Ultimate Guide to Coworking Spaces in Iran (2025)

What is a Coworking Space and Why It Matters in Iran

Coworking spaces are shared work environments where entrepreneurs, freelancers, startups, and even corporate teams rent flexible desks or offices. Unlike traditional offices, they provide a community-driven atmosphere, professional facilities, and short-term commitments. Globally, coworking has fueled the rise of the freelance economy and startup ecosystems — and Iran is no exception.

In the past decade, coworking in Iran has transformed from a niche experiment to a thriving industry. As of 2025, there are around 139 coworking spaces across the country, representing nearly 6% growth since 2023. Most are independently owned, with only a handful tied to larger brands. The average age of a coworking space is three years, reflecting how young and dynamic the sector is.

The Rise of Shared Workspaces

Coworking in Iran gained traction after 2015, as startups and freelancers sought affordable, flexible alternatives to traditional offices. Economic pressures, sanctions, and the rise of digital platforms accelerated this demand. Today, coworking hubs are not just workspaces — they are centers of innovation, networking, and professional growth.

Growth of Coworking Culture in Iran

Cities like Tehran, Isfahan, Mashhad, Hormozgan, and Khuzestan now host vibrant coworking scenes. In Tehran especially, coworking has become a backbone of the startup ecosystem, attracting young professionals, creative freelancers, and tech entrepreneurs. 

FabFactory (Tehran)

FabFactory is more than just a coworking space — it is a startup growth platform. Known for its focus on design, prototyping, and production, it combines workspace facilities with access to creative tools. Startups in consumer products, hardware, and digital design often find a home here.

Haftohasht Innovation Studio (Tehran)

Haftohasht offers a community-centered coworking experience. It’s particularly popular among creative professionals and early-stage founders who want collaborative spaces. The studio frequently hosts events, workshops, and networking meetups.

Zavie (Tehran)

With over 1,000 square meters of space and 200+ members, Zavie is one of Tehran’s largest coworking hubs. It provides both long-term private offices and flexible desk options, catering to startups scaling their teams as well as independent freelancers.

Dayhim (Tehran)

Dayhim is designed for freelancers and small teams, offering flexible plans and frequent community events. Its atmosphere is casual yet professional, ideal for digital nomads and creatives.

Ozone (Qazvin)

Located near Qazvin’s Azad University, Ozone is a collaboration hub for students and entrepreneurs. With its modern facilities and proximity to academic talent, it bridges the gap between education and entrepreneurship.

Paradise Hub (Hormozgan)

Paradise Hub represents the spread of coworking culture beyond Tehran. It has become a regional hub for startups and freelancers in Hormozgan, offering community-driven events and business support.

Other Notable Examples

Other emerging spaces include Done Co in Tehran (featuring a podcast studio and café), and smaller community hubs in Isfahan and Mashhad, which are beginning to foster their own coworking ecosystems.

Facilities and Pricing of Coworking Spaces in Iran

Common Amenities Offered

Most coworking spaces in Iran provide:

• High-speed internet
• Meeting rooms and event halls
• Cafés and communal lounges
• Printing and office equipment
• Access to mentors and training workshops

Some, like FabFactory, also include design labs and prototyping tools, making them unique among regional coworking hubs.

Pricing Models and Membership Options

Coworking spaces in Iran typically use flexible pricing models:

• Day passes for freelancers or travelers.
• Monthly memberships for individual desks.
• Private office rentals for startups with growing teams.

Exact prices vary and are not always publicly listed, but coworking is significantly cheaper than renting a private office, especially in Tehran where commercial real estate costs are high.

Cost Comparison: Coworking vs Traditional Offices

Traditional office leases in Tehran often require long-term contracts, heavy deposits, and cover maintenance costs. In contrast, coworking spaces bundle utilities, internet, and amenities into one monthly fee, making them cost-effective for early-stage companies and freelancers.

Coworking and Iran’s Startup Ecosystem

Supporting Freelancers and Remote Workers

The rise of remote work and freelancing has been a key driver of coworking’s growth. Spaces like Zavie and Dayhim are designed with independent workers in mind, offering flexible schedules and creative networking opportunities.

Coworking’s Role in Startup Growth and Innovation

Coworking hubs provide more than desks:

• They connect startups with mentors and investors.
• They host demo days, workshops, and hackathons.
• They create clusters of talent, allowing startups to share ideas and resources.

In this way, coworking spaces function as mini innovation hubs, integrated into Iran’s broader entrepreneurial ecosystem alongside incubators and accelerators.

Key Trends in Coworking in Iran (2025)

Hybrid Work and Digital Nomads

The global shift toward hybrid work models is evident in Iran as well. Many companies allow part-time office presence, making coworking a flexible solution. Digital nomads — especially within the tech sector — are increasingly choosing Tehran’s coworking hubs.

Post-Pandemic Workplace Evolution

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated demand for coworking. With traditional offices disrupted, startups and freelancers turned to coworking for short-term stability. This trend remains strong in 2025, positioning coworking as a long-term solution.

Challenges and Opportunities for Coworking in Iran

Regulatory Hurdles and Licenses

Coworking operators often face unclear regulations around licensing and operation. Navigating legal frameworks is a challenge, particularly for spaces linked to international investors.

Cultural and Economic Barriers

Some professionals still view coworking as less “formal” than traditional offices. Additionally, Iran’s broader economic challenges affect the ability of startups and freelancers to pay for memberships consistently.

Growth Potential in Secondary Cities

While Tehran leads the coworking market, cities like Isfahan, Mashhad, and Qazvin show significant potential. As remote work spreads, coworking spaces in regional hubs will likely grow.

Future Outlook: Where Iran’s Coworking Market is Headed

The coworking industry in Iran is still young, but its trajectory is promising. With 139 spaces nationwide and steady growth, it is set to become an integral part of Iran’s startup and freelance economy. Expansion into secondary cities, integration with innovation parks, and adoption of hybrid work models will continue to fuel demand.

If current growth continues, coworking spaces will play a vital role in Iran’s knowledge economy, empowering young entrepreneurs, freelancers, and digital nomads to collaborate and thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of coworking spaces in Tehran?
Prices vary, but coworking spaces are generally cheaper than traditional offices. Flexible monthly plans and day passes are common.

What are the best coworking spaces in Iran?
Some leading spaces include FabFactory, Haftohasht, Zavie, Ozone, Paradise Hub, and Dayhim.

How do coworking spaces help freelancers in Iran?
They provide affordable, flexible desks, internet, and community events, helping freelancers network and grow professionally.

Are coworking spaces cheaper than traditional offices in Iran?
Yes. Traditional offices require long leases and deposits, while coworking offers bundled services at a fraction of the cost.

What are the main challenges for coworking in Iran?
Regulatory hurdles, economic pressures, and cultural preferences for traditional offices remain challenges, but the market is expanding.