If you live in Canada and need something done in Iran — selling property, pursuing an inheritance claim, closing a bank account, or handling a court matter — the usual way to make that possible without traveling is a power of attorney (وکالتنامه) authorizing someone in Iran to act on your behalf.
How a power of attorney is issued from Canada
A power of attorney intended for use in Iran is normally arranged in one of two ways: through the Iranian consulate or embassy in Canada, or — where the specific service is available — through Iran’s electronic authentication systems, such as the ثنا (Sana) platform. Either route produces a document that Iranian authorities, courts, and registries will recognize.
Why the wording matters
A power of attorney needs to specifically state what the person in Iran is authorized to do — sign a sale agreement, receive or pay a specific sum, appear in court, register a document — rather than using vague, general language. A power of attorney drafted too broadly or too narrowly is one of the most common causes of delay: registries and courts in Iran may reject a document that doesn’t clearly cover the exact action being taken.
Common situations that require one
- Selling or transferring property in Iran
- Pursuing an inheritance matter on behalf of an heir who cannot travel
- Authorizing a lawyer to pursue a court case or debt claim in Iran
- Closing or managing a bank account in Iran
Revoking an existing power of attorney
A power of attorney can also be revoked from Canada if circumstances change, though the process depends on whether the original document was drafted as revocable or irrevocable. This is worth confirming before signing a new power of attorney to replace an old one.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to go to the Iranian consulate in person?
Often yes, though some consular services can be booked and partly completed online — this depends on the consulate and the type of authorization needed.
Can one power of attorney cover several different matters?
It can, but combining unrelated matters into one document can make it harder for a registry or court to process; a lawyer can advise on whether to split it into separate documents.
How long is a power of attorney valid?
This depends on how it’s drafted — some are open-ended, others expire after a set period or once the stated task is completed.
This page is part of OLAW’s broader guide to Iran-related legal services for Canadian residents, which also covers inheritance, property, and divorce recognition matters.
To have a power of attorney reviewed or drafted for a specific matter in Iran, call +1 647 283 9003 or submit a consultation request.