ID Codes

Every Iranian national is assigned a unique, 10-digit national identity number (Code Melli), essential for accessing services such as banking, medical care, education, and other administrative services. Since foreigners do not have such a code, there have been significant shortcomings in integrating them into the Iranian bureaucratic and administrative systems. This has resulted in a sense of exclusion and inefficiency in accessing these services.

Iran’s administrative systems are often characterised by their complexity and rigidity and foreigners are left encountering numerous obstacles when navigating these systems. One such challenge is the requirement for multiple identification codes, each serving different administrative purposes. This can become confusing and burdensome as it requires keeping track of several distinct identifiers and knowing when and where each one is supposed to be used.

Although there seems to be a plan to simplify this and implement a unified identification system that consolidates the various codes into a single, comprehensive ID, such reforms are far from being materialised and foreigners must continue to manage multiple codes.

Code Shenaseh Faragir

The Immigration Police in Iran issue a 16-digit code to every individual who legally enters the country. This Code Shenaseh Faragir is automatically generated at the point of entry, and a barcode label sticker containing the unique code is affixed to the passport. It is important that this label remains intact and is not removed. If such a label is not attached to the passport upon entry, it will be affixed when the residence permit is issued.

Code Yekta

Code Yekta is a unique identification number assigned to foreign nationals residing in Iran. It is intended to serve as the equivalent to the Code Melli of Iranian citizens. While it is anticipated that all foreign nationals will eventually require this code, it is currently being issued primarily to children, as it is needed for school registration.

Applying for a Code Yekta cannot be done online; it requires visiting a Foreign Nationals Support Office (Daftar Kifalat). An appointment must be scheduled with one of these offices (a downloadable list is available here). During the appointment, officials will verify the applicant’s passport and residence permit, collect biometric data, and charge a small fee before issuing the code a few days later. Typically, there will be two codes: one unique code for the individual and a family code shared by all family members. These codes will be printed on paper and given to the applicant, and should be kept in a safe place as they may be required by various institutions for different services.

Code Faragir

Yet another important code required for foreigners residing in Iran is the Code Faragir, also called Code Fida or Code Ikhtisasi. This 12-digit unique identifier is used by banks and other financial institutes for foreigners instead of the Code Melli and is required to open bank accounts and subsequently make financial transactions. Similar to the Code Yekta, this code is obtained from a Daftar Kifalat, so it would be convenient to request both simultaneously. Alternatively, banks or hawzahs may be able to assist in obtaining this code independently.

Other Codes

Driving Licence Melli ID

This code, issued by the Road Traffic Police, is for foreigners and functions like a Code Melli but is used specifically within the context of driving. It consists of a letter followed by 9 digits.

Vehicle Ownership Melli ID

Vehicle registration and ownership documents contain details about the make and model of the car, as well as personal details of the owner. This code, also issued by the Road Traffic Police, appears on these documents. Even if a foreigner already has a driving licence with a driving licence Melli ID, another distinct code, which looks exactly like the previous one, is issued to identify the foreign owner of the vehicle.

School Melli ID

Generated by the Ministry of Education, this code is for school-age children. It is used for school registration, ordering books and tracking a child’s progress.

Student Code

A student ID number is issued by some schools to each student. This is normally displayed on an identification card with the student’s picture.