How to Appoint a Lawyer in Iran

How to Appoint a Lawyer in Iran for Iranians living abroad, managing legal matters back home—whether involving court cases, real estate, family disputes, or business contracts—often requires the formal appointment of a local lawyer in Iran. But to legally empower a lawyer in Iran to act on your behalf, you must issue a valid Power of Attorney (PoA) that meets Iranian legal standards.

This article provides a clear, step-by-step guide on how to appoint a lawyer in Iran from abroad, covering PoA formats, authentication through Iranian consulates, and how to avoid common legal pitfalls.in mjklawfirm

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What Is a Power of Attorney for Iran?

How to Appoint a Lawyer in Iran with a Valid Power of Attorney from Abroad A Power of Attorney is a formal legal document that grants authority to another person (your lawyer or agent) to act on your behalf in legal or administrative matters. In the Iranian legal system, a properly executed PoA can authorize your lawyer to:

  • Represent you in court proceedings
  • Sign contracts
  • Sell or purchase property
  • Handle inheritance or divorce matters
  • Register or manage businesses

If you live outside Iran, this document must be recognized as valid under both the laws of your current country and Iranian law.

How to Appoint a Lawyer in Iran

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Why Do Iranians Abroad Need a PoA?

Whether you’re dealing with a property inheritance in Tehran, a business contract in Shiraz, or a family court issue in Mashhad, Iranian institutions require legal representation to be properly documented. Without a notarized and consular-certified PoA, your Iranian lawyer cannot legally act on your behalf.

Legal Process for Issuing a Power of Attorney from Abroad

Step 1: Register on the MIKHAK System (سامانه میخک)

Go to the official MIKHAK portal of the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
 🔗 https://mikhak.mfa.ir

Create an account using your personal information, including:

  • Full name (as in passport)
  • National code (if you have one)
  • Passport number
  • Contact information and residence address abroad

🔐 Note: The MIKHAK system is only available in Persian and may require technical support or assistance from your Iranian lawyer or consular staff.

Step 2: Draft the Power of Attorney Online

After registration:

  • Log in to your account
  • Choose the type of Power of Attorney (legal, financial, court representation, etc.)
  • Fill in the form with:

    • Your lawyer’s name and Iranian national ID number
    • Specific powers to be granted (selling property, appearing in court, etc.)
    • Validity period (optional)

Once completed, the system generates a draft PoA and a tracking code.

Step 3: Book an Appointment at the Iranian Embassy/Consulate

With your tracking code in hand, book an appointment through the MIKHAK portal or the consulate’s website.

At the consulate:

  • Bring your valid ID/passport
  • Review and sign the PoA
  • Provide biometric data if required

The consulate digitally certifies the document within the MIKHAK system. There is no need for traditional notarization or legalization steps in your host country — the MIKHAK registration replaces all of that.

Iranian citizens who reside in North America can schedule a virtual meeting with the Iranian affairs section at the Pakistani consulate in Washington, D.C.

Step 4: Transmission to Iran and Registration

Once certified by the consulate:

  • The PoA is automatically sent to Iran via the MIKHAK platform.

  • Your lawyer or representative in Iran can retrieve the document from the Notary Public Office using the tracking number.

📌 No physical mailing is required anymore — everything is handled electronically.



How to Appoint a Lawyer in Iran

Format of PoA for Iranian Courts

If you intend to authorize a lawyer to appear in an Iranian court, your PoA must include:

  • Explicit authorization for judicial representation
  • Authority to appoint substitutes
  • Authority to appeal, object, and settle legal claims
  • Legal case number or type (if applicable)

📑 Note: A general PoA is insufficient for litigation unless it includes specific phrases like  (the right to appear before judicial authorities and defend the principal).






    Common Mistakes When Issuing a PoA for Iran

    ❌ Using informal or handwritten PoAs.

    ❌ Failing to notarize or legalize the document through the correct consulate

    ❌ Authorizing insufficient powers (e.g., property sale without bank access)

    ❌ Delays in sending original documents to Iran

    ❌ Assuming digital PoAs or scans are accepted (Iran requires a physical original)

    How Our Firm Helps You Appoint a Lawyer in Iran

    At MJK Law Firm, we regularly assist Iranians abroad with cross-border legal matters. Our services include:

    • Drafting custom bilingual PoAs tailored to your case
    • Guiding you through notarization and consular procedures in your country
    • Receiving and registering PoAs in Iran at Notary Offices
    • Providing legal representation in court, property transactions, and more

    By working with a trusted lawyer in Iran, you avoid costly mistakes, procedural delays, and unauthorized representations..

    How to Appoint a Lawyer in Iran

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    Do I still need to notarize the document in my country?

    No. The MIKHAK system eliminates the need for local notarization and consular legalization. The only official channel is through the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs system.

    ❓ Can I still write my own PoA and bring it to the consulate?

    No. All Power of Attorney documents for use in Iran must be generated and submitted via the MIKHAK system. Handwritten or manually prepared PoAs will not be accepted.

    ❓ Can my lawyer in Iran help me prepare the MIKHAK application?

    Yes. Many Iranian lawyers assist clients abroad by:

    • Providing the correct wording

    • Guiding you through the MIKHAK steps

    • Receiving the PoA in Iran for registration

    ❓ Can I authorize multiple people in one PoA?

    Yes, you can name multiple attorneys (e.g., a lawyer and a family member), but be clear about the scope of each person’s authority.

    ❓ Is a scanned or emailed PoA valid in Iran?

    No. Iranian authorities require the original certified copy to be submitted in person for official registration.

    ❓ How long is a PoA valid for?

    Unless specified, most PoAs are valid indefinitely. However, you can add a time limit if desired.

    ❓ Can I revoke the PoA later?

    Yes, revocation is possible through the Iranian notary system. We recommend doing so formally and notifying all parties involved.

    Final Thoughts

    Appointing a lawyer in Iran from abroad is entirely possible—but only if you follow the correct legal procedures for issuing and authenticating a Power of Attorney. With the right legal guidance, Iranians abroad can handle court cases, business deals, and property issues in Iran with peace of mind.

    ✅ Need Help?

    If you’re unsure how to draft or certify your Power of Attorney, or need legal representation in Iran, contact a Lawyer in Iran today. Our team at MJK Law Firm specializes in assisting Iranians abroad with trusted legal solutions—efficiently and professionally.

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