Residence & citizenship
Iranian Citizenship and Naturalisation
The routes to Iranian nationality under the Civil Code, including naturalisation after residence and acquisition through marriage.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
Nationality rules are summarised from the Iranian Civil Code via secondary/academic sources; specific conditions, timelines and the precise decision process should be verified against the current official legal text and the Ministry of Interior.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Iran government website before you apply.
On this page
- Legal basis
- Iranian Civil Code (notably Articles 976 and 979)
- Naturalisation residence
- At least 5 years' residence in Iran (Article 979)
- Marriage route
- Foreign woman marrying an Iranian man (Article 976)
- Decided by
- Ministry of Interior, with approval of the Council of Ministers
Who it is for
- Long-term foreign residents seeking Iranian nationality by naturalisation
- Foreign women married to Iranian men
- Applicants meeting the Civil Code conditions
Requirements
- Naturalisation: at least five years' residence in Iran plus other Civil Code conditions
- Marriage route: an officially recognised marriage to an Iranian man
- Application to the Ministry of Interior and approval by the Council of Ministers
How to apply
- Confirm eligibility under the relevant Civil Code article
- Submit the naturalisation/nationality application to the Ministry of Interior
- Await review and Council of Ministers approval
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.