Registering Your Phone In Azerbaijan: A Simple Guide

If you are planning to travel to Azerbaijan and want to use your phone with a local SIM, you will need to register your device within 30 days of entering the country. This is because Azerbaijan has implemented a mobile phone IMEI code registration system to tackle issues such as illegal imports, phone cloning, and fake IMEI codes. The registration process can be done online through the E-government portal, at the Geydar Aliyev International Airport, or at the nearest post office. It costs AZN 5 (approximately 30 EUR) to register each imported device for personal use, and you will need to provide your phone's IMEI code, brand name, and model.

Registering your phone's IMEI code at the airport

• Locate the IMEI Registration Centre: At Heydar Aliyev International Airport, there is a voluntary IMEI code registration service available. This service is specifically designed for travellers bringing mobile phones into the country.
• Provide Necessary Information: To register your phone, you will need to provide certain details, including your personal information and phone specifications. This typically includes your ID, the phone brand, model, and the IMEI code. The IMEI code can be found by dialling *#06# on your phone.
• Complete the Registration Form: The registration centre will provide you with a form to fill out. Ensure that all the information you provide is accurate and matches your device and personal details.
• Submit the Required Documents: Along with the completed form, you will need to submit a copy of your ID and present the phone for inspection. The registration centre may also require additional documents, so it is advisable to have those readily available.
• Pay the Registration Fee: Registering an imported device for personal use typically incurs a fee. The current fee for each device is AZN 5 (around EUR 3). This fee ensures that your phone can be used within Azerbaijan without issue.
• Wait for Confirmation: The registration process usually takes up to three working days. Once your application is approved, you will receive a notification confirming the successful registration of your device.

By registering your phone's IMEI code at the airport, you can avoid any potential disruptions to your mobile service during your stay in Azerbaijan. It is important to note that the registration is mandatory and should be completed within 30 days of entering the country to prevent your phone from being locked.

Registering your phone's IMEI code online

Step 1: Authorisation

Firstly, you need to authorise yourself on the "E-government" portal. This is the official government website for various services, including mobile device registration.

Step 2: Provide Necessary Information

Once authorised, you will need to enter the required information about your device. This includes the International Mobile Equipment Identification (IMEI) code, brand name, and device model. The IMEI code is a unique 15-digit number that can be found by dialling *#06# on your phone. It can also be located on the box your phone came in or printed on the inside of the phone, under the battery.

Step 3: Document Verification

After submitting the information, the system will verify the provided details and documents. This process used to take three business days but has now been reduced to two.

Step 4: White or Black List

Following the verification, the system will decide whether to add your device's IMEI code to the "white" or "black" list. A device on the "white" list is successfully registered and can be used in Azerbaijan. If your device is on the "black" list, it means it has not been registered correctly and may be locked out of service.

Step 5: Payment

There is a small fee for registering your device. It costs AZN 5 (around €3) for each imported device registered for personal usage.

Additional Information:

The registration process must be completed within 30 days of entering the country. If you do not register your device within this timeframe, it will be locked out of service. This rule applies to both locals and foreigners using a local SIM card.

The online registration system is convenient and efficient, with phone activation usually occurring within 24 hours of registration.

Registering your phone's IMEI code at the post office

Registering your phone's IMEI code is a necessary step when bringing a mobile device into Azerbaijan. While it was previously possible to register at a post office, this is no longer an option. Here is a detailed guide on how to register your phone's IMEI code:

Documents Required:

To register your phone, you will need to provide the following documents:

• A copy of your ID
• The phone for inspection, including the phone brand, model, and IMEI code
• In the case of companies or individuals bringing mobile devices for sale or commercial purposes, additional documents are required, including a copy of the Certificate of State registration, taxpayer registration certificate, and conformity certificate.

Registration Process:

There are a few ways to register your phone:

• Online through the "E-government" portal: Authorize on the portal and enter the necessary data, including the IMEI code, brand name, and device model. The system will then verify the information and decide whether to include the IMEI code on the "white" or "black" list.
• At a registration centre or mobile operator customer service: Visit a registration centre or mobile operator customer service location with the required documents. They will assist you in filling out the necessary forms and completing the registration.
• Via a hotel or hostel: Many accommodations are aware of the registration rule and will automatically register you. They will handle the process online, and it typically takes less than 24 hours to complete.
• At the migration police: You can register at the migration police office in any major city in Azerbaijan. You will need to provide a copy of your host's ID or evidence of your stay at a hotel. The registration slip is important, as failing to register can result in a fine of 300 manat when exiting the country.
• By sending an email to the migration police: If you are staying with a host, they can fill in a document with your details, scan it, and send it to the migration office via email ([email protected]). This option typically takes about a day for registration.

Registration Period and Fees:

The registration process should be completed within 30 days of bringing the mobile device into the country. There is a registration fee of AZN 5 (around €30) for each imported device for personal use.

Additional Information:

• The IMEI code is a 15-digit number unique to each phone. You can find it by dialling #06# or looking on the box the phone came in.
• If your phone is lost or stolen, you can report it to the police and provide your ID to the Bakcell Customer Service Centre to have it disabled within 24 hours.
• If you are a foreigner using a local SIM card, you must register your IMEI code within 30 days to avoid having your phone locked.

Registering your phone's IMEI code at a mobile operator customer service

Documents Required:

• A copy of your ID.
• The phone for inspection and to fill in the brand, model, and IMEI code.

Steps to Register:

• Visit a mobile operator customer service centre.
• Present the required documents to the customer service representative.
• Fill out the necessary forms with your personal information and phone details.
• Pay the registration fee. The fee for registering a mobile device for personal use is AZN 5 (around €3).
• You will receive a notification once the registration is successful.

Please note that you must register your device within 30 days of entering Azerbaijan to avoid any service disruptions. The registration process usually takes less than 24 hours, and your phone will be activated shortly after.

Additionally, if you are a foreigner, you will need to visit a registration centre to register your IMEI code. You can find more information on the website www.imei.az.

Registering your phone's IMEI code at a registration centre

Step 1: Locate a Registration Centre

You can register your phone at the Geydar Aliyev International Airport when entering the country, the nearest post office, or a registration centre/mobile operator customer service centre in any major city in Azerbaijan.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

For citizens registering a phone for personal use, you will need to present a copy of your ID and the telephone for inspection. You will also need to provide the phone brand, model, and IMEI code.

For companies and individuals registering a phone for sale or commercial purposes, you will need to fill out an application form, providing the brand, model, quantity, and IMEI codes of the imported phones. Additionally, you will need to submit the following documents:

• Copy of Certificate of State Registration of Documents
• Copy of your ID
• Copy of Taxpayer Registration Certificate
• Copy of Conformity Certificate

Step 3: Submit Documents and Pay Fee

Submit your documents and pay the registration fee of AZN 5 for each imported device for personal use.

The information submitted will be processed within three working days. Once your documents are approved, your IMEI code will be added to the Whitelist within 30 days, and you will receive a notification from the registration centre.

Note:

If you are a foreigner/visitor to Azerbaijan, you must register your phone's IMEI code within 30 days of entering the country to avoid it being locked. You can register online or at a registration centre.

Frequently asked questions