Gender Confirmation Surgery in Iran for Foreign Applicants

Gender confirmation surgery is one of the difficult and complex operations performed in many countries worldwide. In this operation, individuals whose gender identity does not align with their body undergo surgery to achieve their true gender identity. Iran, due to having professional and experienced physicians and using modern and advanced equipment, has been able to find a suitable position among other countries in the field of gender confirmation surgery. As a result, every year many people from other countries travel to Iran to undergo this procedure. Stay with us to learn more about this topic.

Legal Perspective Differences in Gender Confirmation in Iran, Turkey, Thailand, and Germany

Specific laws exist for gender confirmation in every country that individuals must comply with. Iran, Turkey, Thailand, and Germany are among the well-known countries in the field of gender confirmation surgery.

• In Iran, based on the fatwa of Imam Khomeini in 1980, gender confirmation surgery was accepted religiously. This operation is also acceptable to legal and medical institutions. The legal process for gender confirmation surgery in Iran includes psychiatric, hormonal, and genetic stages, as well as court and forensic medicine approval.
• In Turkey, gender confirmation surgery is also performed legally. Until a few years ago, the legal age for the operation was 18, which has been raised to a minimum of 25 years based on a draft of judicial reforms.
• Thailand is another popular country for gender confirmation surgery. Thailand has a kind of historical acceptance for gender identities, which has made it the first choice for many transgender individuals.
• In Germany, gender confirmation surgery is also legal, and some insurance companies even cover the costs of this operation. Otherwise, the cost of the surgery on the open market would be very high. The legal process for approving the operation in Germany is long and may take more than a few months.



Countries with the Highest Demand for Gender Confirmation

A significant portion of foreign applicants for gender confirmation surgery in Iran come from neighboring countries and the Persian Gulf region, such as Qatar, India, the UAE, and Pakistan.

In many Islamic countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia, gender confirmation surgery is either prohibited or associated with significant restrictions and challenges. Furthermore, in some of these countries, the medical equipment and the expertise of doctors are not up to the level required for complex and difficult gender confirmation surgeries.

Another point is that the cost of gender confirmation surgery in Iran is lower compared to neighboring countries, and many individuals from other countries travel to Iran to undergo an economic procedure at a lower cost.

Why is Iran One of the Few Islamic Countries Where Gender Confirmation is Permitted?

Among Islamic countries, the fatwa of many Shia Marja' al-Taqlids (Sources of Emulation) in Iran is that gender confirmation surgery is permissible and lawful as a treatment method for gender identity disorder. Furthermore, after undergoing gender confirmation surgery, the person is legally accepted in society and will receive valid identification documents with the new identity.

Although this operation is not covered by insurance, some charitable organizations provide financial assistance to these individuals. On the other hand, the high experience of surgeons and the use of advanced medical equipment have made Iran a popular country in the field of gender confirmation surgery.



Is Gender Confirmation Legal in Iran?

Gender confirmation surgery is completely legal in Iran, within defined frameworks. Individuals must be over 18 years old, and a psychiatric evaluation and hormonal tests must confirm that the person's gender identity does not truly align with their physical body and that the person needs surgery.

Is Gender Confirmation in Iran Possible for Foreign Applicants?

Yes. In recent years, Iran has become one of the health tourism hubs for performing gender confirmation surgery. Many medical tourism agencies in Iran, including Raadina Health Tourism, offer various services to international patients. These services include various items such as consultation, carrying out legal procedures and obtaining necessary permits, coordination with the doctor, performing necessary evaluations, hospital reservation, accommodation, and post-operative care.

Cost of Gender Confirmation Surgery in Iran

On average, the cost of gender confirmation surgery in Iran varies from about $1000 to $4000. This cost depends on various factors such as the type of surgery, the treatment center, the expertise and experience of the doctor, and ancillary services. The cost includes various items such as consultation and psychiatric session fees, medication, hospitalization costs, and surgery fees.

Conclusion

Iran is one of the few Islamic countries that performs gender confirmation surgery completely legally. Based on the fatwa of the Marja' al-Taqlids, this operation is also permissible in Iran from a religious perspective, and there is no objection if it is performed for the treatment of identity disorders. The specialist and experienced medical staff, the use of advanced medical equipment, and the low cost compared to other countries have made Iran a hub for performing gender confirmation surgery. Annually, many people from other countries travel to Iran for this operation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can foreign nationals undergo gender confirmation surgery in Iran?

Yes, this is possible. Currently, many medical tourism companies in Iran have facilitated the procedures for foreign nationals to perform this.

How much does gender confirmation cost in Iran for Arab applicants?

The cost of gender confirmation in Iran for Arab patients is about $6,000 to $12,000. The exact cost varies depending on the patient's condition, the expertise and experience of the doctor, and the treatment center.

Is a visa required for gender confirmation surgery in Iran?

Yes, foreign applicants must obtain a visa to undergo gender confirmation surgery in Iran. Health tourism companies will also assist applicants in this regard.

What is the best city in Iran for gender confirmation?

Tehran is considered the best city for gender confirmation in Iran due to having multiple and advanced treatment centers and collaborating with specialist doctors.

How many days should I stay in Iran for the surgery?

It is usually suggested that individuals stay in Iran for about two weeks. Around three to five days in the hospital and about ten days for the recovery period.

Are accommodation and translation services available for foreigners?

Yes, health tourism companies like Raadina handle all the necessary services for foreigners, from accommodation to translation, hotel reservation, and airport transfer.

Why is Iran one of the best countries for gender confirmation?

Religious and legal approval, along with the low cost of the operation and the support of medical tourism agencies, have made Iran one of the best countries for gender confirmation.