Iran · Relocation guide
Moving to Iran: feasibility, detention and immigration limits
FCDO advises against all travel to Iran and warns of arrest, detention and a possible death sentence. A visa does not reduce that risk. Voluntary relocation should be postponed, and British-Iranian dual nationals face especially limited assistance.
Content updated 12 September 2026. Individual source-check dates are listed below.
Postpone voluntary relocation
British nationals are at increased risk of questioning and detention, and Iran does not recognise dual nationality. Prior uneventful travel does not predict safety.
The UK cannot provide reliable in-person assistance or evacuation. Anyone already resident should keep an executable departure plan and obtain specialist legal advice.
Treat each visa as purpose-limited
The MFA e-Visa portal lists education, temporary work, investment and marital visas, but approval is discretionary and the visa is not a guarantee against detention or exit restriction.
British-passport applicants may need an organised tour or sponsor even for visits. Work requires the temporary-work and employer authority chain, not visitor or investment entry alone.
| Purpose | Route to examine | Boundary |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary employment | Temporary Work Visa | Employer and labour approval; does not reduce detention risk. |
| Study | Education Visa | Institutional sponsorship and restrictions apply. |
| Marriage or family | Marital Visa | Status, nationality and family-law consequences require counsel. |
Avoid irreversible employment and housing
Do not start work until the correct visa, employer and residence or registration steps are confirmed by official authorities and independent counsel.
Use cancellable housing, avoid sensitive sites and understand that communications and political expression can be monitored.
Plan around sanctions and evacuation limits
Medical insurance, medicine access and evacuation can fail under sanctions and airspace disruption. Confirm explicit cover and lawful supply channels.
International cards and transfers may not work. Do not evade sanctions; obtain written compliance advice for salary, tax, rent and departure funds.
Account for family law, nationality and departure controls
Iran may treat a person with an Iranian father or marriage link as Iranian even if they do not. Military, custody, marriage and exit-permission consequences need specialist review before moving family.
Keep passports, visas, registration and multiple exit options current. Avoid border areas and leave before regional escalation or status expiry closes routes.
Your moving checklist
Tick off the tasks that apply to you. The timing is a planning order, not a substitute for the deadlines on your permission or an official instruction.
0 of 11 tasks completed
Sources and checks
The linked authorities set the rules. VisaAtlas explains how the steps fit together; planning suggestions are not a decision on your immigration status, tax residence or entitlement to services.
- UK FCDO: Iran travel adviceSource checked 12 September 2026
- UK FCDO: Iran entry requirementsSource checked 12 September 2026
- UK FCDO: Iran safety and securitySource checked 12 September 2026
- UK FCDO: Iran healthSource checked 12 September 2026
- Iran Ministry of Foreign Affairs: e-Visa categoriesSource checked 12 September 2026
- UK government: Iran sanctions guidanceSource checked 12 September 2026