The Companies Registration Office (CRO) in Iraq has recently intensified its enforcement of business address regulations, requiring all companies— both Iraqi companies and branches of foreign companies—to provide a verified physical office address instead of a virtual one. This shift has made compliance a top priority for businesses operating in Iraq.
Legal Requirements
Under Foreign Branches Law No. (2) of 2017, all branches registered in Iraq must have a physical address that meets the Companies Registration Office [CRO] inspection criteria. The CRO now requires businesses to submit on annual basis an Address Verification Letter issued from the Local Municipal Authorities as proof of compliance. Additionally, under the Companies Law No. (21) of 1997 (amended in 2004), local companies must also provide an Address Verification Letter on annual basis.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with these regulations can result in severe penalties, including:
- A 5,000,000 IQD fine issued by the Companies Registration Office for all entities that fail to meet the inspection criteria.
- An additional 1,000,000 IQD re-inspection fee will be charged by the Companies Registration Office to reinspect the address after the entity has met all the criteria requirements.
Transition from Virtual to Physical Addresses
Due to these regulatory changes, virtual offices are no longer accepted, forcing businesses to secure a physical office space that meets legal standards. This impacts both local Iraqi companies and foreign branches operating in the country, requiring them to ensure compliance to avoid fines and business disruptions.
Our Office Solutions
To assist businesses in complying with these new regulations, we offer furnished private offices in Baghdad, which includes the following facilities and services:
- Prime Business Location: At the heart of Baghdad commercial district, centrally located for accessibility and credibility.
- Fully Equipped Private Office: Professional workspace with modern furnishings.
- Utilities: High-speed Wi-Fi, electricity, water, and printing.
- Services: Security, Parking, and Cleaning Services to ensure a safe and well-maintained workspace with secure parking and regular cleaning.
- Administrative Support: Basic secretarial services, including handling phone calls and inquiries.
- Compliance Assistance:
- Rent Contract Drafting [annually].
- Address Verification Letter issuance from the local municipal authorities [annually].
- Address Verification Letter submission to the CRO, and relevant bank of the entity [annually].
- Meeting Room Access: Available upon scheduling
- Company Logo Display on building premises for official recognition.
Why Choose Us?
CRO Compliance: Our offices meet all
legal inspection requirements.
Hassle-Free Setup: Avoid delays and
fines with our turnkey office
solutions.
Cost-Effective & Reliable: Secure a
fully compliant address at competitive rates.
Secure Your Office Today!
With the CRO's strict enforcement of physical address regulations, securing a legal business location is no longer optional—it's a necessity. Ensure your company remains compliant by choosing our furnished office solutions in Baghdad.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
