Conditions for Obtaining Residency and Citizenship in Iran for Foreign Nationals

Obtaining residency and citizenship in Iran for foreign nationals is possible under specific regulations. In general, obtaining residency in any country must comply with the established laws, and actions should not exceed what is stipulated in the law. It is essential to be cautious of deceptive advertisements or offers from individuals seeking to exploit others.

Understanding the conditions for obtaining residency and citizenship in Iran for foreign nationals is better facilitated with the assistance of a specialized lawyer. However, in this article, we aim to provide useful information.

What does obtaining residency and citizenship in Iran mean?

Obtaining residency and citizenship in Iran is defined in contrast to the concept of Iranian nationality. Iranian nationals include all residents of Iran, excluding those whose non-Iranian nationality has been confirmed. The acquisition of nationality leads to material, moral, and political rights for individuals. The rights of an individual with citizenship lie under the jurisdiction of the government of that country.

Nationality in any country is possible in two ways. First, an individual may acquire citizenship by virtue of the blood or soil in which they were born, and the individual has no direct role in obtaining it. Second, acquiring citizenship of a country can be a voluntary and direct choice of the individual. For example, through marriage.

Obtaining residency and citizenship in Iran by birthright

We mentioned that obtaining residency and citizenship in Iran through blood relations and birth on Iranian soil can grant Iranian citizenship to an individual. We want to elaborate more on this matter. Iranian citizenship through blood relations means that the individual’s father is Iranian. Even if the person is born outside of Iran, they are still considered fundamentally Iranian. (Legitimate birth)

Iranian citizenship through birth on Iranian soil means that the person is born in Iran, even if the parents are unknown (legitimate orphans). Sometimes, a combination of blood and soil citizenship can coexist. This means that if a child is born to non-Iranian parents but on Iranian soil, they are considered Iranian nationals. (Except for the children of diplomats and foreign representatives of a country). If a child’s father is non-Iranian but born in Iran, and after reaching the age of 18, has lived a full year in Iran, they can become Iranian nationals.

How to Obtain Residency in Iran: Conditions and Procedures

Obtaining residency and citizenship in Iran can vary for each foreign individual. In other words, there are different paths one can take to acquire Iranian citizenship. Article 976 of the Civil Code mentions that non-Iranian individuals can obtain residency in Iran through acquisition methods such as marriage, business, or pursuing education in Iran.

Obtaining Residency in Iran through Marriage

One of the conditions for obtaining residency and citizenship in Iran for foreign nationals is marriage to an Iranian citizen. After marriage, a file must be compiled for the couple and examined by an expert. Subsequently, an interview is conducted, and upon obtaining a marriage license, the couple must visit the police and the Registration Office to register their marriage. Following these steps, an official marriage certificate will be issued for them, and their identity details will be recorded in their birth certificates.

Obtaining Iranian Citizenship through Trade and Investment

Obtaining residency and citizenship in Iran, like many other countries, is possible through investment in Iran. Non-Iranian individuals can obtain a 5-year residency by investing around €250,000 in Iran. This amount, or its equivalent in other currencies, is the minimum required. Foreign nationals can deposit this amount in Iranian banks or invest in real estate or participation bonds to secure a 5-year residency.

Obtaining Residency and Citizenship in Iran through Employment

Conditions for obtaining residency and citizenship in Iran for foreign nationals through employment or establishing a company in Iran are also possible. Individuals such as engineers, doctors, and foreign workers can acquire Iranian nationality through business activities. Registering a company in Iran and investing in it can quickly grant Iranian citizenship to a non-Iranian.

In general, it is advisable to seek the guidance of a competent lawyer when considering any of these methods to obtain Iranian citizenship. Although all of these paths are legal, they may require specific considerations that only a lawyer may be well aware of.

Timeframe for Obtaining Residency in Iran

Obtaining residency and citizenship in Iran is a time-consuming process. Similar to any country, there is a need for legal and security assessments. Ministries such as the Ministry of Interior are involved in this process, and it may take between 6 months to a year to complete.

Important Note Regarding Residency for Children with a Foreign Father and Iranian Mother

For foreign nationals born to a non-Iranian father and an Iranian mother, there are two scenarios for obtaining residency and citizenship in Iran:

For children under 18: The Iranian mother must apply for an Iranian birth certificate for the child. This process is available electronically through the Foreign Nationals and Immigrants System. Forms and required documents must be completed.

For children above 18: Individuals can pursue residency and citizenship in Iran after turning 18. If the mother has already obtained an Iranian birth certificate before the age of 18, the individual can independently pursue their case after turning 18.

Conditions for Obtaining Permanent Residency in Iran

An individual seeking to obtain permanent residency in Iran will be granted residency according to the regulations outlined in the facilitation guidelines if they meet the following conditions:

The applicant must have a continuous or intermittent five-year history of legal residence in Iran. Additionally, the applicant must hold a high academic or professional position in production and construction, confirmed by national authorities.

The applicant must have a continuous or intermittent two-year history of legal residence in Iran. Moreover, the individual should have a history of providing valuable and meritorious services in public interest matters in Iran, confirmed by competent national authorities.

The applicant must have a continuous or intermittent two-year history of legal residence in Iran. Furthermore, the personal income or regular salary of the applicant must be confirmed by one of the authorized banks in Iran.

The applicant must have a continuous or intermittent two-year history of legal residence in Iran. Additionally, the individual must have made investments in production, construction, banking, participation bonds, or the housing sector, confirmed by competent Iranian authorities.

The applicant must have a continuous or intermittent five-year history of legal residence in Iran. Moreover, the age of the applicant must be 18 years or older at the time of application.

The applicant must be married and have children.

It is important to note that these conditions are subject to the facilitation regulations set by the Iranian government for obtaining permanent residency. Individuals meeting these criteria will be eligible to apply for permanent residency in Iran.