Commercial Card

Commercial Card

Traders who are active in the economy and whose activities extend beyond Iran are required to obtain membership in the Chamber of Commerce to conduct their commercial affairs.

While all such individuals are members of the Chamber, those who engage in import and export activities must obtain a Commercial Card.

The authority responsible for issuing Commercial Cards is the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture. Any individual holding a Commercial Card is also considered a member of the Chamber of Commerce.

Issuance, Renewal, and Revocation of the Commercial Card

What Is a Chamber of Commerce Membership Card?

The Chamber of Commerce Membership Card is issued to traders who have registered in the commercial registry but do not intend to obtain a Commercial Card at present.

This card is issued by the relevant Chamber of Commerce branch in Tehran or in the city where the trader has legal residence. Issuance requires submission of an electronic application through the Chamber of Commerce system. The average processing period is approximately one month.

Guide to Registering for a Commercial Card

The process of obtaining a Commercial Card consists of two stages: an electronic application and an in-person follow-up. Applicants must visit the Chamber of Commerce’s official website and submit all required documents and information accurately and in full. The application is registered online but forwarded to the relevant provincial Chamber of Commerce for review.

It should be noted that issuance of the Commercial Card requires attendance at mandatory training courses, which cannot be completed without the applicant’s personal presence.

Differences between a Commercial Card and Chamber of Commerce membership may be categorized into three aspects:

• Tax obligations apply to the Commercial Card but not to basic membership.
• Certain documents are required for obtaining a Commercial Card, but not for membership.
• The scope and type of benefits differ between membership and Commercial Card status.

Advantages of the Commercial Card

• Membership in the Chamber of Commerce.
• Issuance of a Commercial Card.
• Issuance of certificates of origin.
• Processing of traders’ visa affairs.
• Handling of international commercial disputes.
• Access to business legal consultation.
• Authorization to engage in import and export activities.
• Registration of Latin trademarks.
• Customs brokerage activities.

An individual holding only a Chamber of Commerce membership is not permitted to register a Latin trademark or engage in import and export activities.

Another key distinction is that tax obligations apply to holders of a Commercial Card, whereas individuals with only membership status are not subject to such taxation.

Differences in Required Documents

For Natural Persons Applying for Membership

• Identification documents of the applicant.
• Certificate of no criminal record.
• Military service completion certificate.
• Recent passport-sized photograph.
• Minimum age of twenty-three.
• Completion of the membership application form.

For Legal Entities and Companies

• Identification documents of the managing director.
• Completed membership form signed by the managing director and stamped by the company.
• Official gazette publications of company registration and amendments.
• A recent photograph of the managing director.
• Military service completion certificate of the managing director.

Submission of documents proving the company’s economic activity, such as an establishment license or operating permit, is required.

Membership in the Chamber of Commerce is subject to payment of membership fees.

Required Documents for Obtaining a Commercial Card

For Legal Entities

• Articles of association.
• Company registration declaration or partnership agreement.
• Commercial and sealed accounting books.
• Valid tax clearance certificate.
• Ownership deed or official lease agreement for the company’s commercial or administrative premises.
• Identification documents of the managing director.
• Educational qualification certificate of the managing director.
• Military service completion certificate of the managing director.
• Certificate of no criminal record.
• Bank certificate confirming the company’s bank account.

For Natural Persons

• Valid identification documents.
• Educational qualification certificate.
• Military service completion certificate.
• Certificate of no criminal record.
• Economic code.
• Certificate confirming there are no restrictions on obtaining a Commercial Card.
• Declaration of commercial accounting books.
• Certificate of sealing of commercial accounting books.
• Bank certificate confirming the applicant’s bank account.

Note: Possession of an economic code, commercial accounting books, and a valid tax clearance certificate is mandatory for obtaining a Commercial Card, whereas these requirements are not mandatory for basic membership in the Chamber of Commerce.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Commercial Card