The Digital Wealth Makers foreign trade guide
What Is a Commercial Card and How to Obtain It?
The commercial card is your main licence to enter the world of international trade — without it you can't register an order, get foreign currency, or clear goods from customs. In this guide you'll learn step-by-step what a commercial card is, what types exist, what documents are required, and exactly how to obtain it from the Chamber of Commerce.
- Import & export
- Order registration
- Currency allocation
- Customs clearance
Applicant
Review & approval
Chamber of CommerceReview & approval
Commercial card
Commercial card
A commercial card is an official licence issued by the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture that allows its holder to engage in importing and exporting goods. This card is essentially your 'trade passport' — without it, no legal activity in foreign trade is possible.
Having a commercial card means you can register orders, get foreign currency allocation, clear goods through customs and manage export currency returns. Below we explain in detail what types this card has, what conditions are required to obtain it, and how the process itself unfolds.
The Digital Wealth Makers foreign trade guide
1Import & export
2Order registration
3Currency allocation
4Customs clearance
The Digital Wealth Makers foreign trade guide
Types of commercial cards
A commercial card is not a single title — depending on your field of activity and legal personality, it falls into several categories.
Real-person commercial card
Issued to natural persons. Requirements include being at least 23 years old, having a valid office or place of business and submitting a tax return.
Legal-entity commercial card
Issued to registered companies. Company documents including articles of association, official gazette and establishment notice must be provided. Board members must hold Chamber of Commerce membership cards.
Manufacturing commercial card
Specific to manufacturing units. The holder can import raw materials and production line machinery and export the finished product. It usually enjoys more tax exemptions.
Services commercial card
For companies active in technical services, engineering, international transport and tourism. Its scope of activity is limited to the services sector.
The Digital Wealth Makers foreign trade guide
Steps to obtain a commercial card
From preparing documents to receiving your card — six simple steps that usually take between 2 and 4 weeks.
01Prepare initial documents
Prepare identity documents (for natural persons: national ID card and birth certificate / for companies: articles of association, official gazette and latest changes notice), tax return, certificate of no criminal record, and proof of office or place of business.
02Join the Chamber of Commerce
A prerequisite for obtaining a commercial card is membership in the Chamber of Commerce. For legal entities, all board members must hold membership cards. The annual membership fee is calculated based on registered capital.
03Register in the Comprehensive Trade System
Register at ntsw.ir. Upload your identity information, company documents and trade activity details. You'll receive a username and password needed for all subsequent steps.
04Pay fees and submit application
The commercial card issuance fee is paid to the Chamber of Commerce (the amount is approved annually by the Chamber's Board of Representatives). After payment, register your formal application together with the uploaded documents.
05Document review & approval
Chamber of Commerce experts review your documents. If any documents are missing, you'll be notified through the system. After final approval, the file is prepared for card issuance.
06Receive your commercial card
After final approval, your commercial card is issued. This card is usually valid for one year and must be renewed annually. You can collect the physical card from the Chamber of Commerce or download the electronic version from the system.
The Digital Wealth Makers foreign trade guide
Documents required for a commercial card
Depending on whether you are a natural or legal person, the following documents must be provided. Note that documents must be valid and up-to-date.
Identity documents
National ID card and birth certificate for natural persons. For CEOs and board members of companies, national ID cards and birth certificates are also mandatory.
Tax return
Submission of the previous year's tax return or a certificate of tax exemption. For legal entities, audited financial statements are also required.
Certificate of no criminal record
For the applicant (natural person) or the company CEO (legal entity). This certificate is issued by the police +10 or electronic judicial service offices.
Proof of place of business
Title deed or official lease agreement for the office or place of business. The location must match the company's registered address or place of activity.
Company documents (for legal entities)
Articles of association, official gazette of establishment, latest company changes notice (directors, capital, address), and board resolution requesting the commercial card.
Fee payment receipt
Receipt of Chamber of Commerce membership fee and card issuance fee. Amounts vary based on card type and registered capital and are updated annually.
The Digital Wealth Makers foreign trade guide
Validity & renewal of the commercial card
A commercial card isn't valid forever — you must renew it every year, and if your activity ceases, you must cancel the card.
One-year validity
The commercial card is valid for one year from the date of issue. For renewal, you must apply at least one month before expiry.
Annual renewal
The renewal process is simpler than the initial application. Just pay the new year's membership fee and upload updated documents (new tax return).
Card cancellation
If you no longer engage in trade or the company is dissolved, you must cancel the card through the system. An expired card that isn't cancelled may create tax liabilities.
Commercial card in numbers
- Steps to get the card
- 0
- Types of commercial cards
- 0
- Year validity
- 0
- Days to issuance
- 0
Steps to get the card
Types of commercial cards
Year validity
Days to issuance
Frequently asked questions
Can I import goods without a commercial card?
No. A commercial card is the legal prerequisite for any foreign trade activity in Iran — without it you can't register an order, get currency or clear goods. Even for free-zone imports, a commercial card is sometimes required.
Who can obtain a commercial card?
Two groups: natural persons (individuals over 23 with legal capacity) and legal entities (registered companies). For legal entities, all board members must hold Chamber of Commerce membership cards.
How much does a commercial card cost?
The exact fee is determined and announced annually by the Board of Representatives of the Iran Chamber of Commerce. This amount includes the annual membership fee and card issuance cost, and differs for natural and legal persons and based on registered capital (for companies). Check the Chamber of Commerce website for the current tariff.
How long is a commercial card valid?
A commercial card is valid for one year from the date of issue. For renewal, you must upload updated documents and pay the new year's membership fee at least one month before expiry. If not renewed on time, the card becomes inactive.
Can I import all types of goods with a commercial card?
No. The commercial card is only a general trade activity licence. For certain goods (such as pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, chemicals, cosmetics, telecom equipment) you need separate permits from the relevant ministries. Also, prohibited goods cannot be imported at all.
Ready to get your commercial card?
With Servat Land, follow the path to obtaining your commercial card and starting international trade in one place — from document consultation to order registration and customs clearance.