Obtaining a Commercial Card: The Gateway to Global Trade

In today’s dynamic world, the growth and sustainability of businesses hinge on expanding operations and entering international markets. Trade— the modern, evolved form of the age-old concept of commerce— is divided into two main branches: domestic and foreign. For activity in domestic markets, obtaining guild (sector) permits suffices; but to open the gates of global trade and operate in the realm of export and import, you need one key, vital license: the Commercial Card.

Obtaining a Commercial Card is the first and most essential step for any natural person (individual) or legal person (company) that intends to play a lawful role in the global supply chain. Although the process involves administrative and technical complexities, it is a strategic investment in your business’s future. In this comprehensive guide, as specialists in commercial affairs and SEO, we lay out all aspects— from basic definitions and legal requirements to procedural steps and technical tips— precisely and practically, so you can proceed with confidence, armed with full information.

What is a Commercial Card, and what place does it have in Iran’s trade ecosystem?

A Commercial Card is an official document— your trade identity at the international level. This license is issued by the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture and its provincial branches, and is ultimately approved by the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade (MIMT). In fact, this card authorizes its holder— whether a natural person (individual) or a legal person (company)— to engage in cross-border commercial activities such as exporting and importing goods, order registration, currency allocation, clearing goods from the country’s customs, and participating in international exhibitions.

Having this card is not only a legal requirement but also a competitive advantage that boosts your credibility with foreign business partners, banks, and government entities.

Validity and types of Commercial Card

Commercial Cards are issued with different validity periods based on the applicant type and conditions:

1. Commercial Card with 1-year validity: This is the standard type for all natural and legal persons applying for the first time or those who do not qualify for long-term renewal.

2. Commercial Card with 2- to 5-year validity: This special privilege is granted to natural or legal persons who hold a valid operating license from one of the production ministries (such as the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade). This option is available upon the applicant’s request and after verification of conditions, and it reflects the stability and continuity of their production-commercial activity.

Complete checklist of documents required to obtain a Commercial Card

The process of obtaining a Commercial Card begins with gathering accurate, complete documents. Any shortfall at this stage can lead to wasted time and financial resources. Below is the full list of documents, separated for natural persons and legal persons.

Documents required for natural persons (individuals)

The conditions and documents required for natural-person traders vary slightly depending on their activity history.

For first-year traders (new applicants):

• Identity documents: A clear image of the smart national ID card, all pages of the birth certificate, the military service completion card or permanent exemption for men, and the most recent academic degree.

• Information in English: Full first and last name and the exact postal address in English (these details must be typed by the applicant in a Word file and submitted to prevent any errors).

• Postal and location information: The exact postal code of the place of activity (commercial or office).

• Legal and tax documents:

  • Commercial books registration declaration: A document that is registered and obtained through the State Organization for Registration of Deeds and Properties portal (ssaa.ir).

  • Sealing (plomb) number of statutory books: After registering the journal and general ledger books in the above system, the sealing number is issued.

  • Tax file code (economic code): Obtained from the Iranian National Tax Administration.

  • Workshop insurance code: If you have employees, this code is obtained from the Social Security Organization.

• Supplementary information:

  • Card activity scope: Precisely determine the lines of activity within which you intend to operate.

  • Electronic signature token (digital signature certificate): A vital tool for identity verification in government systems.

  • Certificate of no criminal record: Obtainable online from the Adl Iran portal (adliran.ir).

  • Headshot: A recent 3×4 photo with a white background.

  • Specimen signature: A sample signature on a white sheet of paper.

  • Contact information: A mobile number that is active and registered in the applicant’s own name, and a valid email address.

  • Bank account: A current (checking) or SAYAD account number in the applicant’s name.

For traders with more than one year of activity (renewal or experienced applicants):

In addition to all the above, the following documents are also mandatory:

• Tax return: If the first fiscal year has ended, submission of the first page and the profit & loss table of that year’s tax return is required. If more than one year has passed, the tax return for the most recent fiscal year is needed.

• Tax assessment or final tax notice: Submission of the assessment notice or final determination of tax on performance for the last fiscal year that has reached finality.

Documents required for legal persons (companies)

Due to the more complex legal structure, the process for companies requires more documentation.

• Identity documents of directors: Images of the national ID card, birth certificate, academic degree, and military service completion/exemption card for the managing director (CEO) and all authorized signatories of the company.

• Company registration documents:

  • Official Gazette notices: The incorporation notice, the most recent board of directors change notice, and the most recent notices of address and registered capital changes.

  • Articles of association.

  • Company registration declaration.

• Tax and insurance documents:

  • Company tax file code.

  • Tax returns for years of activity.

  • Tax assessment or final tax notices for the last 5 years of the company’s activity (if any).

  • List of insured employees: The latest list submitted to the Social Security Organization.

• Information and images:

  • Specimen signatures of the managing director and authorized signatories.

  • Managing director’s headshot.

  • Company seal and company logo (if any).

  • Company’s full name in Finglish (English): Note that on the Commercial Card, the company name is printed exactly as in the Official Gazette and without any translation, abbreviation, or shortening.

• Electronic and banking information:

  • Managing director’s electronic signature token.

  • Commercial books registration declaration and the sealing number of the statutory books.

  • Current account number in the company’s name.

  • Official company email and website address (if any).

• Shareholder information: A complete list of shareholders along with each one’s percentage of shares.

Procedural steps and the systems involved in obtaining a Commercial Card

Obtaining a Commercial Card is a fully electronic process carried out through interaction with several government portals. Knowing these systems and their functions is the key to success along this path.

1. State Organization for Registration of Deeds and Properties (ssaa.ir):
   Use: This portal is your first stop. Here you must register the declaration for commercial books and then request the sealing of the statutory books (journal and general ledger). Sealing ensures that financial records cannot be tampered with and is one of the main prerequisites for creating a tax file and obtaining a Commercial Card.

2. Adl Iran portal (adliran.ir):
   Use: For obtaining the certificate of no criminal record. A prerequisite for using this portal is registering in the Sana system (electronic judiciary registration).

3. General Electronic Certification Issuance Center (gica.ir):
   Use: This portal is for initial registration and obtaining a tracking code to issue the electronic signature token. After registering and receiving the code, you must visit one of the designated notary offices (their list is on the same site) with your national card to receive your physical token.

4. Iran National Single Window for Trade (ntsw.ir):
   Use: This portal is the beating heart of the country’s foreign trade and serves as the main gateway. The initial request to issue a Commercial Card, its renewal, and many other processes such as order registration and currency allocation are handled here. This platform provides integrated connectivity among the trader, customs, the Central Bank, and the Tax Administration.

5. National Business Licensing Portal (mojavez.ir):
   Use: Operated under the supervision of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance, this portal functions as a single window for issuing business licenses, and part of the process of applying for a Commercial Card is also followed through it.

Key points, warnings, and expert recommendations

Our experience in commercial affairs shows that awareness of certain points can prevent major problems and unforeseen expenses.

• Realistic timeline: For first-time applicants, the process of issuing a Commercial Card takes on average 2 to 3 months. Factor this time into your business planning.

• Serious warning: Renting out a Commercial Card is a crime! Transferring or renting a Commercial Card to others for import operations is a serious customs and tax violation and can lead to judicial cases, large tax liabilities, and even imprisonment for the cardholder. Responsibility for all operations carried out with the card lies directly with its owner.

• Agency/service contract— your defensive shield: If you intend to cooperate with other companies to use your card, be sure to sign an official work or agency contract. All details, responsibilities, and costs (including customs value-added tax) must be precisely stipulated in this contract.

• Managing director’s liability: Remember that even if the managing director is not a shareholder or an authorized signatory, he/she bears legal responsibility for the Commercial Card issued in the company’s name and for all operations related to it.

• Renewal process: If no changes have occurred in the company’s information (members, address, etc.), the renewal process is faster and usually takes 2 to 3 weeks.

• Clearing goods during renewal: An important technical note: If your goods are in customs, their documents have been declared and their SATAI code has been issued, but your Commercial Card’s validity has expired and is in the renewal process, you can clear the goods by paying the relevant duties.

Why should you entrust the process of obtaining a Commercial Card to specialists?

As you have seen, obtaining a Commercial Card is a multi-faceted path with numerous technical and legal details. Interfacing with multiple portals, preparing precise documentation, and staying up to date on the latest laws and circulars require expertise and experience.

Our services in this area include:

• Initial expert consultation: Assessing your situation and recommending the best course (natural person or legal person).

• Preparing and reviewing the document checklist: Ensuring all documents are complete and flawless before the process begins.

• Completing all system registrations: Registration and follow-up in ssaa.ir, ntsw.ir, mojavez.ir, and other required platforms.

• Guidance for obtaining the electronic signature token.

• Continuous case tracking: Following up your case status at the Chamber of Commerce and other organizations until the final result.

• Saving time and costs: Preventing common mistakes that lead to rejection and prolongation of the process.

Entering the arena of global trade requires a solid legal foundation. Allow us— with our expertise and experience— to build this foundation for you in the strongest possible way.

To receive specialized consultation and begin the process of obtaining your Commercial Card, contact our experts today.