| Iranian Citizenship Act | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Parliament of Iran | |
| |
| Enacted by | Government of Iran |
| Status: Current legislation | |
Nationality law of theIslamic Republic of Iran contains principles of bothjus sanguinis andjus soli.
The full nationality law is defined in Book 2 of the Civil Code of Iran, Articles 976 through 991.[1]
Article 976 of the Civil Code of Iran defines who is an Iranian national:[2]
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, at least 150,000 people had applied for citizenship under the new law.[4]
An application for naturalisation 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), a certificate certifying the period of residence, a clean criminal record, sufficient property, and employment that ensures a livelihood.[5]
Iran does not recognize dual nationality, and considers dual citizens as Iranian citizens only.[6] Nevertheless, Article 977 of the Civil Code of Iran deals withmultiple citizenship. As a consequence of Paragraphs 2, 4, or 5 of article 976, some Iranian minors may have multiple citizenship. If those who have attained citizenship under Clause 4 wish to retain the non-Iranian nationality after age 18, they have to inform Iran'sMinistry of Foreign Affairs.[7][8]
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.[9]
In 2016, Iranian citizens had visa-free or visa on arrival access to 37 countries and territories, ranking theIranian passport 98th in the world according to theHenley Passport Index.
