Obtaining An Azerbaijan Residence Permit: A Comprehensive Guide

If you're considering a move to Azerbaijan, you'll need to obtain a residence permit. The requirements and application process can be quite complex, and there have been recent restrictions on foreign nationals' residence rights. Here's a brief overview of what you need to know about getting a residence permit in Azerbaijan.

Who can apply for a residence permit in Azerbaijan?

Foreigners and stateless persons can apply for a temporary residence permit in Azerbaijan. A temporary residence permit grants the permit holder the right to temporarily reside in Azerbaijan, leave Azerbaijan and return without a visa during the validity period, and identifies them in the country and their registration at their place of residence.

To be eligible for a temporary residence permit, a foreigner or stateless person must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Have close family ties with an Azerbaijani citizen (e.g., parents, children, siblings)
• Invest at least 500,000 manats in the country's economy
• Possess real estate in Azerbaijan worth at least 100,000 manats or have funds in the same amount in an Azerbaijani bank
• Be a highly qualified specialist in specific sectors, such as the economy, industry, defence, science, or culture
• Be a special category of professionals invited by individuals or entities for specified purposes
• Be a family member of a foreigner or stateless person temporarily or permanently residing in Azerbaijan
• Hold a senior position in the branch or representation of a foreign legal entity in Azerbaijan
• Engage in entrepreneurship activity in Azerbaijan, employing at least 5 full-time or 10 part-time employees, with at least 80% being Azerbaijani citizens
• Obtain a work permit to carry out paid labour activity in Azerbaijan
• Be enrolled as a full-time student at an institution of higher education, technical school, or secondary school in Azerbaijan
• Engage in professional religious activity at officially registered religious institutions in Azerbaijan

The State Migration Service of Azerbaijan issues temporary residence permits, and applicants must submit various documents, including a completed application form, passport copy, birth certificate, health certificate, proof of qualifications or investments, and more. The permit is typically valid for one year and can be extended if the applicant meets certain conditions.

What are the requirements for a temporary residence permit?

To obtain a temporary residence permit in Azerbaijan, foreigners and stateless persons must meet a set of requirements. Here are the key conditions that need to be fulfilled:

Close Relationship with an Azerbaijani Citizen

One of the primary requirements for a temporary residence permit is having close family ties with an Azerbaijani citizen. This includes relationships such as parents, children, grandparents, grandchildren, siblings with common parents, or being married to an Azerbaijani citizen.

Investment in the Country's Economy

Foreigners and stateless persons can qualify for a temporary residence permit if they invest a significant amount in the country's economy. The minimum investment requirement is typically AZN 500,000 (Azerbaijani Manats). This demonstrates a substantial commitment to the country and its economic development.

Possession of Real Estate or Funds in Azerbaijan

Another criterion is the possession of valuable real estate within the territory of Azerbaijan. The property should be worth a minimum of AZN 100,000. Alternatively, individuals can also qualify by having funds amounting to AZN 100,000 or more deposited in Azerbaijani banks, demonstrating financial stability and a connection to the country.

Highly Qualified Specialists

Individuals who are recognised as highly qualified specialists or experts in specific fields can be eligible for a temporary residence permit. These fields typically include the economy, industry, defence, science, culture, sports, and other specialised areas.

Work Permit and Labour Contract

Foreigners and stateless persons can obtain a temporary residence permit if they have a valid work permit and are engaged in paid labour activities within Azerbaijan. Additionally, they may need to demonstrate that they have concluded a labour contract with a minimum number of full-time or part-time employees, with a certain percentage of those being Azerbaijani citizens.

Education in Azerbaijan

Enrolling in full-time education at recognised institutions of higher education, technical schools, or secondary schools in Azerbaijan can be a pathway to obtaining a temporary residence permit. This demonstrates a commitment to contributing to the country's intellectual and academic landscape.

Other Requirements

Other requirements include being a family member of a foreigner or stateless person already residing in Azerbaijan, holding specific senior positions in foreign or locally established legal entities, engaging in professional religious activity at officially registered religious institutions, or having special circumstances recognised by international agreements that Azerbaijan is a party to.

It is important to note that the requirements may change, and individuals should refer to the official sources and relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information.

What documents are needed for a temporary residence permit?

To obtain a temporary residence permit in Azerbaijan, foreigners and stateless persons must submit the following documents:

• A completed application form, as approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
• A copy of the applicant's passport or other border-crossing document, with a validity period of at least three months beyond the expiry date of the temporary residence permit.
• A notarized copy of the applicant's birth certificate or equivalent document (for persons under 18 without a passport).
• A notarized or equally certified document confirming the existence of cases that justify the issuance of a temporary residence permit.
• A notarized consent letter from a family member or close relative as envisaged by Articles 45.1.1 and 45.1.5 of the Migration Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, regarding the issuance of a permit for temporary residence to foreigners and stateless persons.
• A health certificate confirming that the applicant is not a carrier of any dangerous infectious diseases listed by the relevant executive authority, including HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.
• A copy of the document authorizing the applicant to temporarily stay or reside in Azerbaijan, such as a visa.
• A justified application by an authority, enterprise, or organization inviting the applicant to Azerbaijan, specifically for highly qualified specialists in various fields.
• Two photographs of the applicant with specific size requirements (3.5 x 4.5 cm or 3x4 cm, with a red background).
• A notarized copy of the document entitling the applicant to move for residence, such as an extract from the state register of real estate.
• A notarized application from the person offering a residential area to the applicant, addressed to the Chief of the State Migration Service.
• A notarized copy of the identity card or equivalent document of the person offering a residential area to the applicant.
• Receipt of state fee payment, which varies depending on the duration of the temporary residence permit.

It is important to note that the State Migration Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan issues temporary residence permits, and the specific requirements and procedures should be confirmed with the relevant authorities.

How long does a temporary residence permit last?

A temporary residence permit in Azerbaijan is issued for one year and can be extended four times, for one year each time. The duration of the permit corresponds with that of a work permit.

To extend a temporary residence permit, an application must be submitted at least 22 working days before the permit expires. Extensions are granted in the following situations:

• Urgent treatment is necessary
• A close relative is seriously ill or has died

An application for a temporary residence permit must be submitted 30 days before the expiry of the temporary stay.

What are the requirements for a permanent residence permit?

To obtain a permanent residence permit in Azerbaijan, foreigners and stateless persons must have held a temporary residence permit for at least two years without interruption. The duration of temporary residence is considered uninterrupted if the person does not stay outside of Azerbaijan for more than 90 days within 180 days.

In addition to the length of residence requirement, applicants for a permanent residence permit must meet one of the following criteria:

• Be in close relationship with a citizen of Azerbaijan
• Have invested at least 500,000 manats in the country's economy
• Possess real estate in Azerbaijan worth at least 100,000 manats
• Have deposited at least 100,000 manats in a term deposit account with a bank in Azerbaijan
• Be a highly qualified specialist in a field such as the economy, industry, military, science, culture, or sports
• Be a specialist in a field defined by the President of Azerbaijan, who has been invited by citizens of Azerbaijan or legal entities established in Azerbaijan
• Be a family member of a foreigner or stateless person temporarily or permanently residing in Azerbaijan
• Hold a position of head or deputy head in the branch or representation of a foreign legal entity in Azerbaijan
• Hold a position of head or deputy head of a legal entity established in Azerbaijan, with at least one foreign founder
• Engage in entrepreneurial activity in Azerbaijan

To apply for a permanent residence permit, applicants must submit the following documents to the State Migration Service of Azerbaijan:

• Application form
• Copy of passport or other border crossing document
• Notarized copy of birth certificate or equivalent document (for persons under 18 without a passport)
• Health certificate confirming the applicant is not a carrier of any dangerous infectious diseases
• Document certifying the existence of necessary funds to meet the minimum needs of the applicant and their family members (unless a close relative of the applicant undertakes to provide support)
• Copy of the temporary or permanent residence permit for Azerbaijan
• Notarized copy of the document certifying that the grounds for the issuance of the temporary residence permit are still valid
• Two photos sized 3.5 x 4.5 cm
• Notarized consent of minors between the ages of 14 and 18
• Document of residential area in Azerbaijan, such as a property deed, rental agreement, or other valid document
• Application of the person providing the residential area (if applicable)
• Copy of the identity document of the person providing the residential area (if applicable)
• Receipt of state fee payment

Frequently asked questions