Iranian Consular Services

Canada and Iran have had no diplomatic relations since 2012, and there is no Iranian embassy or consulate in Canada. As a result, Iranians living in Ontario often need help preparing documents for use in Iran, or understanding Iranian documents they need to use here. Zarei Legal Services assists clients in Thornhill, Toronto and across the GTA, in Persian (Farsi) and English, combining Ontario notary services with our team’s background as lawyers trained in Iran.

Who Handles Iranian Consular Matters for People in Canada?

Consular services for Iranian nationals living in Canada are handled by the Interests Section of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Washington, D.C., which operates within the Embassy of Pakistan, together with the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ online e-consular system, known as Mikhak (سامانه میخک). Most requests are now started online and completed through identity verification, video interviews and courier. Requirements, fees and processing times are set by these authorities and change frequently, so it is important to confirm the current rules before you begin.

How We Can Help

• Powers of attorney (vekalat-nameh) for use in Iran: help preparing the request on the Mikhak system, choosing the correct type, and reviewing the wording so the power of attorney does exactly what you need, whether for property, inheritance, banking, divorce or other matters.
• Notarization and certified true copies of Canadian documents that you need to send to Iran.
• Affidavits and statutory declarations, such as declarations of marital status, commissioned by a Commissioner for Taking Affidavits.
• Authentication guidance for Ontario documents through Ontario’s Official Documents Services, and guidance on the further legalization steps that may be required for Iran.
• Explaining Iranian legal documents, including marriage and divorce certificates, mahr (mehriyeh), wills and inheritance documents, so you understand how they may apply in Ontario.
• Guidance on online applications to Iranian authorities through the Mikhak system.

Using Ontario Documents in Iran

Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention in January 2024, but Iran is not a party to the Convention. This means an apostille is not available for documents going to Iran. Instead, documents usually follow the traditional process:

1. Notarization: where required, the document is signed or certified before an Ontario notary public.
2. Authentication: Ontario-issued and Ontario-notarized documents are authenticated by Ontario’s Official Documents Services; federal documents are authenticated by Global Affairs Canada.
3. Legalization: the Iranian consular authority may need to legalize the authenticated document before it is accepted in Iran.

Because each document and each office in Iran may have different requirements, we recommend confirming the exact requirements with the receiving authority before you start.

Powers of Attorney for Use in Iran

A power of attorney is often the most important document Iranians abroad need, for example to sell or manage property, deal with an inheritance, or handle banking and court matters in Iran. In most cases it can now be completed from Canada through the Mikhak system, without travelling. Some types, such as those involving the sale of real estate, may have additional requirements. Because a broadly worded power of attorney can give someone wide authority over your affairs, we review the scope and wording carefully with you before it is submitted.

Important to Know

• Zarei Legal Services is an independent Ontario practice. We are not affiliated with the Government of Iran, the Iranian Interests Section or the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and we do not issue Iranian government documents.
• Government and consular fees are separate from our professional fees.
• Processing times are set by the issuing authorities and are outside our control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an Iranian embassy or consulate in Canada?

No. Iran’s embassy in Ottawa closed in 2012. Iranian nationals in Canada generally use the Interests Section in Washington, D.C. and the Mikhak online system.

Can I sign a power of attorney for Iran without travelling?

In most cases, yes. Powers of attorney for use in Iran can usually be requested online through the Mikhak system and completed with remote identity verification. We can help you prepare the request and review the wording.

Can I get an apostille for a document going to Iran?

No. Iran is not a member of the Apostille Convention, so documents for Iran usually require notarization, authentication and, where required, legalization instead.

Do you offer these services in Persian?

Yes. All of our Iranian consular and document services are available in Persian (Farsi) and English. Remote appointments are also available for many services; see our article on remote notary public services in Ontario.

Need help with a document for Iran? Contact us to book a consultation in Persian or English. Call (416) 500-2891 or send us a message.

This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Iranian consular requirements change frequently; always confirm current requirements with the relevant authority.