Iran — Complete Emigration Guide 2026
85,961,000 people · Capital: Tehran · Southern Asia
Updated H2 2026 · Compiled from official government sources, re-checked on a rolling basis
Overview
Iran is located in Southern Asia, with a population of 85,961,000. Its currency is the Iranian rial. Our database tracks 5 visa pathways for Iran, each linked to a named source.
See also: Iran country profile
Compiled from official government sources, re-checked on a rolling basis. See our methodology and data sources.
Visa Pathways (5)
Sponsored Employment (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Work Permit | — | — | 12 mo | 15d |
Investment / Golden Visa (2)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Five-year residence permits for foreign investors (FIPPA) | — | — | 60 mo | — |
| Residence Permit for Foreign Depositors and Investors (Production and Infrastructure Financing Law) | — | — | 60 mo | — |
General Residence (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residence Permit | — | — | 12 mo | — |
Naturalisation & Citizenship (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naturalization | — | — | — | — |
Cost of Living
| Item | Iran | W. Europe Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | €364 | €1,200 | -70% |
| Rent (3BR) | €420 | €2,000 | -79% |
| Groceries | €150 | €350 | -57% |
| Transport | €4 | €80 | -95% |
| Utilities | €12 | €150 | -92% |
| Dining (meal) | €4 | €15 | -73% |
Salary & Employment
| Sector | Median (gross, €/yr) |
|---|---|
| Construction | €9,000 |
| Education | €7,500 |
| Engineering | €13,000 |
| Finance | €13,000 |
| Healthcare | €9,500 |
| Hospitality | €5,000 |
| IT | €18,000 |
| Retail | €5,000 |
Shortage Occupations
- Software Developer (ICT)
- Petroleum Engineer (Energy)
- Healthcare Professional (Healthcare)
Tax
Healthcare
Education
| University | QS Rank | English Progs | Tuition (Intl) |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Tehran | 801 | 45 | €2,500 |
| Sharif University of Technology | 501 | 62 | €3,200 |
| Iran University of Science and Technology | 801 | 38 | €2,800 |
| Tarbiat Modares University | — | 28 | €2,400 |
| University of Isfahan | — | 22 | €2,200 |
Practical Info
Banking
Driving
Phone & Internet
Credentials
Quality of Life
Official sources
The visa data on this page is compiled from official government sources — 4 of the 4 pathways link directly to the government page they were verified against, and 1 financial requirement below carries the exact quote from the official source. Values that fail verification are removed, not guessed — see the live verification freshness index.
- en-economic.mfa.ir · 3 pathways · verified 2026-06-24
- irandataportal.syr.edu · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-10
Verified requirements — exact official citations
Each figure below was verified verbatim against the official page linked, on the date shown.
Five-year residence permits for foreign investors (FIPPA) · 1 verified requirement
Minimum investment: “اتباع و مهاجرین خارجی که امکان سپردهگذاری و یا سرمایهگذاری خارجی به میزان ۱۰۰ هزار دلار آمریکا” — mazarisharif.mfa.gov.ir, 2026-07-09
Frequently Asked Questions
How many visa pathways does Iran have?
Our database tracks 5 visa pathways for Iran across 4 categories, the largest being Investment / Golden Visa, Sponsored Employment, General Residence. Each entry links to a named source — 20% direct to an official government portal, the rest to a named embassy or professional reference while we complete direct verification.
What is the average salary in Iran?
The average gross salary in Iran is EUR 269 per month. The statutory minimum wage is EUR 35 per month.
How much does rent cost in Iran?
A one-bedroom apartment in Iran averages EUR 364 per month, and a three-bedroom apartment averages EUR 420 per month.
What is the top income tax rate in Iran?
The top personal income tax rate in Iran is 30%. The standard VAT rate is 9%.
How long does it take to qualify for citizenship in Iran?
Among the pathways we track, the Naturalization lists 5 years to citizenship. Timelines vary by route and personal circumstances — check the official source for your case.
Start Preparing for Iran
Still shortlisting? See our data-driven ranking of the best countries to move to in 2026 — Top 10 overall plus picks for digital nomads, retirees, skilled workers, families, and low-cost living.