Iran: three-stage Tasdiq chain
The Islamic Republic of Iran (Jomhuri-ye Eslami-ye Iran) has not signed the Hague Apostille Convention 1961 as of mid-2026. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran (Vezarat-e Omur-e Khareje, Tehran, Pasdaran) still requires the three-stage Tasdiq (consular legalisation) chain: source-country MFA + Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran + MOFA Tehran Authentication Department before documents are accepted by Sazman-e Sabt-e Ahval (Civil Registry, Ministry of Interior), Sazman-e Sabt-e Asnad va Amlak (Deeds & Property Registry, Judiciary), NAJA-FARAJA (Police, Aliens Affairs), Mahzar (Notary Public), Dadgah-e Khanevadeh (Family Court), and Vezarat-e Kar (Ministry of Cooperatives, Labour & Social Welfare).
Embassy of Iran Bangkok at 602 Sukhumvit 71 (Soi Pridi), Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, accepts submissions 09:00–12:00 Sunday–Thursday (closed Fri–Sat per Islamic calendar). Fee THB 1,800–3,500/document, turnaround 7–10 working days. NYC screens every client and counterparty against OFAC SDN, EU CFSP Annex II, and UK OFSI Consolidated lists before accepting work — a hit on any list results in refusal (secondary sanctions exposure).
Popular documents + Mahzar
Marriage Registration: marrying an Iranian citizen requires Mahzar-e Ezdevaj (Marriage Notary) under Civil Code 1928 art.1062–1132 and Family Protection Law 1391/2012 — a foreign woman may marry an Iranian man immediately (Mahriyeh dowry must be specified, usually in Bahar Azadi gold coins), but an Iranian woman marrying a foreign man requires a permit from Vezarat-e Keshvar (Ministry of Interior, 3–6 months). Thai documents: Single Status + Birth Certificate + HIV result, full chain + Persian translation + Mahzar.
Work Permit + Residence: Vezarat-e Kar issues Parvaneh-ye Kar (Work Permit) — requires Diploma + Police Clearance, full chain + Persian Sworn Translation. Residence Permit (Eghamat) issued by NAJA-FARAJA, valid 1 year and renewable.
POA + Property: foreign purchase is restricted to Free Trade Zones (Kish, Qeshm, Chabahar, Aras, Anzali) under FTZ Law 1372/1993 art.20 + FIPPA 1381/2002 — Power of Attorney must complete the chain + Persian + Mahzar-e Asnad-e Rasmi (Deeds Notary) + Sabt-e Asnad va Amlak registration. Tax 1–5% (vs mainland 5–15%).
Steps + NYC pricing
(1) Thai→English translation + MFA Thailand Chaeng Watthana THB 200/400 per page, 2–3 days.
(2) Embassy of Iran Bangkok THB 1,800–3,500 per document, 7–10 days.
(3) DHL Bangkok→Tehran IKA THB 3,500–5,500 per parcel, 4–6 days + customs 1–2 days.
(4) MOFA Tehran Tasdiq (Pasdaran) IRR 600,000–1,500,000 per document (~THB 900–2,300) + partner THB 2,500, 5–7 days.
(5) Persian Sworn Translation Tehran IRR 400,000–1,200,000 per page (~THB 600–1,800) by Motarjem Rasmi-e Ghoveh Ghazaiyeh.
(6) Mahzar attestation IRR 200,000–800,000 per document (~THB 300–1,200).
End-to-end 5-document set: THB 10,000–15,000, 18–28 working days including DHL.
Iran-specific risks
1) US Sanctions (OFAC Iran Transactions and Sanctions Regulations 31 CFR 560): USD is prohibited and US bank rails cannot be used. Use EUR via European or Asian banks not on the SDN list (e.g., Bank of Kunlun-China). NYC uses Hawala network for small service fees.
2) Hijab Law: women (including foreigners) must cover their hair in all Iranian government premises under Islamic Penal Code 1392/2013 art.638 — Gasht-e Ershad (Morality Police) can detain offenders.
3) Solar Hijri calendar: Iran uses Solar Hijri (1404 = 2025/2026). Nowruz (21 March) closes government 13 days; Muharram (Tasua-Ashura) 2 days; Ramadan reduces working hours. NYC checks calendar before booking queues.
4) FATF blacklist: Iran remained on the FATF blacklist (February 2020, reviewed October 2024) — most Thai banks refuse direct wire transfers to Iran; payment must route via UAE (Dubai DMCC) or Türkiye (Istanbul) as intermediary.
5) Notaries Law 1316/1937 + Bar Association: Mahzar-dar (notary) must be an Iranian lawyer who passed the Kanoon-e Sardaftaran exam — switching notaries does not reduce time; state fees are fixed by tariff.