Dual Citizenship In Azerbaijan: Is It Allowed?

Azerbaijan does not recognize dual citizenship, and acquiring the citizenship of another country can result in the loss of Azerbaijani citizenship. Azerbaijani citizens who obtain citizenship from another country are required to notify the relevant authorities within one month, or risk fines and punishment under the Criminal Code. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as when international agreements permit or when the President of the Republic resolves otherwise.

Azerbaijan does not recognise dual citizenship

Azerbaijan does not allow dual citizenship. If an Azerbaijani citizen obtains the citizenship of another country, they will automatically lose their Azerbaijani citizenship. This is because, according to Azerbaijani law, dual citizenship is grounds for criminal prosecution. Azerbaijani citizens who acquire another citizenship must notify the relevant authorities within one month, or thirty days, or risk denaturalisation and/or a fine.

The only exceptions to this rule are when international agreements permit or when the President of the Republic resolves that dual citizenship is allowable in a particular instance.

Azerbaijani citizens who obtain another citizenship are required to notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the State Migration Service. This can be done by submitting an application form, along with a copy of an ordinary Azerbaijani passport and a copy of the document attesting to their new citizenship.

The laws regarding citizenship in Azerbaijan are regulated by the Constitution of Azerbaijan, the Citizenship Law of Azerbaijan and its revisions, and various international agreements.

Citizens must notify the government of any new citizenship within a month

Azerbaijan does not recognise dual citizenship. If an Azerbaijani citizen acquires the citizenship of another country, they will lose their Azerbaijani citizenship. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If there are relevant international agreements in place, or if the President of the Republic resolves that dual citizenship can be permitted, then an Azerbaijani citizen may hold dual citizenship without losing their Azerbaijani citizenship.

If an Azerbaijani citizen does acquire the citizenship of another country, they must notify the relevant executive authority in writing within one month. This can be done by contacting the State Migration Service if the citizen is in the territory of Azerbaijan, or by contacting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through diplomatic missions or consulates in their country of residence. If there are no diplomatic missions or consulates in their country of residence, then the citizen must contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs directly. To do this, the citizen must fill in an application form endorsed by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan and submit it to the relevant government authorities by email, mail, or in person.

The following documents are required to submit a relevant written notification to the embassies and consulates of Azerbaijan abroad:

• An application form approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan on January 29, 2015.
• A copy of an ordinary passport of the Azerbaijan Republic.
• A copy of a relevant document attesting citizenship of a foreign state.

All documents submitted to diplomatic missions and consulates of Azerbaijan should be sent to the State Migration Service via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Failure to notify the relevant authorities within one month may result in a fine of USD 1,765 to USD 2,940 or public service of 360 to 480 hours.

Failure to notify the government can result in a fine or public service

Azerbaijan does not recognise dual citizenship. If an Azerbaijani citizen obtains citizenship in another country, they are required to notify the relevant executive authority in writing within one month. Failure to do so can result in a fine of USD 1,765 to USD 2,940 or 360 to 480 hours of public service.

The relevant executive authority is the State Migration Service if the individual is in the territory of Azerbaijan, or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the diplomatic missions or consulates of the country of residence. If there are no diplomatic missions or consulates in the country of residence, the individual must notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs directly.

To submit the written notification, individuals must complete an application form endorsed by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan and submit it to the relevant government authorities by email, mail, or in person. The following documents are required:

• A completed application form (approved by Resolution 18 of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan on January 29, 2015)
• A copy of an ordinary passport of the Azerbaijan Republic
• A copy of the document attesting citizenship of the foreign state

All documents must be sent to the State Migration Service via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Failure to notify the relevant authorities within the specified time frame can result in the loss of Azerbaijani citizenship. According to Article 18 of the Law on the Citizenship of the Republic of Azerbaijan, voluntary acquisition of foreign citizenship or voluntary service in state or municipal bodies, armed forces, or other military units of a foreign state are grounds for the loss of Azerbaijani citizenship.

Citizens will lose Azerbaijani citizenship if they join the government or army of a foreign country

Azerbaijan does not allow dual citizenship. If an Azerbaijani citizen is found to hold another citizenship, they will lose their Azerbaijani citizenship.

Azerbaijani citizens who obtain citizenship in another country are required to notify the relevant executive authority within one month. This is typically the State Migration Service or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Failure to do so within the specified time frame can result in punishment under the Criminal Code, including fines of USD 1,765 to USD 2,940 or public service of 360 to 480 hours.

The acquisition of foreign citizenship is considered a voluntary loss of Azerbaijani citizenship. This is outlined in Article 18 of the Law on the Citizenship of the Republic of Azerbaijan, which states that voluntary service in the government or armed forces of a foreign country is a ground for the loss of Azerbaijani citizenship.

The law also applies to those who have left Azerbaijan and obtained foreign citizenship before returning. In such cases, individuals must reapply for Azerbaijani citizenship and may be subject to additional requirements, such as serving in the army or providing bribes or fake medical certificates.

The ban on dual citizenship was introduced to prevent Armenian spies from infiltrating the country, according to the government. While it is challenging to maintain dual citizenship, some individuals have found ways to do so, such as keeping their second citizenship a secret or taking advantage of loopholes.

Foreigners can apply for Azerbaijani citizenship after five years of permanent residence

According to Azerbaijani nationality law, foreigners can apply for naturalization after residing in the country for at least five years with no more than three months of absence. The five-year period starts from the date of the permanent residence card, which can be obtained after two years of holding a temporary residence permit. Applicants must also have a legal source of income, demonstrate proficiency in the Azerbaijani language, and undertake to abide by the Constitution and laws of Azerbaijan. Applications are submitted to the State Migration Service, and the Azerbaijani President has the final authority on who is admitted as a national.

It is important to note that the requirements and procedures for obtaining Azerbaijani citizenship may change, and individuals should refer to the latest information provided by the relevant government authorities. Additionally, while some individuals may have maintained dual citizenship due to a loophole from when the ban on dual citizenship was announced, the government of Azerbaijan regularly sends requests to embassies to check if its citizens have obtained another passport.

Frequently asked questions