Azerbaijan is a dynamically developing country at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, combining modern infrastructure in Baku, rich historical heritage, and a favorable investment climate. Since 2020, the procedures for obtaining a residence permit have been significantly simplified, making the republic highly attractive for digital nomads, investors, retirees, and family relocants.
The law firm Expert SM provides comprehensive services for obtaining and extending temporary (TRP) and permanent (PRP) residence permits in the Republic of Azerbaijan. With more than 20 years of experience in migration law, we offer full-cycle support – from analyzing eligibility grounds to the issuance of the certificate by the State Migration Service (SMS). We guarantee full compliance with the Migration Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, minimize refusal risks, and accelerate the procedure (15-60 days). Working with Expert SM helps avoid typical mistakes related to documentation and investment thresholds.
Target Audience
- Investors placing funds in banks, real estate, securities, or the national economy.
- Founders/directors of companies with foreign investment or branches/representative offices of foreign legal entities.
- Individual entrepreneurs creating jobs for Azerbaijani citizens.
Temporary Residence Permit (TRP)
A Temporary residence permit grants foreigners the right to reside in the country temporarily. Standard TRP is issued for up to 1 year with the possibility of extension for up to 2 years at a time. For investors contributing at least 500,000 AZN to the economy, the permit may be issued for the period specified in the application (but not exceeding 3 years), with subsequent extensions for the same period provided the grounds remain valid.
The Permanent Residence Permit in the Republic of Azerbaijan is issued for a period of up to 5 years. No later than three months prior to its expiry, the permit may be extended for a further 5-year period upon application by the foreign national or stateless person. The number of extensions is unlimited.
Requirements for Temporary and Permanent Residence Permits in Azerbaijan
Temporary Residence Permit in Azerbaijan
- Investment in the economy: ≥ 500,000 AZN (~295,000 USD) in any form (shares, equity, etc.).
- Investment in real estate: ≥ 100,000 AZN (~59,000 USD).
- Bank term deposit: ≥ 100,000 AZN in an Azerbaijani bank.
- Investment in securities: ≥ 100,000 AZN in domestic securities.
- Establishing or managing a company with foreign investment (LLC): – As director -minimum charter capital ≥ 50,000 AZN (~30,000 USD). – As founder – the company must employ at least 5 Azerbaijani citizens full-time.
- Senior management position (director or deputy director) in a branch/representative office of a foreign company.
- Individual entrepreneurship with employment of at least 5 Azerbaijani citizens full-time.
- Close family ties with an Azerbaijani citizen or current resident.
- Valid work permit (quota-based employment contract).
Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) in Azerbaijan
- Investment in the economy of Azerbaijan Minimum 500,000 AZN (approximately 295,000 USD) in any approved form (equity contributions, shares in companies, direct capital investments, etc.).
- Investment in real estate Minimum 200,000 AZN (approximately 118,000 USD).
- Bank term deposit Minimum 200,000 AZN placed as a fixed-term deposit with a licensed bank in Azerbaijan.
- Investment in government securities Ownership of Azerbaijani government bonds or other state securities with a nominal value of at least 200,000 AZN (approximately 118,000 USD).
Required Documents (General List)
- Application form
- Passport copy (valid for at least 18 months)
- Medical certificate
- Document confirming the ground for residence
- Notarized document granting the right of residence (lease agreement or ownership)
- Two recent colour photographs measuring 3.5 × 4.5 cm (white background)
- Proof of registered address in Azerbaijan
- Consent form from the property owner
- ID document of the property owner
State duty: 120-160 AZN (depending on processing speed).
Applications for extension must be submitted no later than 1 month before the current permit expires. Standard processing time: 15-20 business days.
Expert SM Step-by-Step Support
- Eligibility audit and ground selection – situation assessment, investment calculation, business plan development.
- Dossier preparation – collection, legalization/apostille, due diligence of investments (account opening, asset registration).
- Submission – online or in-person at the State Migration Service; extensions submitted at least 1 month in advance for temporary, for permanent – 3months.
- Monitoring and receipt – addressing any requests from authorities, obtaining the plastic residence card.
Risks of Refusal and Mitigation
Common refusal reasons: false information, national security concerns, certain infectious diseases, expired passport, prior deportation, or prolonged absence from the country (more than 90 days within any 180-day period per year). Through pre-audit and thorough preparation, Expert SM achieves a 98% approval rate.
Additional Services
- Litigation and appeal support in migration disputes
- Tax and corporate compliance audits
- Full family package (simultaneous applications for spouses and children)
Benefits of Azerbaijani Residence
- Unlimited multiple entry/exit
- Right to conduct business and employment
- Access to certain social benefits
- Clear pathway to permanent residence and citizenship
Expert SM turns migration into a strategic advantage for your business and family. Contact us today for a professional consultation and invest in Azerbaijan with confidence.