any conflicting provisions in prior decisions are hereby repealed to the extent of inconsistency with this regulation.

Article 8: Effective Date

This decision shall take effect upon publication in the Official Gazette and shall remain in force until amended or repealed by subsequent regulatory action.

Issued in Baghdad, on the [Date] of [Month], 2014. Minister of Investment [Signature/Seal]