IranBusiness and self-employment

Iran investor visa: OIETAI approval and application

Investment visa (I)

In short

The I visa is for foreign investors whose investment permit has been approved by the Organization for Investment, Economic and Technical Assistance of Iran (OIETAI). The approval letter of that organisation is the key document; the visa itself is requested through the MFA e-visa portal.

Apply on Iran MFA e-visa (evisatraveller.mfa.ir) checked 24 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
As printed on the visa
Processing time
OIETAI approval first; then about 10 business days for the visa application
Where to apply
Investment permit in Iran, then the MFA e-visa application and collection at a mission

Who the I visa is for

The MFA lists merchants and investors as applicants for the investment visa, provided their investment permit has been approved by OIETAI. The visa is linked to that approved investment; ordinary business trips to negotiate or sign contracts use the A entry visa on an invitation instead.

The OIETAI approval letter

OIETAI is the Iranian body that approves foreign investment permits. Once your investment permit is approved, the organisation issues the approval letter that the MFA requires for the I visa. The visa directory lists no other specific condition besides this letter and the visa application.

Fees

The MFA does not publish a fee for the investment visa; the mission charges according to your nationality.

Applying for the visa

File the application on the MFA e-visa portal and select the mission where the visa will be issued. If the investment option is not shown for your nationality on the form, ask that mission which category to choose and how the OIETAI approval is matched to your application. Verify your email within three days; the portal expects about 10 business days, plus a possible interview.

  1. Get the prerequisite for this visa ready: obtain the approval of your investment permit and the approval letter from OIETAI.
  2. Open the online non-immigrant visa application on the MFA e-visa portal, choose the visa type, your nationality and the mission where you will collect the visa.
  3. Fill in every field in English letters only, upload the photo and passport scan, then review the answers before submitting.
  4. Enter the verification code sent to your email within 3 days, then print the confirmation page and note the tracking code.
  5. Wait for the decision (the portal works with about 10 business days) and attend an interview if the mission asks for one.
  6. Collect the visa at the mission and keep the OIETAI approval with your travel documents.

Forms

Documents

Required documents

Identity

  • Digital personal photo meeting the portal photo standard
  • Digital image of the passport data page meeting the portal standard

Travel

  • Passport valid for at least six months beyond the planned travel date

Money

  • Approval letter from the Organization for Investment, Economic and Technical Assistance of Iran (OIETAI)

Other

  • Working email address, verified during the application

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Other

  • Education and work history (CV) – the form may ask for it

Frequently asked questions

What is required for an Iranian investor visa?

An approval letter from OIETAI confirming that your investment permit was approved, plus the online visa application.

Is there a minimum investment amount for the I visa?

The MFA visa directory does not state one. Conditions for the investment itself are set in the OIETAI approval process.

Can I visit Iran to explore investment opportunities first?

Yes, on an A entry visa with an invitation from an Iranian company or body, or under a visa waiver for tourism where applicable.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Iran

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa Maximum stay: Full waiver countries: as set by each agreement (Türkiye: 90 days within 180 days). 15-day waiver countries: 15 days once every six months. Visa holders: as printed on the visa.
  • Transit visa Maximum stay: As printed on the visa; the Berlin embassy fee table lists transit visas for 7 days
  • Medical treatment visa Maximum stay: As printed on the visa

Business and self-employment

Study and training

Work

  • Work visa Maximum stay: As printed on the visa; the stay is then covered by residence and a work permit

Family

Online travel permits

  • Visa on arrival Maximum stay: As printed on the visa issued at the airport

Protection

Iran visa guide