Settling In Azerbaijan: A Comprehensive Guide

Azerbaijan is a transcontinental country in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia, bordering Eastern Europe and West Asia. Baku, its capital, is a well-known tourist destination, and the country offers a pleasant climate, a stable economy, and a high standard of living.

If you're considering settling in Azerbaijan, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, the official language is Azerbaijani, and while English is spoken in some schools and communication services, it's a good idea to brush up on your language skills. Secondly, the country has a diverse climate, ranging from snowy winters in the Shamakhi District to year-round sunshine and high temperatures in the Araz Plains and Julfa.

When it comes to visas, you'll need to consult the local Azerbaijani embassy, as there are specific requirements and restrictions for foreign visa holders. For instance, to obtain a permanent residency visa, you must have resided in Azerbaijan with a temporary visa for a minimum of two years and provide a medical certificate confirming your well-being.

There are several ways to obtain a temporary residence permit, including having close family ties with citizens or residents, owning real estate, investing in the state economy, or setting up and running a business. It's worth noting that establishing a business in Azerbaijan can be challenging due to bureaucratic hurdles.

Overall, settling in Azerbaijan requires careful planning, but with its rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse opportunities, it can be a rewarding place to call home.

How to obtain a residence permit

Azerbaijan's stable economy, development, and high standard of living make it an attractive destination for foreigners. Here is a detailed guide on how to obtain a residence permit in the country.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a temporary residence permit in Azerbaijan, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• Have close family ties with citizens or residents of the country, including siblings with one or both parents in common.
• Own real estate in Azerbaijan valued at approximately $60,000 or more. The value is determined by independent agencies, not the contract price.
• Invest a minimum of $300,000 in the development of the Azerbaijani economy.
• Set up and run a business that officially employs at least five people full-time, with 80% of employees being Azerbaijani citizens.
• Work for a local company with a special work permit.
• Enroll as a full-time student at a university or college.

It is important to note that residence permits may also be granted to individuals in need of protection or victims of human trafficking.

Required Documents

If you meet any of the above criteria, you must submit the following documents to the migration service of Azerbaijan no later than 30 days before your temporary stay ends:

• Application form.
• Copy of the identity card used to enter the country.
• Notarized copy of your birth certificate or equivalent document.
• Notarized papers stating the reason for your residence in the country.
• Medical certificate in the required format.
• Document proving sufficient funds for living or official employment.
• Extract from the housing register for the place where you will be registered.
• Application and copy of the identity card of the person providing accommodation, if you do not own real estate.
• Document on payment of the state fee.

The migration service or a specialized lawyer can provide a full list of required documents.

Residence Permit Validity and Extension

A temporary residence permit in Azerbaijan is typically valid for 12 months and can be extended for up to two years.

If you have a temporary residence permit and wish to apply for permanent residence, you must reside in the country continuously for two years. Uninterrupted residence means not leaving the country for at least 90 days out of 180.

The procedure for applying for permanent residence is similar to obtaining a temporary residence permit, and the application should be submitted no later than three months before the expiration of the temporary permit.

The cost of living in Azerbaijan

Rent in Azerbaijan is, on average, 78.6% lower than in the United States. The cost of living in Baku, Azerbaijan's capital, is 68.3% less expensive than in New York (without rent). Rent in Baku is, on average, 90.0% lower than in New York.

The official and most widely spoken language in Azerbaijan is the Turkic dialect, Azerbaijani. Around 90% of the population speaks this as a first language, followed by Russian and English, which are spoken in a significant number of schools and communication services.

Azerbaijan is a secular country, and all of the main political forces are aligned with no religion, although the vast majority of its residents follow Shia Islam, with around 15% being Sunni Muslims.

The climate in Azerbaijan is diverse due to its unique geographical location and proximity to the Caspian Sea. Cold Arctic winds from Scandinavia and Siberia contribute to the extreme range of temperatures the country experiences. Highly elevated places, such as the Shamakhi District, have snowy winters and average temperatures of 2°C, while other regions, like the Araz Plains and Julfa, have bright sunshine all year round and high temperatures of more than 40°C.

Azerbaijan has a reputation as a rapidly developing and comfortable place for expatriates to work. It offers a combination of state-of-the-art amenities and outdoor opportunities.

The climate in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan's unique geographical location and proximity to the Caspian Sea give it one of the world's most diverse climates. The country experiences a wide range of temperatures due to cold Arctic winds blowing in from Scandinavia and Siberia.

Azerbaijan is predominantly a mountainous country, surrounded by the Greater Caucasus, Lesser Caucasus, Talysh, and North Iranian Mountains. The country is situated on the northernmost part of the subtropical climate zone, in the northwestern part of the Iranian plateau. This varied landscape causes non-uniform formation of climatic zones and creates vertical climate zones.

The country has high insolation rates, with the sun shining for 2,200 to 2,400 hours annually on the Kur-Araz lowland, Apsheron peninsula, and other plains and foothills. The total annual radiation equals 128–132 kcal/cm2 (118–122 kWh/ft2). The sun shines for 2,600 to 2,800 hours on the plains around the Araz river in the Nakhchivan region.

The average annual temperature is 14–15 °C (57–59 °F) in the Kur-Araz Lowland, the coastal regions south of the Apsheron Peninsula, and the Lenkoran Lowland. The temperature declines with proximity to the mountains, averaging 4–5 °C (39–41 °F) at an altitude of 2,000 meters (6,600 ft) and 1–2 °C (34–36 °F) at 3,000 meters (9,800 ft). The hottest days in summer can see temperatures soar to 45°С, while in winter, mountain temperatures may drop to minus 40°С at night.

Azerbaijan can be broadly divided into several climate zones. The central, eastern, and southern regions have a subtropical climate, while the highest altitude areas have a tundra climate, and isolated Nakhchivan has a continental climate. The southeastern regions are the wettest, the central and coastal areas are the sunniest, and the mountain zones are the most temperamental.

Azerbaijan enjoys four distinct seasons, with a long summer and a short autumn. Spring is considered the best time to visit, with mild and pleasant weather.

The language and culture of Azerbaijan

Language

Azerbaijani, a Turkic language, is the sole official language of Azerbaijan and is spoken by the majority of its population. It is mutually intelligible with Modern Turkish and related to Turkmen and Gagauz. The language has a rich history, with literary and colloquial forms, and has passed through several developmental periods. While Russian and English are spoken in schools and communications services, English language proficiency in Azerbaijan is the lowest among surveyed European countries.

Culture

Azerbaijan's culture combines a diverse and heterogeneous set of elements influenced by Iranic, Turkic, and Caucasian cultures. It includes cuisine, literature, folk art, and music.

Cuisine

Azerbaijani cuisine has been influenced by the foods of other cultures, including Iran, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.

Literature

Azerbaijani literature is written in the Azerbaijani language and influenced by Persian and Arabic literature, especially during its classical era. Notable literary figures include poets Nizami Ganjavi, Kadi Burhan al-Din, Haqiqi, and Imadaddin Nasimi.

Art and Music

Azerbaijani decorative and applied arts are represented by a wide range of handicrafts, such as chasing, jewellery, engraving in metal, and carving in wood, stone, and bone. Azerbaijani music, influenced by Iran, the Caucasus, and Central Asia, resembles Iranian and Turkish music. The classical form, mugham, proclaimed a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, is usually a suite with poetry and instrumental interludes.

Religion

Azerbaijan is a secular country, and while the majority of its residents follow Shia Islam, there are also Sunni Muslims and a small percentage of Christians and Jews.

The process of applying for citizenship

To apply for citizenship in Azerbaijan, there are several steps you must follow. Firstly, you need to meet the eligibility criteria, which include having a minimum of five years of residency in the country, proficiency in the Azerbaijani language, history, and culture, a clean criminal record, and good moral character. You will also need to obtain a permanent residency permit, which requires evidence of five years of residency in Azerbaijan and a police clearance certificate.

Once you have secured permanent residency, you can apply for citizenship. The required documents for this stage include a completed application form, proof of permanent residency, a police clearance certificate, and proof of knowledge in Azerbaijani language, history, and culture. There may also be an interview to assess your cultural and language knowledge and moral character.

The final stage of the process involves awaiting the citizenship decision, which can take several months. It is important to note that consulting with an experienced immigration lawyer in Azerbaijan can aid in navigating this process successfully. Additionally, the President of Azerbaijan has the authority to grant Azerbaijani nationality.

Frequently asked questions