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Are foreigners allowed to lease property ?

 
 

Foreigners, like Iranian nationals, have the right of leasing houses, apartments, offices, etc., for dwelling or business purposes. In the event that the lease contract is drawn up at a notary public and the tenancy term exceeds five years, consent of the Property Registry should be acquired.

Do foreigners engaged in business, have a transaction right to good will ?

 
 

In Iran, goodwill is usually transacted with the shop, factory, office and other types of business premises. The foreigners right to goodwill is a recognized fact and they are allowed to sell and buy these benefits that accrue to a business person from being well- known to customers.

Are there also special conditions for possessing movable property by foreigners ?

 
 

No, there are not. Foreigners may buy and sell cars, rugs, television sets, telephone lines, and other items of movable property in the same manner that Iranian nationals do.

How is foreigner-owned property safeguarded against expropriation ?

 
 

International law recognizes that every state has a legitimate right to expropriation. however, it should be accompanied with adequate compensation, and Iranian laws are based on this rule. For instance, in case of foreign investment the Iranian government guarantees fair compensation where the promulgation of special legislation deprives the foreign investor from ownership.

What legal protection is foreign capital entitled to when it is utilized ?

 
 

The government of the Islamic Republic of Iran extends its protection to all foreign capital imported into the country, according to the law Concerning the Attraction and Protection of Foreign Investment, and the profits earned therefrom. Legal entitlements, exemptions and facilities for capital investment provided under different laws, including laws pertaining to taxation, are also applicable to foreign investors. For example, like Iranian nationals wishing to engage in economic activities in the Free Trade-Industrial Zones, foreign investors enjoy the same to the flexible labor and social security security regulations in these zones.

What about foreigners rights respecting intellectual property ?

 
 

Iran has its own trademark and patent law, and is also a party to the paris Convention for Protection of industrial property. Foreigners' rights to intellectual property are recognized and safeguarded in these regulations. As for copyright, Iran is not a member of the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, but the national law governing copyright shall protect the rights of Iranian and foreign nationals who create artistic, literary or technical works in the Islamic Republic of Iran. It is on the basis of this law that Iranian have ruled in favor of the creators of computer programs.

When a foreign corporation begins operations in Iran, through a branch office or the like, what shall be its major rights?

 
 

The branch or representative office of the foreign company shall be covered by Iranian laws in areas such as labor, social security, taxation, etc. The government protects the legal rights of a registered branch or representative office in exactly the manner as it does in the case of Iranian companies and establishments.

Are foreigners entitled to hold jobs ?

 
 

Employment of foreign nationals in Iran is possible within the framework of the provisions and procedure stipulated in the labor Law of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The general policy of the country is aimed at meeting its labor requirements through domestic manpower. However, the employment of foreigners is not ruled out when their expertise is needed. Work permits for foreigners will be issued, extended or renewed for a period of one year. In special cases a temporary work permit valid for a maximum period of three months, may be granted to foreigners without observing the respective procedure . What about taxes which foreign nationals are subjected to ? In respect to the payment of income taxes and enjoyment of tax incentives and exemptions, foreigners' duties and rights are very similar to those of Iranian citizens. There are, however, minor exceptions.

Are there safeguards against double taxation ?

 
 

In order to prevent double taxation, the government of Iran has signed agreements with some foreign countries for the protection of their citizens working in Iran. Other facilities have also been devised. For instance, under the rule of reciprocity, airlines and shipping companies of certain countries are exempt from taxation on income earned in Iran by transporting passengers and cargo.

Does the Iranian social security system protect foreign residents ?

 
 

Principally, foreigners. Working in Iran enjoy the advantages resulting from the social security system's provisions in the same manner as Iranian nationals, except in cases where special arrangements have been made in accordance with bilateral or multilateral treaties and agreements between Iran and other countries. Rights of Foreign nationals