Author: IA
Source: Taken at the shrine of Imam Ali Reda in Ma…

Blank Map of the territory claimed by Iran With Water Bodies an…

Map of the Saffarid Dynasty (861 CE-1003 CE) in 900 CE.

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Iran

Country Information of Iran

Iran, located in Western Asia, is a nation of profound historical significance and cultural complexity. Situated in the Middle East, it shares borders with Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, and Turkey, with coastlines al...

Capital

Tehran

Languages

Persian (Farsi)

UN-Member?

Yes

Major Cities

Tehran,Mashhad,Karaj,Qom,Rasht,Yazd,Sanandaj,Sāveh,Sīrjān,Marāgheh

Major Cities

Qom

What Expats Say About IranBETA

Research in Progress

We're currently analyzing expat perspectives for Iran. Check back soon for insights from real experiences!

We're gradually rolling out this feature and continuously improving the insights. The data is based on real expat discussions and will become more comprehensive over time.

Demographics in Iran

Life Expectancy

75.0

Population

83,992,953

Religions

Islam

98.5%

Christianity

0.7%

Bahá'í Faith

0.3%

Non-religious (Agnostic)

0.3%

Hinduism

0.2%

Ethnic Composition

Baloch

N/A

Iranian Arabs

N/A

Iranian Azerbaijanis

N/A

Iranian Turkmen

N/A

Kurds

N/A

Climate & Weather in Iran

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Safety & Security in Iran

Overall Safety Score

Calculated from crime, safety, and healthcare indices

MODERATE

/100

Worldwide Average

Moderate54/100

Asia Average

Moderate57/100

Crime & Safety Metrics

Index

Compare:

Iran

Asia Average

Safety Index

Low

Safety from Crime

Concerning

Safe Alone (Day)

Good

Safe Alone (Night)

Low

Safety from Violent Crime

Moderate

Safety from Property Crime

Concerning

Healthcare & Emergency Response

Index

Healthcare Index

Adequate

Healthcare Quality

Adequate

Emergency Response

Limited

Emergency Services

• Emergency Number: 115 (universal emergency)

• Ambulance Response: 10-15 minutes urban, 25-40 minutes rural

• Hospital Coverage: Extensive public healthcare system with regional hospitals

• Trauma Centers: Major centers in Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan

• Language Support: Persian primary, limited English in major cities

Emergency Numbers:

• Universal Emergency: 115

• Medical: 115

• Police: 110

• Fire: 125

Response Times:

• Urban areas: ~12 minutes

• Rural areas: ~35 minutes

Hospital System:

Comprehensive public healthcare system with government-funded hospitals and emergency services across provinces

Major Trauma Centers:

Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan, Shiraz

Language Support:

Limited English support in emergency services, primarily Persian-language communication

Data Completeness: complete

Entry Restrictions in Iran

Summarizing data... just a few seconds

Visa Requirements for Iran

Living Costs in Iran

Iran offers an extremely low cost of living, with expenses approximately 70% lower than Western European countries. Rent and daily necessities are remarkably affordable.

Crime & Safety in Iran

Moderate safety levels with relatively low violent crime rates, though political tensions can impact overall security perception. Urban areas generally safe with typical petty crime concerns.

Safety Index: 49.22 | Crime Level: 50.78

Health System in Iran

Public healthcare system with mixed quality; good infrastructure in major cities but limited resources in rural areas. Private healthcare options available in urban centers.

Quality Rating: 6.5/10

Advantages in Iran

Rich cultural heritage with ancient historical sites
Young, educated population with strong technological skills
Diverse landscapes from mountains to coastal regions
Low cost of living and affordable housing

Disadvantages in Iran

International economic sanctions limiting economic opportunities
Complex political environment affecting foreign interactions
Restricted personal freedoms and social regulations
Limited international business and employment prospects

Government & Politics in Iran

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Economic Overview in Iran

Index

GDP

$388.54B

HDI

0.8

Quality of Life

39/100

-4 vs NYC

Purchasing Power

14/100

-28 vs NYC

Understanding the economic landscape is essential for evaluating living costs and opportunities in Iran. This comprehensive overview covers key financial indicators including cost of living, housing markets, income levels, and fiscal policies that shape daily life and long-term financial planning.

Economic & Living Costs in Iran

Food & Dining Costs

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

2-8 IRR

Avg: 5 IRR

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

12-59.03 IRR

Avg: 35.52 IRR

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

3-5 IRR

Avg: 4 IRR

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

0.48-2 IRR

Avg: 1.24 IRR

Housing & Real Estate Costs

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

150-720.19 IRR

Avg: 435.09 IRR

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

100-500 IRR

Avg: 300 IRR

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

330-1200 IRR

Avg: 765 IRR

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

200-900 IRR

Avg: 550 IRR

Transportation Costs

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

0.1-0.5 IRR

Avg: 0.3 IRR

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

1.5-5 IRR

Avg: 3.25 IRR

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

5-20 IRR

Avg: 12.5 IRR

Gasoline (1 liter)

0.36-0.9 IRR

Avg: 0.63 IRR

Utilities & Communications Costs

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment

10-35 IRR

Avg: 22.5 IRR

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

4.5-24.82 IRR

Avg: 14.66 IRR

Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data

1-4.5 IRR

Avg: 2.75 IRR

Grocery Costs

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

0.4-1 IRR

Avg: 0.7 IRR

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

0.2-1 IRR

Avg: 0.6 IRR

Eggs (regular) (12)

0.6-1.8 IRR

Avg: 1.2 IRR

Local Cheese (1kg)

2-11 IRR

Avg: 6.5 IRR

Entertainment & Sports Costs

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

8-37.5 IRR

Avg: 22.75 IRR

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

5-18 IRR

Avg: 11.5 IRR

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

1-2.37 IRR

Avg: 1.69 IRR

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

45-200 IRR

Avg: 122.5 IRR

Last updated: 2025-03-30

Education System in Iran

Research in progress... please wait a minute

Transportation & Infrastructure in Iran

Iran, with a population of 84 million, features a robust transportation landscape dominated by extensive road and rail networks connecting its vast territory. Key strengths include a doubled road system to 88,821 km with 3,053 km of expressways, a trebled rail network at 15,700 km, 290 airports (64 major), and major ports handling 296 million tonnes. Challenges involve sanctions limiting aviation modernization, urban congestion in cities like Tehran, and uneven rural connectivity. Residents and visitors rely on affordable metros in major cities, intercity trains, buses, taxis, and domestic flights for mobility.

Public Transport

Moderate

Road Infrastructure

Moderate

Public Transport

5.2/10

Good metro systems in major cities: Tehran (busy, multi-line, 2-4M daily riders), Shiraz (Line 1 operational, Line 2 under construction), Tabriz (Line 1 open). BRT and buses widespread in urban areas. Regional rail connects cities like Tehran-Isfahan-Mashhad-Shiraz. Limited integration and rural coverage.

Road Infrastructure

6.1/10

Extensive paved road network (199,000 km total, 88,821 km main/secondary) links all cities/towns. Expressways expanded 20x to 3,053 km. Recent improvements in intercity networks and safety conversions. Urban congestion high; maintenance varies, with some rural gaps.

Internet Speed

3.8/10

Average fixed broadband speeds around 40 Mbps in 2025, with mobile at 35-50 Mbps. Urban areas have better access via fiber/TD-LTE; significant rural-urban gap due to sanctions and infrastructure limits. 5G limited to Tehran/Tabriz, expanding slowly.

Avg: 42.5+ Mbps • Limited to major cities (20-30% coverage); ADSL/TD-LTE dominant elsewhere

Airport Connectivity

6.8/10

290 airports total, 64 major (large/medium) provide strong domestic coverage across cities. International links via Tehran Imam Khomeini (IKA) hub to Middle East/Europe/Asia, despite sanctions limiting fleet/routes. Bandar Abbas key for regional connectivity.

Hubs: Tehran Imam Khomeini (IKA), Tehran Mehrabad (THR), Mashhad (MHD), Shiraz (SYZ), Tabriz (TBZ)

Transportation Costs

Metro Pass: 500,000 IRR/month (Tehran)
Bus Trip: 20,000-50,000 IRR/ride
Taxi: 100,000 IRR start + 20,000 IRR/km
High-speed Train: 1-3M IRR Tehran-Isfahan (no true HSR, fastest ~200km/h)

Mobile Network

5G Coverage: Limited to major cities (Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan, Tabriz); pilot expansions 2024-2026 by MCI/Hamrah Aval

4G Coverage: 85-90% population coverage; strong urban, patchy rural/mountainous areas

Reliable MCI, Irancell, Rightel networks with good urban speeds (30-60 Mbps); occasional throttling due to filtering/sanctions. 4G dominant, 5G emerging.

Driving License

IDP requiredConversion needed

Foreign licenses valid 3 months with IDP (required for non-Persian). Right-hand driving. Long-term residents (>1 year) must convert to Iranian license via exam/translation. Tourists: IDP + passport recommended.

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Work & Business in Iran

Iran's economy is experiencing significant challenges as of early 2026, facing its deepest and longest economic crisis in modern history due to international sanctions, particularly those reimposed under the current US administration. Despite these headwinds, Iran possesses substantial economic potential with a large domestic consumer market of 84 million people, diversified industrial capacity, and significant energy and petrochemical resources. The employment landscape is constrained by economic mismanagement, corruption, and structural inefficiencies, though opportunities exist in oil and gas, petrochemicals, manufacturing, and services sectors for those navigating the complex regulatory environment.

Employment Rate

42.0%

Below-average employment rate with significant challenges. Iran faces acute economic contraction, widespread business closures, and rolling blackouts affecting industrial production. Anti-government protests have erupted due to deteriorating economic conditions and limited job opportunities. Youth unemployment and gender employment gaps remain substantial concerns.

Startup Ecosystem

21.0%

Minimal startup ecosystem with severe constraints. International sanctions, limited access to global capital markets, restricted banking systems, and capital controls severely hamper entrepreneurship. Government corruption and burdensome regulations discourage private sector development. Foreign investment has collapsed, and technology transfer is restricted.

Average Salary Range

IRR 180,000,000 - IRR 480,000,000 annually

Salaries range from approximately 180-480 million IRR annually, though purchasing power is severely eroded by rampant inflation. Real wages have declined significantly due to currency devaluation and price increases. Cost of living has risen dramatically, reducing effective compensation despite nominal salary levels.

Work Visa Requirements

EU Citizens:

EU citizens require a visa to enter and work in Iran. Standard tourist visas are available but work authorization requires separate sponsorship from an Iranian employer. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks through Iranian embassies.

Non-EU Citizens:

Non-EU citizens require visa sponsorship from Iranian employers or organizations. Work permits are issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare. Processing is lengthy and complex, often taking 4-8 weeks. Restrictions apply based on nationality and sector.

Iran maintains restrictive visa policies for all foreign workers. Work authorization requires employer sponsorship and government approval. Processing is bureaucratic and time-consuming. Limited sectors are open to foreign workers, primarily in specialized technical roles or international organizations.

Business Registration

Timeline:

4-8 weeks

Minimum Capital:

IRR 100,000,000

Business registration involves multiple government agencies including the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labor and Social Welfare, and local chambers of commerce. Minimum capital requirements vary by business type. Process is bureaucratic with extensive documentation requirements. Foreign ownership faces additional restrictions and scrutiny. Corruption and unpredictable regulatory enforcement complicate registration.

Remote Work Policies

Legal Status:

No formal remote work legislation. Remote work arrangements are handled through individual employer agreements without legal framework or protections.

Remote work adoption is limited and informal. Internet infrastructure is unreliable, with nationwide blackouts affecting connectivity. Government internet restrictions and surveillance concerns deter remote work adoption. Co-working spaces are minimal. Work-from-home prevalence is very low due to economic constraints and infrastructure limitations.

Key Industries

Oil & Gas

Petrochemicals

Manufacturing

Agriculture

Mining

Automotive

Textiles

Construction

Job Opportunities by Sector

Oil & Gas:

Largest employer and revenue generator, though sanctions severely restrict operations and exports. Positions in extraction, refining, and technical roles available but limited by international restrictions. Salaries competitive by local standards but affected by currency instability.

Petrochemicals:

Significant industrial sector with downstream production capacity. Technical and engineering positions available. Sector faces challenges from sanctions on equipment imports and technology access. Growth potential limited by international trade restrictions.

Manufacturing:

Diverse manufacturing base including automotive, textiles, and machinery production. Sector severely impacted by rolling blackouts and input supply constraints. Limited foreign investment. Domestic demand weak due to economic crisis and reduced purchasing power.

Agriculture:

Significant employer in rural areas with wheat, rice, and fruit production. Sector faces water scarcity and climate challenges. Limited mechanization and technology adoption. Opportunities primarily in traditional farming and agribusiness management.

Healthcare:

Growing sector with demand for medical professionals, nurses, and healthcare administrators. Pharmaceutical manufacturing provides additional opportunities. Sector faces resource constraints and brain drain due to economic crisis and limited opportunities.

Education:

Significant employment sector with universities and schools throughout the country. Limited opportunities for foreign educators due to visa restrictions. Domestic demand for teachers and administrators remains steady despite economic challenges.

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Retirement & Senior Living in Iran

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Legal & Administrative in Iran

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Environment & Sustainability in Iran

Iran faces severe climate vulnerability with projected temperature increases of 2.6°C and 35% precipitation decreases. Over 82% of the country is arid or semi-arid, with average rainfall of only 250mm annually. As the 8th largest greenhouse gas emitter globally and 1st in the Middle East, Iran confronts critical water shortages, extreme heat events, and natural disaster risks while maintaining critically insufficient climate commitments.

Air Quality Index

Poor

3.5/10(AQI: 120)

Worsening trend

Iran experiences severe air pollution driven by rapid urbanization, heavy reliance on oil and natural gas, and industrial emissions. Urban heat islands intensify air quality degradation, with Tehran and other major cities frequently exceeding hazardous pollution levels. The government initiated emergency shutdowns due to extreme heat and pollution events.

Water Quality

Poor

3.0/10

Iran faces critical water shortages due to its geographic location in an arid region with limited precipitation and snowfall. Water distribution is severely constrained, with 35.5% of territory classified as hyper-arid and 29.2% arid. Climate change projections indicate a 35% decrease in precipitation, exacerbating existing water scarcity and threatening agricultural and domestic water supplies.

Water quality data limited; severe water stress affects 82% of territory classified as arid/semi-arid with average rainfall of 250mm annually, far below global average of 860mm.

Recycling System

Comprehensive recycling data for Iran is not available in current sources. The country's focus remains on addressing immediate climate vulnerabilities and water scarcity rather than established recycling infrastructure. Development of waste management systems is needed as part of broader sustainability initiatives.

Green Spaces

Iran's forest coverage is limited, with most territory classified as arid or semi-arid ecosystems. Protected areas exist but face pressure from climate change, water scarcity, and desertification. The country's natural vegetation is adapted to dry conditions, with limited forest resources concentrated in northern regions and western mountainous areas.

Forest Coverage: 7.3%

Iran maintains protected areas primarily in northern coastal regions and western mountains, but comprehensive data on specific parks and protected area coverage is limited in available sources.

Environmental Policies

Iran has submitted climate commitments under the UNFCCC but faces critical assessment of implementation. The country's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) pledges only 4-12% emissions reductions below business-as-usual by 2030, rated as 'Critically Insufficient' by Climate Action Tracker. Iran ranks 1st in Middle East and 8th globally for greenhouse gas emissions, with annual CO2 emissions near 617 million tons, primarily from oil and natural gas dependence.

Key Policies:

•UNFCCC Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) with conditional 12% reduction below BAU by 2030
•Third National Communication under UNFCCC addressing climate change impacts
•Climate Change Enabling Activity Project for emissions assessment

Renewable Energy: Specific renewable energy targets not detailed in available sources; current policy framework emphasizes oil and natural gas reliance with limited renewable energy integration.

Natural Disaster Risk

HIGH

Iran ranks 6th globally for natural hazard vulnerability, experiencing frequent floods, landslides, droughts, and earthquakes. The country's arid geography combined with climate change intensifies disaster frequency and severity. Recent emergency government shutdowns occurred due to temperatures exceeding 100°F (37.8°C) in Tehran, demonstrating acute heat stress impacts.

DroughtsFloodsLandslidesEarthquakesExtreme heat eventsWildfires

Climate Change Impacts: Iran is projected to experience a mean temperature rise of 2.6°C and a 35% decrease in precipitation in coming decades. Historical data shows average annual temperature increased from 17.64°C in 1901 to 19.54°C in 2021 (+1.90°C). By mid-century under high-emission scenarios, temperature is expected to reach 20.42°C, with the number of hot days (maximum temperature >35°C) rising from 95.89 days (2014 baseline) to 119.15 days by mid-century and 157.34 days by end of century. Sea level rise projections indicate 0.22m by mid-century and 0.67m by end of century, threatening low-lying Persian Gulf coastal areas including Khuzestan Province and Hormozgan Province. Extreme temperature variations ranging from -20°C to +50°C characterize Iran's climate, with severe drought recognized as an established climate feature. These changes will significantly impact water resources, energy demand, agricultural production, and coastal zones.

Sustainability Initiatives

Climate Change Adaptation

Iran's Third National Communication and Climate Change Enabling Activity Project under UNFCCC assess climate impacts and adaptation needs. Research indicates if CO2 concentration doubles by 2100, average temperature will increase 1.5-4.5°C, requiring significant changes in water resource management, energy demand, agricultural practices, and coastal zone protection.

Water Resource Management

Iran faces critical water scarcity requiring urgent management initiatives. With 82% of territory arid or semi-arid and average rainfall of 250mm (one-third of global average), water resource adaptation is essential. Climate projections of 35% precipitation decrease necessitate comprehensive water conservation, groundwater management, and agricultural water efficiency programs.

Emissions Reduction Commitments

Iran submitted NDC pledging conditional 12% emissions reduction below business-as-usual by 2030 and unconditional 4% reduction. However, Climate Action Tracker rates both targets as 'Critically Insufficient,' indicating emissions would increase 125% (conditional) and 145% (unconditional) above 2010 levels. Current approach would result in warming exceeding 4°C if globally replicated.

Wildlife & Nature

Persian LeopardVulnerable

Asiatic CheetahCritically Endangered

Caspian SealVulnerable

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Geography in Iran

Coastline

N/A

Highest Point

Damavand

Lowest Point

Caspian Sea

National Flag

Quick Facts for Iran

Population

83,992,953

Currency

IRR

Timezone

UTC+03:30

Calling Code

+98

Week starts on

N/A

Gini Coefficient

N/A

Drives on the

right side

Location

Data Source: Safety, crime, and quality metrics are sourced from Numbeo, a crowd-sourced global database of reported data.

All scores are relative comparisons on a 0-100 scale, where 50 = global average. Higher scores mean better than average, lower scores mean worse than average.

Iran

Capital

Languages

UN-Member?

Major Cities

Life Expectancy

Population

Religions

Ethnic Composition

Overall Safety Score

Crime & Safety Metrics

Healthcare & Emergency Response

Emergency Services

GDP

HDI

Quality of Life

Purchasing Power

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

Gasoline (1 liter)

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

Eggs (regular) (12)

Local Cheese (1kg)

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

Public Transport

Road Infrastructure

Public Transport

Road Infrastructure

Internet Speed

Airport Connectivity

Transportation Costs

Mobile Network

Driving License

Employment Rate

Startup Ecosystem

Average Salary Range

Work Visa Requirements

Business Registration

Remote Work Policies

Key Industries

Job Opportunities by Sector

Cultural Integration Score

Expat Community

Social Activities

Religious Facilities

Volunteer Opportunities

Dating & Relationships

Professional Networking

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Air Quality Index

Water Quality

Recycling System

Green Spaces

Environmental Policies

Natural Disaster Risk

Sustainability Initiatives

Wildlife & Nature

Coastline

Highest Point

Lowest Point

Overall Safety Score

Crime & Safety Metrics

Healthcare & Emergency Response

Emergency Services