Agency Law in Iran and the United States – A Comparative Perspective

In both Iranian and American legal systems, the concept of agency plays a central role in business transactions, legal representation, and everyday contractual dealings. This document offers a comparative overview of agency law in Iran and the United States, highlighting key similarities, differences, and legal implications.

Agency in Iranian Law

Under Iranian law, agency is primarily governed by the Civil Code, particularly Articles 656 to 683, where it is referred to as 'Wakalat' (power of attorney). It is considered a contractual relationship that requires mutual consent. Agency may be express or implied, and must fall within the boundaries of Islamic jurisprudence. The agent must act in the interest of the principal and observe duties of loyalty, honesty, and non-interference with the principal’s rights.

Agency in U.S. Law

In the United States, agency law is based on common law principles and outlined in the Restatement (Third) of Agency. The U.S. framework recognizes a broader set of authority types, including:
- Actual Authority: Express or implied permission by the principal.
- Apparent Authority: Third-party belief in authority based on the principal’s conduct.
- Inherent Authority: Authority implied by the agent’s role or title.
The system emphasizes how an agent appears to outsiders, not just internal agreements.

Similarities

Both legal systems share foundational principles regarding agency relationships, including:
- The agent’s duty of loyalty and care.
- Importance of acting within authorized scope.
- Protecting third-party interests.
- Restrictions on post-agency use of confidential information.

Practical Applications

Agency plays an essential role in many legal and commercial areas in both jurisdictions, such as:
- Legal representation and POA filings.
- Contract negotiation and execution.
- Banking, insurance, customs, and trade.
- Employment and franchise agreements.

Conclusion

While both legal systems serve the same function of allowing one person to act on behalf of another, the underlying legal theories and applications differ. Iranian law focuses on contractual structure and religious doctrine, while U.S. law emphasizes practical outcomes, third-party protection, and commercial realities. Understanding both frameworks is vital for individuals involved in cross-border transactions or legal disputes involving both systems.

How can an American obtain Iranian citizenship?

In today’s globalized world, many Iranian-Americans—and even Americans with personal or professional ties to Iran—often wonder:

Can I become an Iranian citizen? If so, how?

This blog post breaks down the main legal pathways through which a U.S. citizen may obtain Iranian citizenship, based on Iranian civil law and current policies.

1. Citizenship by Descent - Having an Iranian Father

According to Article 976 of Iran’s Civil Code:

“Anyone whose father is Iranian is considered an Iranian national, regardless of their place of birth.”

This means if your father is Iranian, you are legally considered an Iranian citizen from birth—even if you were born in the U.S.

To obtain your Iranian birth certificate (shenasnameh) and national ID card (kart-e melli), you’ll need:

Your father’s Iranian documents

Your U.S. birth certificate with official translation

An application through an Iranian consulate or civil registry in Iran

2. Citizenship Through Marriage (Foreign Women Married to Iranian Men)

Under Iranian law, a foreign woman who marries an Iranian man is eligible for Iranian citizenship.
This process is common among non-Iranian spouses of Iranian citizens.

Required documents:

Official or legalized marriage certificate

Husband’s Iranian ID and documents

Application forms submitted to an Iranian consulate or registry office

Once granted citizenship, these women can also apply for Iranian citizenship for their children.

3. Naturalization Through Long-Term Residency

Per Article 979 of the Iranian Civil Code, a foreigner may apply for Iranian citizenship if:

They have resided in Iran for at least 5 years (consecutive or non-consecutive)

They have no criminal record

They pass a security and social background check

This application is submitted to the Ministry of Interior and must be approved by the Council of Ministers.

4. Citizenship Through Iranian Mothers (New Law – 2019)

In a major legal shift, a 2019 amendment to the nationality law allows children of Iranian mothers and foreign fathers to obtain Iranian citizenship.

This includes children born abroad (e.g., to an Iranian mother and American father).

This progressive change provides legal status and access to rights for thousands of children born to Iranian women living outside of Iran.

What About Dual Citizenship?

While Iran does not officially recognize dual nationality, in practice, many Iranian-Americans hold both U.S. and Iranian citizenship.
When inside Iran, the government treats them solely as Iranian citizens.

Travel Restrictions for Iranians Residing Abroad Who Have Not Completed Military Service

1.     Holders of Military Service Exemption or Completion Cards Individuals who possess a permanent exemption card or a military service completion card can travel to Iran without any restrictions.

2.     Students with Educational Exemptions Students studying abroad can travel to Iran by presenting valid educational documents. They are allowed to stay in Iran for a maximum of two visits per year, totaling up to three months.

3.     Individuals Without Exemption or Military Service Completion These individuals are generally not permitted to leave Iran unless they obtain special provisions such as purchasing military service (if applicable) or securing special permits.

4.     Individuals with Travel Permits Some individuals residing abroad may be eligible to travel to Iran once or twice a year for a limited period based on specific regulations. The conditions for these permits may change based on decisions made by the Military Service Organization.

Understanding Inheritance in Iranian Law: A Comprehensive Guide

Inheritance is an important aspect of Iranian law, deeply rooted in Islamic jurisprudence (Sharia) and codified within the Iranian Civil Code. Understanding how estates are distributed under these laws is crucial, especially for Iranians living abroad, dual nationals, or anyone dealing with inheritance disputes. This guide simplifies the key principles and processes involved in inheritance under Iranian law.

Key Principles of Inheritance in Iran

1. Gender Differences: In accordance with Islamic principles, male heirs typically receive a larger share than female heirs. For example, a son inherits twice the share of a daughter.

2. Fixed Shares: Specific relatives, such as spouses, children, and parents, are entitled to fixed portions of the estate.

3. Exclusion of Distant Relatives: Immediate family members and closer relatives in a specific class exclude more distant relatives from inheriting.

Classes of Heirs

Under Iranian inheritance law, heirs are divided into three groups. The presence of heirs in a higher class excludes those in lower classes from inheriting.

First Class: Immediate Family

• Children: Sons receive double the share of daughters.

• Parents: Both parents inherit, with shares determined based on the presence of other heirs.

• Grandchildren: If a deceased child’s children are alive, they may inherit in place of their parent.

Second Class: Siblings and Grandparents

• Brothers, sisters, and grandparents inherit only if no immediate family (children or parents) of the deceased exists.

Third Class: Extended Family

• Uncles, aunts, and cousins inherit only if no heirs from the first or second class are alive.

Spousal Inheritance

The spouse of the deceased also inherits but in varying proportions:

• Husband:

  • Inherits one-quarter of the estate if the wife has children.

  • Inherits one-half of the estate if the wife has no children.

• Wife:

  • Inherits one-eighth of the estate if the husband has children.

  • Inherits one-quarter of the estate if the husband has no children.

  • A wife does not inherit land itself but can inherit the value of buildings or trees on the land.

Wills and Testamentary Rights

• One-Third Rule: A person can allocate up to one-third of their estate through a will. Any allocation exceeding this limit requires the consent of all heirs.

• Limitations on Wills: A will cannot override the rights of fixed-share heirs without their consent.

Debts and Obligations

Before the estate is distributed:

1. Funeral and burial expenses are deducted.

2. Outstanding debts of the deceased are settled.

3. Bequests outlined in the will (up to one-third of the estate) are fulfilled.

Only after these steps can the remainder of the estate be distributed among the heirs.

Non-Muslim Heirs

Iranian law follows Islamic principles regarding non-Muslim heirs:

• A Muslim cannot inherit from a non-Muslim relative.

• A non-Muslim can inherit from a Muslim relative under specific circumstances. However, practical applications may vary, and legal consultation is advised for mixed-faith inheritance cases.

Inheritance for Dual Nationals and Foreigners

Iranian inheritance laws apply to Iranian nationals regardless of their residence. Dual nationals or foreign heirs can inherit property in Iran but may face restrictions on owning specific types of real estate, such as agricultural land. In such cases, they are usually required to sell the property.

Special Considerations

• Adopted Children: Adopted children are not automatic heirs under Iranian law unless explicitly included in a will.

• Illegitimate Children: They may inherit if recognized by the father or included in a will.

How is the Estate Divided?

The process of dividing an estate includes:

1. Calculating fixed shares for eligible heirs.

2. Allocating any remaining estate proportionally among heirs.

3. Resolving disputes through Iranian family courts, if necessary.

Why Legal Assistance is Essential

Inheritance cases can become complex due to:

• Disputes among heirs.

• Dual citizenship or foreign residence.

• Interpretation of Islamic principles.

Navigating these intricacies requires expertise in Iranian and international inheritance laws.

Conclusion

Understanding inheritance laws in Iran is essential for anyone managing an estate or involved in inheritance disputes. Whether you’re an Iranian expatriate, a dual national, or simply seeking clarity on your rights, being informed is the first step toward resolving inheritance matters effectively.

If you have specific questions or need assistance with inheritance in Iran, feel free to reach out to us for expert guidance!

Amendment to the Law on Determining the Citizenship Status of Children Born from the Marriage of Iranian Women with Foreign Men, ratified on 2020/09/23.

Law on Determining the Citizenship Status of Children Born from the Marriage of Iranian Women with Non-Iranian Men

Article 1: Children born from the legal marriage of Iranian women with non-Iranian men, whether before or after the approval of this law, shall, upon the request of the Iranian mother and provided there are no security concerns (as determined by the Ministry of Intelligence and the Intelligence Organization of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps), acquire Iranian citizenship before reaching the eighteen years of age. After reaching the age of eighteen years, if there is no request from the Iranian mother, these children may apply for Iranian citizenship, which will be accepted provided there are no security concerns (as determined by the Ministry of Intelligence and the Intelligence Organization of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps). The response to security inquiries must be provided within a maximum period of three months, and the law enforcement agency is also obligated to issue a residence permit for the non-Iranian father if there are no security concerns.

Note 1: In case the applicant's father or mother is deceased or inaccessible, if there is ambiguity in verifying the applicant's lineage, verification of lineage shall be done through a competent court.

Note 2: Individuals without citizenship with at least one parent that was born in Iran may apply for Iranian citizenship after reaching the age of eighteen years, provided they have no criminal record.