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.