Nationality of Iran: all obtaining pathways
Iran requires five years of residence for ordinary naturalization. The marriage of foreign women to Iranian citizens transmits nationality automatically, and the law allows limited ius soli: one additional year of residence after 18 under Article 976.5.
1Naturalization by residence
Naturalization by residence
Requirements
- Aged 18+ (Iranian Civil Code, art. 979(1))
- 5 YEARS’ residence in Iran, continuous or intermittent (art. 979(2)) — official Iranian Government service abroad counts as residence
- Not a deserter from military service (art. 979(3))
- No convictions for non-political major misdemeanours or felonies in any country (art. 979(4))
- The grant belongs to the Government (Ministry of Foreign Affairs; by decree) — not automatic
- Note: the 2019 Nationality reform allows children of an Iranian MOTHER and a foreign father to acquire nationality with security clearance — a change from the historic paternal-only ius sanguinis
Documentation
- Foreign passport with a residence permit
- Criminal record certificate
- Persian-knowledge certificate
- Property or employment certificate
- Certified copies of the applicant's and family's identity documents
- Formal application
2By descent (ius sanguinis)
By descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- The father is Iranian (primary transmission through the paternal line)
- Since 2020, an Iranian mother can pass citizenship to her children (the 2019 Law)
- Registration at an Iranian consulate if born abroad
- Iran does not recognize dual citizenship (it considers only the Iranian one)
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Iranian parent's Shenasnameh (identity book)
- Consular registration certificate
3By marriage
By marriage
Requirements
- Every woman of foreign nationality who marries an Iranian husband is considered an IRANIAN SUBJECT automatically (Civil Code, art. 976(6))
- No residence or year-count requirement — acquisition operates by the marriage itself
- The husband must retain Iranian nationality; an Iranian woman marrying a foreigner keeps hers unless the husband’s law imposes his (art. 987)
- The Government may refuse naturalisation of “undesirable” married applicants (art. 988 renunciation/refusal rules)
- Context: dual nationality is tolerated by Iran (an Iranian remains Iranian despite another nationality) but not recognised — retention risk when travelling on an Iranian passport
Documentation
- Marriage certificate registered in Iran
- Iranian spouse's Shenasnameh
- Foreign passport
4By birth in the territory (limited ius soli)
By birth in the territory (limited ius soli)
Requirements
- Born in Iran to foreign parents if one of them was also born in Iran (Art. 976.4)
- Born in Iran to a foreign father and residing at least 1 more year in Iran after turning 18 (Art. 976.5)
- Born in Iran to unknown parents (Art. 976.3)
Documentation
- Birth certificate issued in Iran
- Documentation showing that one of the parents was born in Iran
- Certificate of residence after turning 18
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Iran
How many years of residence does Iran require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Iran (Naturalization by residence), the term is 5 years’ residence in Iran (continuous or intermittent) (Civil Code, art. 979(2)). The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Can the nationality of Iran be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the By marriage pathway (Automatic by marriage (foreign women)). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Iran require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Foreign passport with a residence permit; Criminal record certificate; Persian-knowledge certificate; Property or employment certificate; Certified copies of the applicant's and family's identity documents; among 1 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Iran?
Iran provides 4 pathways: Naturalization by residence, By descent, By marriage, By birth in the territory.
Residence and nationality updates
Subscribe to know when a country changes its residence or nationality routes. One email, only when there is news.
Anything to correct or add about Iran?
If you have spotted incorrect or outdated information, or want to suggest additional details about nationality pathways in Iran, leave us your comment. We review every one personally.