Tehran: what to see and whether to move there

What is happening in 2026

Tehran is the capital of Iran, a metro area of about 15 million at the foot of the Alborz mountains. In June 2025 Israel and the US struck targets in Iran, including Tehran, and the situation in the region remains tense. Many countries advise against travel to Iran. International sanctions weigh on the economy, the rial is losing value, and foreign bank cards do not work in the country.

We do not recommend considering Tehran for relocation. This page is for those with family or business ties here who need the practical rules.

Entry

• Russian citizens in tourist groups need no visa for up to 15 days once every six months under an agreement between the countries;
• rules for individual trips, work and study change, so check the visa type before each trip;
• the passport must not contain Israeli visas or stamps, or entry will be refused.

Money and communications

Because of sanctions, foreign bank cards do not work in Iran, so travel money is brought in cash in dollars or euros and exchanged locally, and tourists can use local prepaid cards. The official and market rates of the rial differ greatly. Many foreign websites and messengers are blocked, and mobile internet is sometimes restricted.

Rules and daily life

Women must wear a headscarf and modest clothing in public, alcohol is banned, and public displays of affection are not accepted. Friday is the day off. The city is huge, with heavy traffic and smog, but also a metro, mountains to the north and a big bazaar.

What to see

Golestan Palace, a World Heritage site, the Grand Bazaar, the jewellery museum with royal treasures, the Azadi Tower and the cable car to the mountains above the city. From Tehran people travel to Isfahan, Shiraz and Yazd, the country's main historic cities.

If you have family or business in Iran

Business ties with Iran are complicated by sanctions: transfers, payments and logistics go through a limited set of intermediaries, and breaching sanctions regimes can cause problems in other countries. For a family to live nearby, the UAE or Turkey, a short flight away, are safer options.

Districts and climate

North Tehran at the foot of the mountains, with the districts of Tajrish, Niavaran and Elahieh, is greener, cooler and pricier, with embassies and business centres. The south is the historic centre with the bazaar and government buildings, denser and cheaper. The climate is dry: hot summers and cold winters with snow in the mountains, where ski resorts operate, and heavy smog in autumn and winter.

Healthcare and transport

Tehran's private clinics are good and inexpensive, and the country is known for medical tourism, but sanctions cause shortages of some medicines and equipment. The metro covers most of the city and is cheap, and taxis are ordered through local apps.

Work and study for foreigners

Foreigners work in Iran mainly on contracts in energy, construction and engineering, often through companies from countries cooperating with Iran. Tehran's universities accept foreign students, especially in medical and technical programmes, at low cost. Work and study visas are obtained in advance by invitation.

Is the city worth considering

No. The risk of new strikes, sanctions, non-working foreign cards, internet restrictions and strict public rules make Tehran unsuitable for relocation. For life in the region, the UAE or Turkey are calmer.