Type F — Work (Employment) Visa
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Type F — Work (Employment) Visa

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

Varies

Estimated Cost

EUR €75

Stay Duration

Up to 3 years

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Overview

For foreign nationals employed by or seconded to an Iranian company or organization. Requires a valid work permit issued by the Iranian Ministry of Labour, sponsored by the employing entity. Granted for the duration of the employment contract, typically one year, renewable.

The Work (Employment) Visa, or IR-W, is established under the provisions of the Iranian Labor Law, specifically Articles 120-129, which are managed by the Department General for Employment of Foreign Nationals. This visa fills the gap for Iranian companies and organizations that require specialized foreign expertise that is not readily available within the local labor market. It ensures that all foreign employment is legally documented, taxed, and monitored, providing a formal framework for international professionals to contribute to the Iranian economy while protecting the domestic labor market.

This visa is for foreign nationals who have secured a job offer or are being seconded to an Iranian company. The applicant must be at least 18 years old and possess a labor certificate from an Iranian employer that has been approved by the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labor and Social Welfare. It is distinctive because it requires the employer to prove that the position could not be filled by an Iranian national, making it a highly regulated process that prioritizes specialized skills and professional qualifications.

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity

Employment certificate/contract from an Iranian sponsor employer approved by the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labour, and Social Welfare

Proof of specialized skills or expertise not readily available among Iranian nationals

Medical examination report confirming physical and mental health

Police clearance certificate from the home country

Completed visa application form

Recent passport-sized photographs

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

Experience

1+ years

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Passport photo

Educational credentials

Resume/CV

Medical examination

Police clearance

Travel insurance

Employment contract (sponsor)

Work permit approval (sponsor)

MFA authorization (sponsor)

Employer documentation (sponsor)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Legal authorization to work and reside in Iran
  • Access to professional opportunities in sectors like technology, engineering, and healthcare
  • Pathway to formal residency status

Worth Knowing

  • The process is highly dependent on the sponsoring employer
  • Strict labor market testing; positions must generally not be fillable by Iranian nationals
  • Separate processes for the visa (MFA) and the work permit (Ministry of Labour)
  • Failure to comply with visa terms can lead to fines or legal consequences

Application Process

1

Secure employment contract

Get formal employment offer from Iranian employer

2

Employer applies for work permit

Sponsoring company submits work permit application to Labor Ministry

3

Obtain work permit approval

Labor Ministry approves work permit (specific duration determined)

4

Get visa authorization

Sponsoring employer obtains visa authorization from MFA

5

Submit visa application

Apply at Iranian embassy with work permit and employment contract

6

Receive work visa

Processing typically 15-30 working days

7

Travel and register

Travel to Iran and register with Ministry of Interior

Application Forms

Work Visa Application—

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