Ancient Persia — Cradle of Civilization, Land of Poetry
It follows the Persian solar calendar, running from about 21 March (1 Farvardin) to 20 March the following year (29/30 Esfand).
The progressive personal income tax tops out at 35%. Salary income is taxed on a gentler schedule of 0%, 10% and 20% bands above the annual exemption.
The standard corporate income tax rate is 25%, reduced to 22.5% for companies listed on the stock or commodity exchange. Free-zone businesses may enjoy long tax holidays.
Generally yes if you spend more than 183 days (six months) in Iran in a single tax year, or if you keep a permanent home available for your use there.
Yes. The standard VAT rate is set each year by the budget act and has recently been around 9–10%, with exemptions for exports, some essentials and immovable property.
As a resident, in principle yes — Iran taxes residents on worldwide income. Because treaty relief is limited, seek professional advice on your specific situation.
Dial 115 for emergency medical services / ambulance. Police is 110 and fire is 125.
Yes. Foreign residents can access public and private hospitals. If you are employed and covered by the Social Security Organization (SSO), much of your care is covered; otherwise you pay out of pocket or use private insurance.
Compared with Western countries, no. Iran is known for affordable, high-quality specialist care, which is why it draws considerable medical tourism. Public care is cheap; private care costs more but is still low by international standards.
Often not directly. Sanctions prevent many foreign insurers and payment networks from operating in Iran, so claims and card payments can fail. Many expats buy a local Iranian policy or keep cash for medical bills.
Most common medicines are widely available and cheap at pharmacies. However, sanctions periodically disrupt the supply of certain imported or specialist drugs, so bring a supply of anything critical and check availability in advance.
No. Due to sanctions, international cards, PayPal and foreign banking do not work in Iran. Bring cash and, once resident, get a local Shetab bank card. Prepaid tourist rial cards are available for shorter stays.
Officially rials, but Iranians quote everyday prices in tomans, where 1 toman = 10 rials. Always confirm which unit someone means.
Most residents use one, since many global apps and sites (Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, X, etc.) are filtered. Set up a reliable VPN before arriving. Note its legal status is grey and reliability drops during unrest.
Police 110, ambulance/medical 115, and fire 125.
230V, 50Hz, with European-style type C and F plugs, so European appliances work directly and UK/US devices need an adapter.