A residence permit in Azerbaijan is an official document that allows foreign nationals to reside legally in the country. This document is required for individuals intending to live, work, engage in entrepreneurial activities, or stay in the country for other purposes. If you are planning to obtain an Azerbaijani residence permit, it is important to understand that there are two main types: temporary residence permit and permanent residence permit. Each has its own conditions and benefits, and the choice depends on your goals.
Temporary Residence Permit grants foreign citizens the right to legally reside in Azerbaijan for a limited period. It is issued for one year with the possibility of annual renewal, keeping the initial basis for application.
You may be eligible for a temporary residence permit in Azerbaijan if you are employed, studying, investing in the economy, or have relatives who are Azerbaijani citizens. To apply, you must prepare a set of documents and submit your application to the State Migration Service. The residence permit is granted for a period of up to 12 months and can be extended for up to 24 months, provided all necessary conditions are met.
Foreign nationals investing a minimum of 500,000 manats into the economy of Azerbaijan are eligible for a temporary residence permit. The permit is issued for a requested period of up to three years and carries the right of renewal for subsequent, equivalent terms, contingent upon continued compliance with all stipulated regulatory requirements.
A Permanent Residence Permit allows foreign nationals to reside in Azerbaijan on a long-term basis. Unlike a temporary permit, it requires compliance with a number of additional conditions. Holders of a permanent residence permit enjoy expanded rights and may become eligible to apply for citizenship in the future.
If you plan to stay in the country permanently, a Permanent Residence Permit will be the ideal solution. Obtaining it often requires demonstrating significant investments (e.g., in real estate or business) or long-term prior residence on a temporary permit. The Permanent Residence Permit is granted for a period of 5 years and can be renewed for a similar term.
First and foremost, to obtain a residence permit, you need to determine your purpose for applying for an Azerbaijani residence permit: work, business, or family? The second and most critical step is gathering the required documents. At this stage, our specialists will provide you with professional assistance and help compile precisely the documentation needed for submission to the Migration Service of Azerbaijan. Our company, Expert SM, will help you avoid common mistakes and prepare a flawless application package.
According to the Migration Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the bases for obtaining (or extending) a temporary residence permit in Azerbaijan include the following:
- Close family ties with a citizen of the Republic of Azerbaijan;
- Investment in the economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the amount of 500,000 AZN;
- Ownership of real estate with a value of at least 100,000 manats, or equivalent funds held in accounts in banks of the Republic of Azerbaijan;
- Deposits of at least 100,000 manats in banks of the Republic of Azerbaijan under a term deposit agreement;
- Ownership of government securities with a nominal value of at least 100,000 manats, or investment securities of legal entities in which the state holds at least 51% of shares (stakes), of equivalent value;
- High qualifications of the applicant in the fields of economics, industry, military affairs, science, culture, sports, or other areas;
- Close family ties with a foreigner or stateless person temporarily or permanently residing in the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan;
- Holding a position as head or deputy head of a branch or representative office of a foreign legal entity in the Republic of Azerbaijan;
- Engagement in entrepreneurial activity;
- Other conditions specified in the legislation (for additional information, please contact our specialists).
According to the Migration Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the grounds for obtaining (or extending) a permanent residence permit in Azerbaijan include the following:
- Bank deposit: A fixed-term deposit in a local bank amounting to at least 200,000 manats (approximately $120,000 USD) may serve as grounds for obtaining a residence permit.
- Real estate investment: The purchase of real estate valued at at least 200,000 manats (approximately $120,000 USD) is also grounds for obtaining a temporary residence permit.
- Economic investment: Foreign investors who have invested no less than 500,000 manats (approximately $295,000 USD) into the economy of Azerbaijan are eligible to apply for a residence permit.
- Individual entrepreneurs: Those who have officially employed at least five Azerbaijani citizens on a full-time basis are eligible for a residence permit.
- Executive position in a foreign company branch: Foreign nationals serving as directors or deputy directors in a representative office or branch of a foreign company in Azerbaijan may also obtain a residence permit.
- Securities investment: An investment of at least 200,000 manats (approximately $120,000 USD) in securities registered in Azerbaijan is also an acceptable basis.
- Participation in a foreign-capital company: If a foreign national is a director or founder of a company with foreign investment, and the paid-up charter capital amounts to at least 100,000 manats (approximately $60,000 USD), they may qualify for a residence permit.
- Family ties: Foreign citizens who are closely related to Azerbaijani citizens or are family members of permanent residence permit holders may be eligible for a temporary residence permit..
Our specialists will provide more detailed information tailored to your specific case and prepare the necessary package of documents.
The primary advantage of obtaining a residence permit in Azerbaijan is the right to legal residence, which opens up numerous opportunities. These include access to banking services, the ability for children to attend local schools, the opportunity to conduct business, and the chance to eventually qualify for citizenship.
The procedure for securing a residence permit often proves complex, as foreign nationals must navigate bureaucratic procedures while lacking familiarity with local legislation and the specific rules governing document submission. For this reason, we strongly advise enlisting the help of professionals with expert knowledge of every nuance within the local legal framework. Our legal services company, Expert SM, provides comprehensive consultation and full support services, enabling you to dedicate your attention to your personal plans instead of administrative formalities.