Cost, timeline,
and currency — modelled
Three calculators we use internally with clients. Indicative outputs only — book a scoping call for binding numbers.
Modelled against live Iranian regulatory regimes
Free Zone Cost Estimator
Indicative USD setup + 3-year operating cost. Order-of-magnitude only — actual quotes depend on activity license, land tariff, and counsel fees.
Business Setup Timeline
Typical wholly-owned subsidiary in mainland Iran. Total ≈ 134 business days (~7 months). Some steps run in parallel.
FX / IRR Converter
Indicative conversion at NIMA reference rate (~IRR 580,000/USD). Not a quote — IRR markets carry a NIMA/free-market spread; check live rates before remittance.
Assumptions behind the numbers
Free-zone setup
Base figures derive from posted 2025 land, license and registration tariffs across the seven FTZs, blended with our actual client invoices over 2022–2025. Excludes capex, working capital and counsel retainers.
Operating cost
Annual run-rate estimates US$4.8k per local staff (loaded cost incl. SSO, payroll tax, basic benefits) plus 55% of setup as recurring overheads (office, utilities, license renewals). Excludes raw materials and logistics.
Setup timeline
Phase durations reflect median completion across mainland PrJSC, FIPPA-licensed and free-zone tracks in 2023–2025. FIPPA path adds 45–60 working days for OIETAI review.
FX conversion
NIMA reference rate refreshed periodically from CBI publications. Parallel-market rate shown for orientation only — investors should NEVER model business cases at parallel rates.
Sector multipliers
Manufacturing carries the highest multiplier (land + utilities + environmental); ICT the lowest (services-only license). Tourism varies by sub-segment.
Confidence interval
Outputs are order-of-magnitude (±25–35%). For bid-ready numbers we issue a fixed-fee scoping memo with binding figures.
When each calculator earns its keep
| Tool | Best for | Don't use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Free zone estimator | Comparing 2–3 zones for a defined activity; sizing the budget envelope for board approval. | Submitting binding numbers to a tender or financier — request a scoping memo instead. |
| Setup timeline | Sequencing the project plan, deciding when to hire local staff, when to start visa applications. | Promising regulators a hard deadline — OIETAI and ministry review windows can shift. |
| FX converter | Translating IRR pricing to USD/EUR for sense-checks and orientation only. | P&L modelling — use a documented base/upside/downside scenario set in your model. |
Need a binding model?
For board approvals, joint-venture negotiations or financier requirements we issue a fixed-fee scoping memo — a 12–20-page document with binding figures, sensitivity analysis, and a phased cash-flow schedule signed off by our analysts and reviewed by local counsel.
Typical turnaround is 7–10 working days. Models cover entry mode comparisons, FIPPA vs. mainland LLC vs. free-zone trade-offs, tax-leakage scenarios across treaty jurisdictions, and exit-route stress tests.
Request a scoping memoDecision-grade calculators, not marketing widgets
These tools surface order-of-magnitude costs and timelines that we refine into firm quotes during scoping. They are not a substitute for due diligence, but they get you to the right question 80% faster.
Indicative, not binding
Outputs are benchmarks from our recent mandate book. Real numbers depend on activity license, land tariff, FX execution venue, and counsel.
Updated quarterly
Free-zone base costs, FX reference, and timeline norms are refreshed each quarter against our active engagements.
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Frequently asked questions
How accurate is the free zone cost estimator?+
Within ±25% for a standard wholly-owned subsidiary. Sector-specific licensing (e.g. petrochemicals downstream, financial services) can move the figure materially. Always validate with a scoped quote.
Why does the timeline assume 4-5 months end-to-end?+
That is our observed median for a mainland Iran wholly-owned subsidiary with FX banking. Free-zone-only entities can complete in 8-10 weeks. Highly regulated sectors add 4-12 weeks for licensing.
Which FX rate should I budget at?+
For capital injection and regulated imports, budget at NIMA. For operational expenses paid locally, the free-market rate applies. We model both in the financial plan we produce during onboarding.
Can you run these calculators against my actual deal parameters?+
Yes — book a discovery call and we will produce a written cost & timeline memo with our internal models within 5 business days.