A significant update has been issued by the Iraqi Company Registration Directorate that every business owner with international dealings should be aware of. Under the Amended Companies Law, Iraqi-registered companies are now officially permitted to register a foreign-language trade name alongside their Arabic one. This change directly addresses some of the most common frustrations faced by businesses operating across borders — from rejected bank transfers to name mismatches in contracts and legal documents.
Subject: Trade Name
“In accordance with Article (201) of the Amended Companies Law No. 21 of 1997, which permits the use of a foreign language as a supplementary addition to the company’s registered Arabic trade name on all its official papers and documents — and given that many companies rely on English-language documentation in their correspondence with banks and foreign entities, particularly in the field of bank transfers, and in order to ensure the accurate translation of the trade name and prevent any discrepancies when requests are made to verify the authenticity of documents —Companies that wish to do so, or that have international dealings requiring their trade name to appear in foreign-language correspondence, are therefore requested to provide the Directorate with their precise foreign-language trade name.”
Amended Companies Law No. 21 of 1997 – Ministry of Trade – Republic of Iraq
What This Means for Your Business:
No more rejected bank transfers — your foreign trade name will now be officially recognized in international transactions
No more name mismatches — your English trade name will be consistent across all contracts, documents, and correspondence
Stronger international credibility — having an officially registered foreign trade name gives your company a more professional standing with overseas partners and banks
