Get Your Iran Dual Citizenship — Learn How to Apply
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Eligibility Overview
- By Birth: Individuals born in Iran to at least one Iranian father are automatically Iranian citizens. Children born in Iran to unknown parents or stateless parents may also qualify.
- By Descent: Children born abroad to Iranian fathers are considered Iranian citizens by descent. If born to an Iranian mother and foreign father, they may apply for citizenship after age 18.
- By Marriage: A foreign woman married to an Iranian man automatically gains eligibility for Iranian citizenship. Iranian women married to foreigners cannot pass on citizenship to their spouse, but children may apply later.
- By Naturalization: Foreigners may apply after 5 years of legal residence (or 1 year if born in Iran). Applicants must show good conduct and no serious criminal record.
- Dual Citizenship Not Recognized Domestically: While Iran does not formally allow or recognize dual citizenship, many dual nationals exist in practice. However, Iran considers such individuals solely as Iranian citizens under Iranian law and denies consular access to their other nationality inside the country.
Step-by-Step Process
- Determine eligibility through birth, descent, marriage, or residency.
- Submit your application to the Iranian Ministry of Interior or nearest consulate if abroad.
- Provide required documentation such as birth certificate, marriage certificate, and proof of residency if applicable.
- Undergo background checks and complete any required approvals.
- Receive confirmation of citizenship or register as a citizen by descent.
Benefits of Iranian Citizenship
- Right to live and work in Iran without a visa
- Access to healthcare, education, and property ownership
- Pass citizenship to your children
- Eligibility for national identification and benefits
Frequently asked questions.
Does Iran allow dual citizenship?
No, not officially. Iran does not recognize dual nationality. Even if you hold another passport, Iran treats you exclusively as an Iranian citizen under its laws. This means no consular protection from your other country while inside Iran.
Can I claim Iranian citizenship through my father?
Yes. Children born to Iranian fathers, regardless of place of birth, are automatically Iranian citizens by descent.
What about through my mother?
If you were born to an Iranian mother and a non-Iranian father, you may apply for Iranian citizenship at age 18 if you reside in Iran for at least one year and meet other criteria.
Can I apply through marriage?
Yes, but only in one direction. A foreign woman married to an Iranian man is eligible for citizenship. The reverse does not apply for foreign men married to Iranian women.
How do I naturalize as a foreigner?
You must legally reside in Iran for at least 5 years (or 1 year if born there), have no serious criminal record, and apply through the Ministry of Interior.
Will I lose my Iranian citizenship if I become a citizen of another country?
No, not automatically. But Iran will still treat you as an Iranian citizen and will not recognize your second nationality within its borders.
Do dual citizens pay taxes in Iran?
If you reside in Iran, you may be subject to taxation on local income. Iran does not typically tax worldwide income unless you are resident in the country. Always consult a tax advisor for your specific case.