Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Karaj is a city located in the Alborz Province, close to Tehran, known for its proximity to the capital and access to mountainous regions. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1,700,000 people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speeds are around 10-20 Mbps, with some areas offering better connectivity. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 35,000 IRR. Bank Melli and Bank Sepah are available; however, international banking options may be limited. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally drinkable, but it's advisable to drink bottled or filtered water. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 220V, 50Hz, with Type C and F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | MCI (Irancell) and Hamrah-e-Aval are popular providers offering good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Cash is widely used; credit/debit cards may not be accepted internationally; ATMs are available in the city. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb and local rental services are available; expect prices to start around $200 a month for basic studios. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited. Cash transactions are more common; however, digital wallets are gaining popularity. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Short-term options available on Airbnb, with options starting from $20 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like 'Bam Hostel' offer beds starting from $10 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Downtown Karaj, near the Alborz Mountains, provides easy access to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The western neighborhoods, such as Golshahr, offer quieter environments with good internet access. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Spaces like 'Saba Coworking' provide flexible working spaces and networking opportunities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Niko is a well-known spot for remote work with Wi-Fi and comfortable seating. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local meetups are organized occasionally in cafes; it's recommended to check local social media groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups such as 'Karaj Expats' facilitate social events and meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Snapp and Tap30 are popular ride-hailing apps in Karaj. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available through local shops; however, formal bike-sharing services are limited. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The closest beach is around 60 km away on the Caspian Sea, accessible by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Iran Air operates domestic flights from Karaj to major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Mahan Air and Iran Air offer limited international flights from Tehran's Imam Khomeini Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Karaj is well-connected via the Tehran-Karaj Highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The central train station in Karaj connects to various cities and is accessible via public transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly bus passes are available, with buses covering the city comprehensively. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and taxis are available for travel to nearby cities like Qazvin and Tehran. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | The Imam Ali Hospital provides emergency and specialized medical care. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga studios like 'Yoga Zone' offer classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Options like 'Fitness Club' and 'Gold's Gym Karaj' cater to fitness enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available, with typical services costing around $5 per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Zoodfood and SnappFood provide convenient food delivery options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Chelo Kebab,' a traditional Persian dish that is a local favorite. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like 'Veggie House' cater to plant-based diets with a variety of options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Yas Cafe offers excellent Persian desserts, especially traditional sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local bazaars and markets are ideal for budget shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Digikala is the leading Iranian e-commerce platform for various products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Chaldal provides grocery delivery services in the area. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Karaj has limited nightlife options; cafes tend to close early. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol consumption is restricted in Iran; however, non-alcoholic options are widely available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine bars are not common due to local laws relating to alcohol. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food vendors are popular, serving local snacks like 'samosas' and 'biryani.' |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Local branches of international chains like KFC and Subway can be found in Karaj. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Alborz Mountain range nearby and the historic Imamzadeh Saleh shrine are major attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Karaj has several small museums, with local art representation. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Karaj Dam and surrounding gardens offer scenic views and historical significance. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Visit the Grand Mosque of Karaj for its stunning architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Alborz Cultural Festival takes place annually, showcasing local traditions. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Old Karaj features traditional architecture and local culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theaters often host cultural performances and plays. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Karaj Bazaar is a vibrant local market for shopping and experiencing local culture. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is available in certain cafes, focusing on Persian music genres. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art can be seen around the city, particularly in urban neighborhoods. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes are offered by local chefs to learn about Persian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local galleries showcase the work of Iranian artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The architecture in older parts of Karaj features traditional Persian styles. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Karaj has a rich cultural history and showcases Persian architectural heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Alborz mountains provide fantastic hiking opportunities and beautiful landscapes. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Golestan National Park is a famed national park within a few hours' drive. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Numerous trails are available in the mountainous areas around Karaj. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Vistas from the Alborz mountains offer breathtaking views, ideal for photography. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The mountainous areas are popular for birdwatching with diverse wildlife. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in the Alborz Mountains allow for bonfires during picnics. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Iran Post Service offers reliable local and national parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops provide mobile and laptop repair services, though parts may vary in availability. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis facilities available for locals. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language centers offer Persian language courses for expatriates. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Karaj has several public libraries providing a quiet atmosphere for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers organize various cultural and educational events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming cafes are available but are less popular than traditional cafes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is illegal in Iran; no casinos or gaming halls are allowed. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €40,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €32,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €72,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €60,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €80,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €72,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Unclear; investors should consult local tax laws. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Iranian tax basis is based on residency and local income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 9% standard VAT rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict regulations apply to foreign-controlled entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | An annual property tax based on rental income applies. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate is around 4%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax benefits for digital nomads; local laws should be adhered to. |