Iranian nationality law contains principles of both jus sanguinis and jus soli. The full nationality law is defined in Book 2 of the Civil Code of Iran, Articles 976 through 991.

Definition of Iranian nationals

Article 976 of the Civil Code of Iran defines who is an Iranian national:

Citizenship transfer through mother

A new policy allowing Iranian women to pass down their citizenship to their children at birth started to effect from 2020. As of mid-November, about 75,000 people had applied for citizenship under the new law.

Naturalisation

An application for naturalisation as an Iranian must be submitted to either directly to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or through the Governors, or the Governors-General and must contain certified copies of identity documents in relation to the applicant and his family (wife and children). certificate certifying period of residence, clean criminal record, sufficient property and employment that ensures a livelihood.

Deprivation of citizenship, dual nationality

Iran does not recognize dual nationality, and considers dual citizens as Iranian citizens only. Nevertheless, article 977 of the Civil Code of Iran deals with multiple citizenship. As a consequence of Paragraphs 4 or 5 of article 976, some Iranian minors may have multiple citizenship. If they wish to retain the non-Iranian nationality after age 18, they have to inform Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In theory, voluntary renunciation of Iranian citizenship is possible for persons over the age of 25, subject to approval by the Council of Ministers. However this rarely occurs in practical terms.

Travel freedom

In 2016, Iranian citizens had visa-free or visa on arrival access to 37 countries and territories, ranking the Iranian passport 98th in the world according to the Visa Restrictions Index.

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