Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan · Asia · updated 09.09.2026

Azerbaijan is a Caspian country on the border of Europe and Asia with its business centre in Baku. Residence is built around the temporary residence permit (Migration Code, art. 45.1): close kinship with a citizen of the country, investment from AZN 500,000, real estate, a bank deposit or securities from AZN 100,000, employment with a work permit, study, or entrepreneurship. The permit is valid for up to a year and is renewable; after 2 years of continuous residence, the right to a permanent residence permit arises — a status valid for 5 years with an unlimited number of renewals. Naturalisation requires a further 5 years of permanent residence and knowledge of the state language; dual citizenship is not recognised by law, and voluntary acquisition of another citizenship is an independent ground for loss of Azerbaijani citizenship through the courts. Outside Baku, the economy rests on industry (Sumgayit), agriculture, and tourism (Ganja, Sheki, Lankaran); the country lies in a zone of high seismic activity.

Some descriptions for this country are still Russian only: 95% translated. Numbers, prices and timelines are complete.

Entry

Entry rules depend on citizenship. Choose a passport to see the requirement for that one.

Work and visas

Visa types: Temporary residence permit (müvəqqəti yaşamaq üçün icazə) — Migration Code, art. 45.1: close kinship with a citizen of Azerbaijan, investment in the economy from AZN 500,000, real estate/a term bank deposit/securities from AZN 100,000, being a highly qualified specialist, holding a work permit, university study, entrepreneurship, kinship with a temporarily or permanently residing foreigner, and other grounds under arts. 45.1.1–45.1.11 · Work permit (iş icazəsi) — issued to the employer for a specific foreign worker where there are no candidates for the vacancy among the local workforce; not required for holders of a permanent-type residence permit, entrepreneurs, spouses of Azerbaijani citizens (if the citizen is registered at a place of residence in the country), residents of technology parks and ICT specialists, and a number of other categories (migration.gov.az, the “İş icazəsi” page) · Permanent residence permit (daimi yaşamaq üçün icazə) — Migration Code, art. 52.1; as a rule after at least 2 years of continuous temporary residence on the grounds of arts. 45.1.1–45.1.7, issued for 5 years with an unlimited number of renewals · ASAN Viza — an electronic visa for short-term entry (tourism, business trips); does not confer the right to work · Visa-free entry — for citizens of countries with which Azerbaijan has relevant international agreements in force (including some CIS countries); the visa-free stay is generally no more than 90 days unless the treaty provides otherwise (Migration Code, provisions on “müvəqqəti olma”)

Long-term visas and residence permits

Temporary residence permit — close kinship with a citizen of Azerbaijan (Migration Code, art. 45.1.1)

Family
term 12 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 70,7processing 21–28 days
Fee: The rate is for a temporary residence permit certificate for an adult for a term of up to 1 year examined within 20 working days; the same line examined within 15 working days costs 160 manat. The scale rises with the term: up to 3 months 30 and 40, up to 6 months 60 and 80, up to 2 years 240 and 320, up to 3 years 360 and 480 manat. For minors, 60 and 100 manat a year.
official source · read 2026-09-09

Temporary residence permit — investment of at least AZN 500,000 in the economy (art. 45.1.2)

Investment
term 36 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedincome from $ 294 454fee $ 212processing 21–28 days
Fee: The rate is for a term of up to 3 years examined within 20 working days; within 15 working days it is 480 manat. For a term of up to 1 year the same lines cost 120 and 160 manat. For minors, 3 years costs 180 and 300 manat.
official source · read 2026-09-09

Temporary residence permit — real estate worth at least AZN 100,000 (art. 45.1.3)

Investment
term 12 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedincome from $ 58 891fee $ 70,7processing 21–28 days
Fee: The rate is for a temporary residence permit certificate for an adult for a term of up to 1 year examined within 20 working days; the same line examined within 15 working days costs 160 manat. The scale rises with the term: up to 3 months 30 and 40, up to 6 months 60 and 80, up to 2 years 240 and 320, up to 3 years 360 and 480 manat. For minors, 60 and 100 manat a year.
official source · read 2026-09-09

Temporary residence permit — fixed-term bank deposit of at least AZN 100,000 (art. 45.1.3-1)

Investment
term 12 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedincome from $ 58 891fee $ 70,7processing 21–28 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-09

Temporary residence permit — government or state-owned-company securities worth at least AZN 100,000 (art. 45.1.3-2)

Investment
term 12 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedincome from $ 58 891fee $ 70,7processing 21–28 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-09

Temporary residence permit — highly qualified specialist (art. 45.1.4)

Talent
term 12 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 70,7processing 21–28 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-09

Temporary residence permit — specialist under art. 64.0.8-1 or highly skilled migrant (art. 45.1.4-1)

Talent
term 36 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 212processing 21–28 days
Fee: The rate is for a term of up to 3 years examined within 20 working days; within 15 working days it is 480 manat. For a term of up to 1 year the same lines cost 120 and 160 manat. For minors, 3 years costs 180 and 300 manat.
official source · read 2026-09-09

Temporary residence permit — family member of a foreigner residing in Azerbaijan (art. 45.1.5)

Family
term 12 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 70,7processing 21–28 days
Fee: The rate is for a temporary residence permit certificate for an adult for a term of up to 1 year examined within 20 working days; the same line examined within 15 working days costs 160 manat. The scale rises with the term: up to 3 months 30 and 40, up to 6 months 60 and 80, up to 2 years 240 and 320, up to 3 years 360 and 480 manat. For minors, 60 and 100 manat a year.
official source · read 2026-09-09

Temporary residence permit — head or deputy head of a foreign company branch (art. 45.1.6)

Work
term 12 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 70,7processing 21–28 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-09

Temporary residence permit — head of an Azerbaijani legal entity with foreign founders (art. 45.1.6-1)

Work
term 12 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 70,7processing 21–28 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-09

Temporary residence permit — entrepreneurial activity in Azerbaijan (art. 45.1.7)

Work
term 12 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 70,7processing 21–28 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-09

Temporary residence permit — categories exempt from the work permit under art. 64 (art. 45.1.7-1)

Other
term 12 morenewablefamily allowedfee $ 70,7processing 21–28 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-09

Temporary residence permit — holder of a work permit (art. 45.1.8)

Work
term 12 morenewabledoes not count toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 70,7processing 21–28 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-09

Temporary residence permit — full-time study (art. 45.1.9)

Study
term 12 morenewabledoes not count toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 23,6processing 21–28 days
Fee: A reduced rate for those studying full time at universities and secondary vocational institutions: 40 manat for a term of up to 1 year examined within 20 working days and 60 manat within 15; renewing the certificate for up to 2 years costs 80 and 120 manat.
official source · read 2026-09-09

Temporary residence permit — professional religious activity in a registered religious institution (art. 45.1.10)

Other
term 12 morenewabledoes not count toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 70,7processing 21–28 days
Fee: The rate is for a temporary residence permit certificate for an adult for a term of up to 1 year examined within 20 working days; the same line examined within 15 working days costs 160 manat. The scale rises with the term: up to 3 months 30 and 40, up to 6 months 60 and 80, up to 2 years 240 and 320, up to 3 years 360 and 480 manat. For minors, 60 and 100 manat a year.
official source · read 2026-09-09

Temporary residence permit — victim of human trafficking (art. 45.1.10-1)

Other
term 12 morenewabledoes not count toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 70,7processing 21–28 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-09

Temporary residence permit — person assisting criminal prosecution (art. 45.1.10-2)

Other
term 12 morenewabledoes not count toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 70,7processing 21–28 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-09

Temporary residence permit — grounds provided by international treaties (art. 45.1.11)

Other
term 12 morenewabledoes not count toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 70,7processing 21–28 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-09

Permanent residence permit — close kinship with a citizen of Azerbaijan (art. 52.1.1)

Family
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 177processing 35–60 days
Fee: The rate is for a permanent residence permit certificate for an adult examined within 60 days; 350 manat for 50 days, 400 for 40 and 450 for 35. For minors — 150, 200, 250 and 300 manat respectively. The Azerbaijani and Russian versions of the page call these terms plain days, the English one calls them working days.
official source · read 2026-09-09

Permanent residence permit — investment of at least AZN 500,000 in the economy (art. 52.1.2)

Investment
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedincome from $ 294 454fee $ 177processing 35–60 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-09

Permanent residence permit — real estate worth at least AZN 200,000 (art. 52.1.3)

Investment
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedincome from $ 117 782fee $ 177processing 35–60 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-09

Permanent residence permit — fixed-term bank deposit of at least AZN 200,000 (art. 52.1.4)

Investment
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedincome from $ 117 782fee $ 177processing 35–60 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-09

Permanent residence permit — government or state-owned-company securities worth at least AZN 200,000 (art. 52.1.5)

Investment
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedincome from $ 117 782fee $ 177processing 35–60 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-09

Permanent residence permit — highly qualified specialist (art. 52.1.6)

Talent
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 177processing 35–60 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-09

Permanent residence permit — specialist or highly skilled migrant under art. 64.0.8-1 (art. 52.1.7)

Talent
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 177processing 35–60 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-09

Permanent residence permit — family member of a permanent resident foreigner (art. 52.1.8)

Family
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 177processing 35–60 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-09

Permanent residence permit — head or deputy head of a foreign company branch (art. 52.1.9)

Work
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 177processing 35–60 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-09

Permanent residence permit — head of an Azerbaijani legal entity with foreign founders (art. 52.1.10)

Work
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 177processing 35–60 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-09

Permanent residence permit — entrepreneurial activity in Azerbaijan (art. 52.1.11)

Work
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 177processing 35–60 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-09

Work permit (iş icazəsi)

Work
term 12 morenewabledoes not count toward permanent residenceapplicant onlyfee $ 589processing 14–28 days
Fee: The state duty is paid by the employer. The rate is for a permit of up to 1 year examined within 20 working days; 1,200 manat for 15 and 1,400 for 10 working days. For up to 3 months — 350, 500 and 700 manat; for up to 6 months — 600, 700 and 900 manat.
official source · read 2026-09-09

Work permit for the territories liberated from occupation

Work
term 12 morenewabledoes not count toward permanent residenceapplicant onlyfee $ 824processing 7–21 days
Fee: A separate scale for the territories liberated from occupation, paid by the employer. The rate is for a term of up to 2 years examined within 15 working days; 1,600 manat for 10 and 1,800 for 5 working days. For up to 1 year — 1,000, 1,200 and 1,400 manat; for up to 1 year and 6 months — 1,200, 1,400 and 1,600 manat.
official source · read 2026-09-09

Multiple-entry visa, valid for up to 2 years

Other
term 24 modoes not count toward permanent residencefee $ 350processing 3–15 days
Fee: The state duty for a multiple-entry visa; a single-entry and a transit visa cost $20 each. The duty is charged separately for every person travelling in a group, and it is not refunded if the visa is refused.
Citizens of certain countries are excluded.
official source · read 2026-09-09

Refugee status

Other
family allowedfee $ 5,89processing 90 days
Fee: The state duty for issuing a refugee certificate or a travel document. The Service's schedule carries no separate duty for examining the status application itself.
official source · read 2026-09-09

Programme terms change, and the final decision rests with the consulate or the country migration service. The data is collected from official sources on the date shown and is not legal advice.

Residence and citizenship

Permanent residence after
2 years
Citizenship after
5 years
Language
Azerbaijani (the state language) — for admission to citizenship; the law does not specify a CEFR level, and knowledge is confirmed by a document
Dual citizenship
not allowed

Absence limits: Continuity of temporary residence for the transition to a permanent residence permit is preserved if absence from the country does not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period (Migration Code). For the 5-year qualifying period for citizenship — no more than 3 months of absence within a year (art. 14 of the Law “On Citizenship of the Republic of Azerbaijan”).

Naturalisation is possible after 5 years of continuous, lawful permanent residence in Azerbaijan (counted from the date the permanent residence permit was obtained), given a legal source of income, an undertaking to comply with the Constitution and laws, and a document confirming knowledge of the state language — art. 14 of the Law “On Citizenship of the Republic of Azerbaijan” No. 527-IQ (e-qanun.az, framework/3187). Dual citizenship is not recognised by law: an Azerbaijani citizen's holding of citizenship of another state is not recognised (art. 10), and voluntary acquisition of foreign citizenship is an independent ground for loss of Azerbaijani citizenship by court decision (art. 18.1). The authorities must be notified of the acquisition of foreign citizenship within a month; criminal liability for failure to notify, previously provided for in the same art. 10, was abolished by Law No. 70-VIQD of 1 May 2020.

Documents

Document certification
apostille

The country is party to the 1961 Hague Convention: a degree or certificate is authenticated with a single apostille in the country that issued it.

Family

Partner

Timeline
15–20 working days to issue/renew a temporary residence permit on the ground of marriage to an Azerbaijani citizen (Migration Code, art. 45.1.5): 20 working days at the standard state fee, 15 at the increased fee (Law “On State Duty”, art. 14.8.1, e-qanun.az framework/2860).
Right to work
yes

The spouse of an Azerbaijani citizen is exempt from the requirement to obtain a separate work permit, provided that the Azerbaijani citizen is registered at a place of residence in the country (migration.gov.az, the “İş icazəsi” page, the list of exemptions).

Parents

Partner's parents

Pets

Limit
no limit

Officially confirmed: a veterinary passport is in force for dogs, cats, and other pets (the form was approved by AQTA order of 19 February 2024, state fee AZN 20), along with the “Rules for keeping dogs, cats, and other pets in populated areas of the Republic of Azerbaijan” (Cabinet of Ministers Decision No. 38, e-qanun.az framework/21421) — both documents regulate keeping animals within the country and their export FROM Azerbaijan (a veterinary certificate + a passport from the regional AQTA office). The rules for the IMPORT of pets into Azerbaijan (quarantine periods, the requirement for rabies-antibody titre testing, the list of banned breeds) are officially organised on afsa.gov.az as the search database “Ölkələr üzrə idxal-ixrac tələbləri” (afsa.gov.az/az/idxal-ve-ixrac/olkeler-uzre-idxal-ixrac-telebleri), which renders via JavaScript and returns no content when accessed without a browser; the /browse tool was unavailable for this task (shared across the session). The quarantine requirements, titre testing, and the list of banned breeds could not be confirmed from official sources.

Safety

Visiting the territories of the Karabakh economic region (liberated in 2020) requires a separate permit issued through the myGov.az state portal; for foreigners engaged in work activity in these territories, the Migration Code separately allows a work permit extension for up to 2 years instead of the standard 1 year. Sources: mincom.gov.az (news item on issuing permits via myGov), migration.gov.az (the “İş icazəsi” page, the section on extension in the liberated territories).

Climate

4J
6F
10M
16A
21M
28J
30J
29A
24S
17O
10N
6D

Quality of life

Life expectancy
74.6 years

Cities

Baku

tech hub
2 351 300 residents
$ 476
1 bedroom, per month

The capital and largest city of the country, on the Caspian coast — Azerbaijan's business, oil-and-gas, and IT centre.

2 bedrooms $ 663 · estimate3 bedrooms $ 851utilities $ 59,2ticket $ 0,35monthly pass $ 21,4
To buy, per m²: centre $ 2 243 · suburbs $ 1 286

A seismically hazardous zone; air pollution from oil refining and traffic in the centre; some coastal areas are subject to Caspian storm surges.

+All of the country's business and IT infrastructure, including technology parks
+An international airport with direct flights
+Developed urban infrastructure and services
−Rent is noticeably higher than in other cities in the country
−Air pollution and traffic in the centre
−Seismic risk

Ganja

331 000 residents
$ 224
1 bedroom, per month

The country's second-largest city, the historic centre of the Ganja-Dashkasan economic region.

2 bedrooms $ 316 · estimate3 bedrooms $ 410utilities $ 34,1ticket $ 0,25monthly pass $ 21,3
To buy, per m²: centre $ 2 176 · suburbs $ 1 266

A seismically hazardous zone (the foothills of the Lesser Caucasus).

+The cost of living is lower than in Baku
+Historic buildings and cultural sites
+Transport links to the west of the country
−Significantly fewer jobs and lower salary levels than in Baku
−Limited international air connectivity
−Seismic risk

Sumgayit

379 400 residents
$ 423
1 bedroom, per month

An industrial satellite city of Baku on the Caspian coast, one of the country's largest cities.

2 bedrooms $ 591 · estimate3 bedrooms $ 758utilities $ 58,0ticket $ 0,33monthly pass $ 21,2
To buy, per m²: centre $ 2 188 · suburbs $ 1 274

A seismically hazardous zone; historical soil and air pollution from Soviet-era chemical and metallurgical industry.

+Proximity to Baku (about 30 km)
+Rent is cheaper than in the capital
+Industrial employment
−The environmental legacy of Soviet-era chemical industry
−Fewer services and leisure options than in Baku
−Seismic risk

Sheki

65 300 residents
$ 234
1 bedroom, per month

A city on the Great Silk Road at the foot of the Greater Caucasus; the historic centre and the Palace of the Sheki Khans are a UNESCO World Heritage site.

2 bedrooms $ 331 · estimate3 bedrooms $ 427utilities $ 56,9ticket —monthly pass —
To buy, per m²: centre — · suburbs —

A seismically hazardous zone; mountain roads are difficult in the cold season.

+Historic buildings and UNESCO World Heritage status
+The tourist flow and associated employment
+A cooler summer climate than in Baku
−A small labour market outside tourism
−Distance from Baku (about 320 km)
−Seismic risk

Lankaran

51 600 residents
$ 329
1 bedroom, per month

The main city of the subtropical Talysh region in the south of the country, near the border with Iran; a resort zone on the Caspian coast.

2 bedrooms $ 460 · estimate3 bedrooms $ 591utilities $ 38,7ticket $ 0,24monthly pass $ 21,3
To buy, per m²: centre $ 2 207 · suburbs $ 1 255

A seismically hazardous zone; risk of flooding during the rainy season.

+A subtropical climate and Caspian beaches
+Tea plantations and agricultural production of the region
+The cost of living is lower than in Baku
−A limited labour market outside tourism and agriculture
−Distance from Baku (about 270 km)
−Seasonality of the tourist flow

Grocery basket

Bread, 500 g
$ 0,47
Milk, 1 l
$ 1,47
Eggs, 12
$ 1,67
Chicken breast, 1 kg
$ 4,94
Cheese, 1 kg
$ 4,60
Rice, 1 kg
$ 2,26
Potatoes, 1 kg
$ 0,77
Apples, 1 kg
$ 1,22
Coca-Cola / Pepsi, 2 l
$ 1,12
Total
$ 18,5

The same set for every country, so the comparison is fair.

Cost of living across the country

Rent, 1 bedroom
$ 428 a month
Rent, 3 bedrooms
$ 914 a month
Utility bills
$ 57,0 a month
Home internet
$ 16,0 a month
Monthly transport pass
$ 21,3 a month
Single transport ticket
$ 0,33
Petrol, litre
$ 0,67
Cold medicine
$ 5,71 for a week

Country averages. City prices, where collected, are shown above and are more precise.

Indicators

Life expectancy
74,6 years2024
Homicides
2 per 100k2024
Road deaths
17,2 per 100k2021
Unemployment
5,5 %2025
Unemployment, ages 15–24
13,1 %2025
Health spending per person
$ 300 a year
Air pollution, PM2.5
23,7 µg/m³2023
Access to clean water
97,7 %2024
Internet, fixed line
92,2 Mbit/s2026
Internet, mobile
98,6 Mbit/s2026

Governance

Political stability
below average · -0,1
Control of corruption
below average · -0,8
Rule of law
below average · -0,5
Government effectiveness
above average · 0,2

World Bank estimates on a −2.5 to +2.5 scale, higher is better.

Natural hazards

Earthquakes
7,8 out of 10
River floods
6,6 out of 10
Coastal floods
0 out of 10
Tropical cyclones
0 out of 10
Droughts
5,3 out of 10
Tsunamis
0 out of 10

Each value carries the year it refers to. “Data lags behind” means this country's figure was collected noticeably earlier than the rest. Natural hazards use one 0–10 scale and are meant to be compared against each other.

Pros and cons

+ASAN Viza — electronic processing of short-term entry; for many nationalities no visa is required
+A temporary residence permit on a broad range of grounds, including real estate, a bank deposit, or securities from AZN 100,000
+Only 2 years of continuous temporary residence before the right to a permanent residence permit arises
+Residents of technology parks, ICT specialists, and spouses of Azerbaijani citizens are exempt from the work permit requirement
−Dual citizenship is not recognised by law; voluntary acquisition of another citizenship is a ground for loss of Azerbaijani citizenship by court decision
−Naturalisation requires 5 years of permanent residence and confirmed knowledge of the state language
−High seismic hazard (INFORM: 7.8 out of 10)
−Low scores for rule of law (−0.49) and control of corruption (−0.78) under the Worldwide Governance Indicators, 2024

Compare with other countries in the region

Other countries in the region: Asia

Official sources

Reliability. Collected from open sources: official immigration service sites, statistical aggregators, industry surveys. Updated: 2026-09-09.

This is not advice. This material is for reference and is not legal, tax or immigration advice. Visa rules, tax thresholds and prices change. Before deciding anything, check the official sources and consult a licensed professional in the relevant country.