Who needs a work permit in Iran
Any foreign national performing paid work inside Iran — whether hired directly by a local entity or seconded from a parent company abroad — generally needs a valid work permit before starting. This applies equally to short technical assignments and long-term management roles.
The permit is tied to both the individual and the sponsoring employer, so a change of employer or role usually requires a fresh application rather than a simple transfer.
Choosing the right contract type
Most foreign hires fall under one of three arrangements: a direct local employment contract, a secondment agreement from the parent company, or a service contract through a registered branch office. Each carries different tax, insurance, and reporting obligations.
Getting this choice right early avoids costly re-structuring later — particularly around social insurance contributions.
The approval timeline
From initial application to a fully issued work and residence permit, companies should generally plan for six to ten weeks, depending on the applicant's nationality, sector, and supporting documents.
Building this timeline into the offer and relocation process is the single biggest factor in avoiding delayed start dates.
Common pitfalls to avoid
The most frequent delays come from incomplete degree or experience documentation, mismatched job titles between the visa application and the employment contract, and underestimating document legalization time.