Obtaining Azerbaijani Citizenship: A Guide For Pakistani Nationals

Azerbaijan, nestled between Asia and Europe on the Caspian Sea, has strict requirements for foreigners seeking citizenship. The process is especially challenging for Pakistani citizens, who must navigate a complex path to obtain Azerbaijani nationality. The journey is fraught with obstacles, from stringent visa regulations to the challenge of permanent residency and the elusive dream of citizenship.

Pakistani citizens require a visa to enter Azerbaijan, and while the introduction of the Azerbaijan eVisa has streamlined the process, it is just the first step in what can be a lengthy and arduous journey towards obtaining Azerbaijani nationality.

Getting an Azerbaijan eVisa

To obtain an Azerbaijan eVisa as a Pakistani citizen, you must complete an online application. This visa allows Pakistani citizens to enter Azerbaijan for a specific period and purpose, such as tourism or business, without needing a physical visa label or stamp in their passport. The Azerbaijan eVisa costs 7123.75 Rs for a single-entry visa and is valid for 90 days from the date of issue, with a maximum stay of 30 days. The processing time is approximately 3 working days, but this may be longer during peak travel seasons.

• Open the Official Website: Visit the official Azerbaijan e-visa website.
• Start Your Online Application: Click on "Apply Now" to begin a new application. You can apply as an individual or as part of a group.
• Fill in the Azerbaijan Visa Application Form: Provide your personal details, including your name, date of birth, and valid passport information. Indicate the purpose and duration of your stay. You will also need to provide additional details about your trip, such as your arrival date, hotel reservation, and return flight information.
• Upload Supporting Documents: Upload a scanned copy of your passport's personal information page and a recent passport-style colour photograph.
• Pay the Visa Fee: Pay the e-visa fee using a valid credit or debit card. As of April 2023, the fee for a single-entry e-visa for tourism is 7123.75 Rs (Visa Fee USD 20 + Service fee USD 5).
• Check Your Information and Submit Your Application: Carefully review your application to ensure all the information is correct. Then, submit your application and await a response via email.

It is important to note that the e-visa's validity period begins on the date of issuance, not the date of entry into Azerbaijan. Additionally, Pakistani citizens cannot work or seek paid employment in Azerbaijan with an e-visa.

Applying for citizenship by birth

To apply for Azerbaijani citizenship by birth, you must have been born in the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan or born to parents who are citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

If you were born in Azerbaijan, you will be considered a citizen by birth, provided that both your parents are stateless. If one parent is a foreigner and the other is stateless or unknown, you will not be considered an Azerbaijani citizen.

If you were born outside of Azerbaijan but have at least one parent who is an Azerbaijani citizen, you can still acquire Azerbaijani citizenship by birth.

In addition to these requirements, there are other considerations that may impact your ability to obtain Azerbaijani citizenship by birth. For example, if you have previously held Azerbaijani citizenship and renounced it, you may be able to repatriate as long as you meet the requirements for naturalization.

It is important to note that Azerbaijani nationality law has undergone changes over time, and seeking the most up-to-date information is essential. Additionally, the process of acquiring citizenship can be complex, and it is recommended to consult official sources and seek legal advice for your specific situation.

Applying for citizenship through naturalisation

To apply for Azerbaijani citizenship through naturalisation, Pakistani citizens must meet the following requirements:

• Continuous permanent residence: Foreigners must have resided in Azerbaijan 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 staying in Azerbaijan for two years on a temporary residence permit.
• Legal source of income: Applicants must demonstrate a legal source of income to support themselves and their families.
• Language proficiency: Applicants must have a sufficient level of proficiency in the Azerbaijani language. They need to obtain a certificate from the Ministry of Education verifying their language skills.
• Respect for laws: Applicants must demonstrate that they abide by the Constitution and laws of Azerbaijan and do not pose a threat to the country's health, morality, or public order.
• Documentation: Applicants must provide documentation confirming their residency requirements, tax payments, language proficiency, and current nationality.
• Application submission: Applications for naturalisation must be submitted to the State Migration Service in Baku.
• Approval by the President: While applications are submitted to the State Migration Service, the final authority on who is admitted as a national of Azerbaijan rests with the Azerbaijani President.

It is important to note that Azerbaijan does not recognize dual nationality, and acquiring another nationality can be grounds for criminal prosecution. Additionally, the naturalisation process may have specific requirements for minors, refugees, or individuals with exceptional skills or contributions to the country.

Getting married to an Azerbaijani citizen

While marrying an Azerbaijani citizen does not automatically grant Azerbaijani citizenship to the non-citizen spouse, it is possible for foreigners to get married in Azerbaijan, as long as one of the couple is an Azerbaijani citizen. Here is some information on getting married to an Azerbaijani citizen.

Marriage Requirements

Under Azerbaijani law, civil registration of all marriages is required, and marriages involving a foreigner must be registered at the Main Registry Office (ZAGS). The minimum age for marriage is 18 years for men and 17 years for women, or a year earlier for either party in exceptional circumstances.

Documents Required

To register a marriage in Azerbaijan, you will need to provide the following documents:

• Valid entrance visa to Azerbaijan (for foreigners)
• Completed application form
• Documentation proving civil status (divorce papers or death certificate) from your home country for anyone who has been married previously
• "Certificate of No Record of Marriage" issued by the Vital Records Department in your country (for foreigners)
• Receipt confirming payment of the state duty payment (this can be paid at branches of Kap)
• Original civil documents from your country, particularly those establishing the end of any previous marriage (divorce or death certificates), with translations into Azerbaijani. These can be either original documents or court-certified copies.

Where to Go

The Main Registry Office (ZAGS) is located at 36A, Gara Garayev Avenue, Nizami District, Baku. Tel: (012) 421 35 86.

Visa Requirements

It is not possible to register for marriage without a valid Azerbaijani visa. Pakistani citizens must apply for a visa before entering Azerbaijan, and this can be done online through the Azerbaijan eVisa, which is valid for a 30-day stay. With an Azerbaijan eVisa, Pakistani travellers can stay in the country for up to 30 days with a single entry.

Applying for a visitor visa

To apply for an Azerbaijan eVisa, Pakistani citizens need to meet the following requirements:

• Have a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months from the intended date of entry into Azerbaijan.
• Provide accurate personal details, including their full name, date of birth, nationality, and contact information.
• Provide intended travel dates, the purpose of their visit, and the places they plan to visit in Azerbaijan.
• Provide details of their accommodation in Azerbaijan, such as hotel reservations or the address of their host.
• Pay the applicable visa fee using a valid credit or debit card.

The process of applying for an Azerbaijan eVisa is as follows:

• Visit the eVisa website and select Azerbaijan as the country of destination.
• Fill out the online application form with accurate personal, travel, and accommodation details.
• Scan and upload the necessary documents, such as a passport copy.
• Review the application carefully and submit it electronically.
• Pay the visa fee using a valid credit or debit card.
• Receive eVisa approval via email once the application is processed and approved.

The standard processing time for an Azerbaijan eVisa is typically around three to five working days. However, there are also rush and super rush processing options available for urgent applications, with visas often issued within a few hours or even minutes. The cost of the visa depends on the processing time selected and can vary from $26 for a standard visa to $128.99 for a super rush visa.

It is important to note that the eVisa allows for a single-entry stay of up to 30 days in Azerbaijan and is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. Pakistani citizens must ensure that they comply with the immigration regulations of Azerbaijan and carefully check the visa validity and duration of stay mentioned on their eVisa.

Frequently asked questions