Foreign nationals are not required to obtain a visa in advance, for direct entry into the authorized arrival and departure points of the FTIZs. Law enforcement officials affix the respective residence permits on their valid documents in the points of arrival and departure in the FTIZs. Residence permits are issued for the duration of two weeks and may be renewed up to 6 months upon the proposal by the authority. Residence for a period exceeding six months is subject to the FTIZs’ Labor Law and regulations. However, to enter into the zones adjacent to the other parts of the country where direct entry is not possible, foreign nationals have to obtain an entry visa from the Iranian legations abroad. The foreign nationals who have entered the zones and intend to enter into the country can submit their application to the representative Section of Foreign Nationals’ Affairs located in the Police headquarters stationed in the Zone, which will consider the application and make their response within 48 hours.

The foreign nationals, who got a residence permit, do not have to obtain a separate visa to enter into the zones. Any foreign national who intends to reside in the said Zones is required, within the period of residence, to fill in and submit the forms relating to the entry and residence permit together with other necessary documents, to the Foreign Nationals Affairs Section of the Zone in which he/she intends to reside. The said authority having considered the applicant’s document will decide whether or not issue a residence permit.