Iran

Audiovisual Media Regulation Authority (SARTA)

Visas & Work Permits

A Press Visa is required to film in Iran. The application is made with the Ministry of Culture, which then passes on the application to the Foreign Ministry, which then provides the applicant and their local Iranian embassy a code number, used to pick-up the visa.

In terms of timing, it depends on the project specifics and nationalities travelling. Permitting times for US and UK citizens may take up to four months. Other countries such as Germany or France usually only take 2-4 weeks. Projects of a politically sensitive nature may be rejected altogether.

Western passport holders travelling as tourists (excluding US passport holders) can obtain a visa on arrival. US passport holders need to apply for a visa ahead of arrival.

Filmmakers, photographers and journalists, who expect to travel to the US in the future, ought to also bear in mind the possible repercussions of having an Iranian visa stamped in their passport.

Please contact a local embassy, consulate or representative for more information. Alternatively, there are specialist companies that provide visa and immigration support to the media industry, and may be able to assist.


Public Holidays

Iran is a closed country, so a patient approach and choosing a well-connected fixer is essential. There is no clear, streamlined permitting process in place. Much of it depends on personal relationships – often permission is best applied for in person.

Depending on the shoot specifics, permission may be required from several government authorities. Once the Culture Ministry and Ministry of Foreign Affairs have approved the film location permit, the local fixer or producer will present this to police and municipality officials, as well as any other relevant authorities. The permit covers filming across the country.

It is important the film location permit is carried at all times, as being regularly stopped and questioned by authorities is commonplace. In some cases, a government minder may be required on-set.

Please note that unauthorised filming and photography could result in serious criminal charges, including espionage, which carries the death penalty.


Customs

For productions looking to bring in film equipment, Iran is not an ATA carnet country.

Iran has all of the standard camera, lighting and grip equipment.

For larger projects, it’s recommended to source gear in Iran. Local equipment is carried by several production companies and government-run equipment companies.

Iran does accept carnets, however, US restrictions don’t allow US-issued carnets for Iran.

When to Film

Iran’s climate is mostly arid or semiarid, to subtropical along the Caspian coast.

Winters (December to March) are very cold and snowy in the northwest, but milder in the south. Summers (June to September) are dry and hot. Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) are mild.

Iran is a predominately Muslim country. Ramadan is widely observed with many services closed during this period.


Public Holidays

Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in Iran.

Locations, local talent and supporting crew are inexpensive, relative to costs in the US and Western Europe.

The standard VAT rate in Iran, at the time of writing, is set at 9%.

Tax Incentives

At the time of writing, this country does not have any filming incentives. However, up-to-date information on global filming incentives may be found on the Entertainment Partners' Production Incentives Map.

At the time of writing, the UK does not have a trade agreement with this country. However, up-to-date information about UK trade agreements can be found on the GOV.UK website.