Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Sulaymaniyah is a cultural hub in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, known for its hospitable locals and vibrant Kurdish culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is around 1 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 15-30 Mbps, depending on the provider. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is the Iraqi Dinar (IQD). 1 USD is approximately 1,460 IQD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is 230V, 50Hz; Type C/D sockets are common. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Korek, Asiacell, and Zain with prepaid packages available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards like Visa and MasterCard are accepted in most places. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Variety of options including hotels, serviced apartments, and guesthouses are available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Cashless payments are still developing; cash is widely preferred. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Short-term rentals available through platforms like Airbnb. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options are limited; look for affordable guesthouses. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | City Center is recommended for its accessibility to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Districts near the university and city center offer a blend of local culture and amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Kurdistan Co-Working Space in the city center. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Mandi offers a suitable atmosphere for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Community meetups are hosted frequently at the local university and cafes. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups and local events are great for connecting with other expats. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Allo Taxi is widely used for booking rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rentals are available in some parks, though not widespread. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Sulaymaniyah is inland; nearby lakes and rivers are ideal for relaxation. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Kurdistan Airlines offers regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Airlines like Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways operate flights from Sulaymaniyah. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The city has good highway access, particularly to Erbil and Duhok. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | As an inland city, Sulaymaniyah primarily relies on bus transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is limited; local buses are available but not standardized. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect to major cities like Erbil and Duhok, with services available daily. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Sulaymaniyah General Hospital is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes are offered by various private instructors and gyms. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness World is a popular local gym with good facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Many local laundromats offer affordable laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | FoodBox is a popular app for food delivery in the city. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Dolma, a traditional dish stuffed with rice and spices. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Most local cuisine options can be made vegetarian; ask in restaurants. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Al Salam Patisserie offers a variety of local desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Al-Khazar offer fresh produce and spices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local options include offers on Facebook Marketplace. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Many local supermarkets offer delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Local cafes and some hotels offer night entertainment, but nightlife is understated. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Al-Basra Beverages offers local non-alcoholic drinks. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | There are limited wine bars; some restaurants serve imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer shawarma and local snacks in markets. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants offering pizza, kebabs, and other Middle Eastern cuisines are commonly found. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Sarchnar Park and the Sulaymaniyah Museum are notable attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Sulaymaniyah Museum showcases Kurdish heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ancient site of Shanidar Cave is a significant historical area. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The city has several mosques and churches reflecting its diverse culture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Sulaymaniyah International Film Festival occurs annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Hawal and the city center are rich in cultural activities. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theater productions are held at various cultural centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Old Bazaar offers a traditional shopping experience. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music can be found in cafes and cultural festivals. |
| 🎨 Street Art | There are various murals and artworks around the city, especially in urban areas. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer workshops on Kurdish cooking. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Some local galleries promote Kurdish artists and international works. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Historic mosques and old architecture can be found throughout the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The rich Kurdish culture is displayed through traditional crafts and practices. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The picturesque Ahmed Awa waterfall is a popular escape. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Duhok's parks and the surrounding mountains offer hiking opportunities. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Parks in Sulaymaniyah have paths for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Views from the Sulaymaniyah hills are breathtaking, especially at sunset. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The area around the lakes has abundant birdlife. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated picnic areas in parks can allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local services operate in the area. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops provide repair services for various devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Public parks may have ping-pong tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offering Arabic and Kurdish courses are available. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Sulaymaniyah Library is a main resource for students. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community spaces often host events and classes. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Some internet cafes offer gaming facilities. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is generally not culturally accepted in Iraq. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² in the city center. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² in suburban areas. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $104,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax rate is approximately 15%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend tax is approximately 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Tax rates can vary for residents and non-residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Highest personal income tax rate is around 20%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT is 5%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | CFC rules are not stringent; check with local advisors. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No property tax for foreign owners. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 1% for real estate transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific incentives but reasonable overall tax rates. |