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Iran to offer visas for startups

The purpose of the visa is to attract foreign investment and innovation to Iran. The Iranian economy has been struggling recently for several reasons, including government mismanagement and US sanctions.

Iran tech
An Iranian man reads a statement on his smartphone in the capital Tehran on June 23, 2021. — AFP via Getty Images

Iran is offering a visa aimed at attracting startups, innovation and foreign investment. 

The visa is for “innovators and startup managers who are keen on investing in Iran,” the official Islamic Republic News Agency reported Wednesday. 

Individuals who receive the visa can stay in the country from three to six months and will then be eligible to receive residency. Grantees will be expected to establish their business in Iran. The visa regimen was approved late last year, according to the agency. 

Why it matters: The visa move is the latest attempt by the Islamic Republic to fix the ailing economy. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei acknowledged the poor economic situation in a speech this week, specifically mentioning high inflation. He said that solving the issue immediately is “not realistic.” The ayatollah added that the government is focused on job creation. 

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