Iran•AsiaType F — Work (Employment) Visa
At a Glance
Varies
EUR €75
Up to 3 years
Not renewable
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote not required
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
Secure employment contract
Get formal employment offer from Iranian employer
Employer applies for work permit
Sponsoring company submits work permit application to Labor Ministry
Obtain work permit approval
Labor Ministry approves work permit (specific duration determined)
Get visa authorization
Sponsoring employer obtains visa authorization from MFA
Submit visa application
Apply at Iranian embassy with work permit and employment contract
Receive work visa
Processing typically 15-30 working days
Travel and register
Travel to Iran and register with Ministry of Interior
Application Forms
| Work Visa Application | — |
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