Is a Work Permit Required in Iran?
In Iran, a work permit is essential for foreign nationals due to the country’s specific economic policies and labor market conditions. One of the primary reasons for this requirement is to protect employment opportunities for Iranian citizens. With a large and youthful population, the Iranian government prioritizes local employment to ensure that its citizens benefit from the country’s economic activities. By mandating work permits, the government ensures that foreign workers are only employed in positions where there is a clear shortage of local expertise, thereby safeguarding jobs for Iranians.
The work permit system also supports Iran’s economic development and diversification goals. While traditionally reliant on oil and gas, Iran is working to develop other sectors such as manufacturing, technology, and tourism. The work permit process allows the government to attract skilled foreign professionals who can contribute to these emerging sectors, filling critical skill gaps and promoting innovation. This targeted approach is crucial for enhancing productivity and fostering sustainable economic growth.
Ensuring compliance with labor laws and standards is a fundamental aspect of Iran’s work permit system. The government uses the work permit process to ensure that foreign workers are employed under conditions that meet Iranian labor laws. This includes guaranteeing fair wages, safe working conditions, and access to social security benefits. By enforcing these standards, the government aims to prevent the exploitation and abuse of foreign workers, ensuring that all employees in Iran are treated with respect and fairness.
The work permit system in Iran involves thorough background checks and verification of qualifications to maintain national security and uphold professional standards. The government ensures that foreign workers possess the necessary skills and credentials and do not pose any security risks. This scrutiny helps maintain the integrity of the Iranian workforce and ensures that foreign workers contribute positively to the economy and society.
Iran’s work permit system also aligns with broader goals of social inclusion and economic resilience. By managing the entry of foreign workers, Iran can better control the economic impact and social integration of these individuals. This regulation helps maintain social cohesion and supports the government’s objectives of balanced development and cultural integration.
About the Iranian Job Market
Number of Expats:
2.7 million
Expats Job Websites:
Popular Industries for Expats:
Oil, gas and petrochemicals industries
Types of Iranian Work Visas Available
It is tough to obtain a work visa for Iran. Usually, the Department General for Employment of Foreign Nationals issues work permits to foreign nationals interested in employment in Iran only if no Iranian national candidates have the required qualifications and work experience.
Once you get permission for a work permit, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs asks Iranian Embassies to issue a single or a multiple entry visa clearance. Also, it asks for a three-month residence permit at the request of the Organization for Investment Economic and Technical Assistance of Iran (OIETA). The visa clearance has a time validity of three years.
After entering Iran with this type of visa, you can apply to avail a three-year residence permit. Along with this, you will also get a work permit valid for a year but can be renewed once the investor’s FIPPA (Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Act) license is issued.
Requirements for an Iranian Work Permit
To obtain an Iranian work permit, one must fulfill the specified requirements before applying for a work permit. The requirements were indicated in articles 120-129 of Iran Labor Law and determined by the Department General for Employment of Foreign Nationals.
The required documents for Iran work permit are listed as follows:
- Current Passport (with at least six months of validity ahead of time of stay)
- Two most recently taken photographs (with applicant’s face in clear view)
- Flight tickets
- Old Passport (if available)
- Genuine medical documents approving travel
- Financial records proving sufficient funds
Iranian Work Permit Application Process
To apply for an Iranian work visa, specific steps have to be followed. The applicant and the employer must fulfil all the requirements together beforehand so that there are no problems.
Foreign nationals who do not have an established enterprise in Iran cannot apply for their work permit. The employer has to submit their application and required documents that the Department General announces for Employment of Foreign Nationals to verify the same.
This list usually includes the applicant’s identification documents, resume, expertise documents and letter of request from the employer. The company’s official papers are also attached, like the registration notice, latest changes, chart, etc.
The employer cannot enter an employment contract with any foreign national before this crucial step. After this, the documents are to be sent to The Technical Board For Employment of Foreign Nationals, who are very strict when issuing Iranian work permits.
Timeframe for Work Permit Application
Iranian work visas have a validity of a year. Hence, after completing a year, the employer has to apply for the work visa renewal if required, with a properly written reason. This must be handed in by the employer at least one month before the work permit expiry date.
Iranian Work Permit Fees
Indian passport holders who are interested in applying for an Iranian work visa have to pay the visa fees as follows:
This is How Multiplier Can Help With an Iranian Work Permit
At Multiplier, a Global EOR firm with a local presence in over 150 countries, we have experienced personnel handling and supplying HR solutions. Our team of experts and professionals can effectively take care of all your employee management requirements when hiring and managing staff in Multinational Corporate Companies.
The process to obtain a work permit in Iran is lengthy and exclusive. Partnering with Multiplier will provide you with our SaaS-based solution. We will help you throughout the work permit application process. Moreover, we will take care of all the applications and permits right from the beginning and keep you updated on all relevant developments.