Iranian Power of Attorney (Vekalatnameh)

What It Is

A Vekalatnameh is a notarized Power of Attorney that authorizes someone in Iran to act on your behalf for official transactions — from selling property to managing a bank account to representing you in court. For Iranians living abroad, a POA is often the only practical way to handle matters in Iran without traveling there in person.

Why a General Power of Attorney Is a Bad Idea

It's tempting to sign one broad, all-purpose POA and hand over full authority so your representative can "handle everything." In practice, this is one of the most common and damaging mistakes people make. A general or irrevocable POA gives its holder sweeping control over your assets and affairs — which means that if that trust is misplaced or abused, you may have very limited ability to undo the damage. Iranian authorities have also moved away from accepting broad, catch-all POAs, and now require the document to be specific to the task at hand.

What "Specific" Actually Means

A properly drafted POA needs to spell out exactly what the agent is authorized to do, and for what. Examples:

• •Selling or managing a rental property: The POA must state the exact title deed number and address of the property. It cannot cover "all properties" — a separate POA is needed for each one.
• •Managing a bank account: The POA must include the exact account number and clearly state what actions are authorized (e.g., withdrawals, transfers, closing the account).
• •Handling a matter at a government office: The POA must name the specific office, the specific task, and the specific case being followed up on.
• •Inheritance and estate matters: The POA should specify the estate, the property or assets involved, and the exact scope of authority the representative has to act on the heir's behalf.
• •Court or legal representation: The POA should identify the specific case or legal proceeding the representative is authorized to act in.

Why It Matters

Narrowly scoped POAs protect you in two ways: they limit the damage possible if something goes wrong, and they're what Iranian consular and government offices actually require for the document to be accepted and processed without delay.

How the Process Works for Iranians Abroad

1. 1The POA is drafted in bilingual Farsi and English, specifying the exact powers being granted.
2. 2The application is registered through the Mikhak system.
3. 3The document is authenticated through the Iranian Interests Section in Washington, D.C., which notarizes it for use in Iran.
4. 4The completed, notarized POA can then be used by your representative for the specific matter it names — at a property registry, bank, court, or government office.

What to Watch For

Never grant unlimited or irrevocable full power of attorney (وکالت بلاعزل تام‌الاختیار). If someone asks you to sign a broad POA "to make things easier," that's a signal to slow down and have it redrafted to name the specific property, account, or matter involved.