A Residence Permit in Azerbaijan is an official permission that grants foreigners the right to live in the country for a certain period. According to Migration Law, there are two types of residence permits in Azerbaijan: Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) and Permanent Residence Permit.
We believe that this blog post will provide valuable insights on requirements and procedures for obtaining a residence permit in Azerbaijan. Additionally, if you require legal assistance in obtaining or extending a residence permit, consider applying for DLB Consulting’s services. DLB Consulting provides legal services and consultation in the sphere of Azerbaijan Migration Law to its clients worldwide.
Who We Provide Legal Services for to Obtain a Residence Permit in Azerbaijan
We at DLB Consulting provide professional legal services for foreigners planning to obtain a residence permit in the country. However, as we offer only specific services to our clients, we provide Migration Law Services only to a specific category of foreigners. Therefore, the following categories of foreigners can apply for our services to obtain a residence permit in Azerbaijan:
- Foreigners who deposit a certain amount in banks operating in Azerbaijan;
- Foreigners who invest in the economy of Azerbaijan, in real estate, or in securities;
- Business people who are the founders or heads of companies operating in Azerbaijan, or heads or deputy heads of foreign company branches in Azerbaijan, or Individual Entrepreneurs;
- Family members of residence permit holders, and foreigners who are in a close relationship with a citizen of Azerbaijan;
- Businesses in Azerbaijan that plan to obtain work permits for the foreigners they intend to hire for their commercial activities.
Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) in Azerbaijan
Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) in Azerbaijan is a type of residence permit that grants foreigners the right to reside temporarily in the country.
Article 45 of the Migration Code defines the criteria for the issuance and extension of Temporary Residence Permits. Accordingly, foreigners can obtain or extend their Temporary Residence Permits (TRP) in Azerbaijan under the following cases:
- Investment in the Economy: Foreigners who invest at least AZN 500,000 (approximately USD 295,000) in the country’s economy;
- Real Estate Investment: Foreigners who invest a minimum of AZN 100,000 (approximately USD 59,000) in real estate in Azerbaijan;
- Bank Deposit: Foreigners who deposit at least AZN 100,000 (approximately USD 59,000) into local banks in Azerbaijan under a term deposit agreement;
- Business Activity in a Company with Foreign Investment: Foreigners who are either the head or a founder of a company with foreign investment with AZN 50,000 (approximately USD 30,000) paid Charter Capital;
- Management Activity in the Branch of a Foreign Company: Foreigners who hold positions as head or deputy head in the branch or representation of a foreign company in Azerbaijan;
- Individual Entrepreneurship: Foreign Individual Entrepreneurs who employ a minimum of five full-time citizens of Azerbaijan;
- Investment in Securities: Foreigners who invest a minimum of AZN 100,000 (approximately USD 59,000) in securities in the country;
- Family Relations: Foreigners who are family members of residence permit holders or in a close relationship with a citizen of Azerbaijan.
In Azerbaijan, foreigners can initially obtain a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) for a period of up to 1 year. Also, temporary residence permit holders can apply to extend their permits for up to a period not exceeding 2 years each time.
Permanent Residence Permit in Azerbaijan
Permanent Residence Permit in Azerbaijan is a type of residence permit that grants foreigners the right to reside permanently in the country.
Article 52 of the Migration Code defines the criteria for the issuance and extension of Permanent Residence Permits. Accordingly, foreigners can obtain or extend their Permanent Residence Permits in Azerbaijan under the following cases:
- Investment in the Economy: Foreigners who invest at least AZN 500,000 (approximately USD 295,000) in the economy of the country;
- Real Estate Investment: Foreigners investing a minimum of AZN 200,000 (approximately USD 120,000) in real estate in Azerbaijan;
- Bank Deposit: Foreigners who deposit at least AZN 200,000 (approximately USD 120,000) into local banks in Azerbaijan under a term deposit contract;
- Business Activity in a Company with Foreign Investment: Who are either the head or a founder of a company with foreign investment with AZN 100,000 (approximately USD 60,000) paid up Charter Capital;
- Management Activity in the Branch of a Foreign Company: Foreigners who hold positions as head or deputy head in the branch or representation of a foreign company in the country;
- Foreign Individual Entrepreneurs: Individual Entrepreneurs who employ a minimum of five full-time citizens of Azerbaijan;
- Investment in Securities: Foreigners investing a minimum of AZN 200,000 (approximately USD 120,000) in securities in Azerbaijan;
- Family Relations: Foreigners who are family members of permanent residence permit holders or in a close relationship with a citizen of Azerbaijan.
Additionally, to obtain a Permanent Residence Permit in Azerbaijan, applicants must meet further requirements. To apply, foreigners must have resided in the country for two consecutive years. They must also possess knowledge of the local language.
The Permanent Residence Permit in Azerbaijan is valid for five years and can be extended for an additional five years if relevant grounds exist.
Residence Permit Application Process
The State Migration Service issues and extends residence permits in Azerbaijan. It’s important to note that foreigners can apply for a residence permit and its extension both offline and online. So, applicants who meet the criteria should just collect the necessary documents and apply accordingly. The processing time for residence permit applications typically ranges from 10 to 20 business days. At the end of the process, residence permit applicants receive a Residence Card Certificate (Azerbaijan TRC). Notably, the state fee for a one-year Residence Card (Azerbaijan TRC) can vary from 120 AZN to 160 AZN.
Temporary Residence Permit holders must apply for an extension at least one month before the expiry date. In turn, foreigners must apply for obtaining or extending a Permanent Residence Permit at least three months before the expiry of their current residence card.
Document Requirements for Applying for and Extending a Residence Permit
To apply for and get a residence permit in Azerbaijan foreigners must collect and submit the following documents:
- Application form;
- Copy of passport;
- Medical certificate;
- Documents that confirm the circumstances justifying the issuance of a residence permit;
- A copy of the document granting the right to stay or reside in Azerbaijan;
- Two photos;
- A document of the residential area;
- Consent form submitted by the owner of the residential area;
- Document confirming the identity of the owner of the residential area.
How to Apply and Obtain a Residence Permit in Azerbaijan: Step by Step Guide
If you are planning to obtain a residence permit in Azerbaijan or extend your current one, follow these practical steps:
Step 1: Decide on the legal ground
As mentioned earlier, there are several legal grounds for applying for a residence permit in Azerbaijan. Begin by identifying the one that aligns with your situation or the type of investment you prefer.
Step 2: Prepare and Collect Required Documents
Once you have determined the appropriate legal ground, gather and prepare the necessary documents. Document requirements can vary significantly depending on the chosen legal ground. To ensure everything is in order, we recommend seeking professional consultation or services.
Step 3: Submit Your Residence Permit Application
After preparing all required documents, you can submit your application to the Migration Service, either online or in person. Processing times for temporary residence permits typically range from 15 to 20 business days, while permanent residence permits may take up to 60 days.
Step 4: Receive Your Residence Card
If your application is approved, you will be issued a residence card (Azerbaijan TRC). This card is an official ID that certifies your residency status in the Republic of Azerbaijan.
The Benefits of a Residence Permit in Azerbaijan
Why become a resident of Azerbaijan? What types of benefits and advantages does a residence permit offer to foreigners? Whether you’re an investor, student, professional, or planning to relocate with your family, obtaining a residence permit in Azerbaijan provides numerous legal, economic, and social benefits. Below are some of the key advantages that make Azerbaijan an attractive destination for foreign nationals:
- Legal Status to Reside in the Country: Residence card holders (TRC Card) can legally stay in the country during the validity period of the card. They are not required to obtain a visa to enter Azerbaijan.
- Doing Business in the Country: Regardless of the basis on which you obtained your residence permit, you are eligible to start business in Azerbaijan—even as a student, an employee of a local firm, or a dependent of a foreigner holding a residence card. Operating a business in Azerbaijan also opens doors to expanding into international markets;
- Family Sponsorship Opportunities: Residents can sponsor their spouse, children, and parents (if they are above the age of 65), enabling the entire family to legally reside in Azerbaijan and benefit from social services;
- Eligibility for Citizenship: Certain types of residence permits—such as those based on business or investment—can lead to permanent residency and eventually Azerbaijani citizenship after five years of legal residence;
- Access to Banking and Financial Services: Residents can open personal and corporate bank accounts, conduct international transactions, pay taxes, and benefit from favorable loan terms offered by local banks;
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Education and Healthcare Access: Residency provides access to both public and private educational institutions and healthcare services, often at lower costs compared to those available to non-residents.
Legal Services
We hope this blog post has provided detailed insights into the requirements and application process for issuing a residence permit in Azerbaijan. Furthemore, if you need professional legal assistance with obtaining or extending a residency in Azerbaijan, feel free to contact us. We proudly provide our services to clients from all around the world.
Migration Law Legal Services We Offer
We offer the following consulting and legal services to business entities and foreigners regarding the Migration Law:
- Legal consulting on the Migration Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan;
- Increasing the charter capital of a company;
- Foreign company branch registration in Azerbaijan;
- Services for opening bank accounts and guidance for depositing in banks;
- Investment consulting services;
- Application for obtaining a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) in Azerbaijan;
- Application for obtaining a Permanent Residence Permit in Azerbaijan etc.
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FAQ
A Residence Permit in Azerbaijan is an official permission that grants foreigners the right to live in the country for a certain period, either temporarily or permanently, depending on the type of permit obtained.
A Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) in Azerbaijan is an official document that allows a foreigner to legally reside in the country for a limited period. It is typically issued for up to one year initially and can be extended for up to two years each time.
A Permanent Residence Permit in Azerbaijan is an official document that allows a foreigner to legally reside in the country on a permanent basis. It is initially issued for a 5-year period and can be renewed for an additional 5 years if the applicant continues to meet the relevant requirements.
To obtain permanent residency, it is required to make a certain type of investment in Azerbaijan, such as in real estate, business, or a bank deposit. Additionally, it is necessary to reside in the country for two consecutive years and to have knowledge of the Azerbaijani language.
Foreigners who invest in the economy, real estate, or securities; deposit funds in Azerbaijani banks; conduct business; serve as heads or deputy heads of foreign company branches; operate as individual entrepreneurs; or are family members of residence permit holders or Azerbaijani citizens are eligible.
The State Migration Service issues and extends temporary and permanent residence permits in Azerbaijan. They are also responsible for citizenship applications.
Foreigners investing in the economy of the country, investing in real estate, holding a bank deposit, or investing in securities can be eligible for an investment-based residence permit in Azerbaijan. There are certain requirements for each type of investment option.
To obtain a residence permit in Azerbaijan through a bank deposit, you must hold a deposit of at least 100,000 AZN (approximately 60,000 USD) in any bank operating in Azerbaijan. For permanent residency, the minimum deposit requirement is 200,000 AZN (approximately 120,000 USD).
Deposit holders may earn an annual interest of 10–12% from local banks if the deposit is made in Azerbaijani Manats. Additionally, foreigners can make deposits in other currencies such as USD, Euro, or GBP and still be eligible for residency.
To obtain a residence permit in Azerbaijan through real estate investment, foreigners must invest at least 100,000 AZN (approximately 60,000 USD) in property located in Azerbaijan. The investment can be made in either residential or commercial real estate. For permanent residency, the minimum investment requirement is 200,000 AZN (approximately 120,000 USD).
If you plan to start a business in Azerbaijan, you may be eligible to obtain a residence permit with relative ease. To qualify, your company must have a charter capital of at least 50,000 AZN (approximately 30,000 USD) registered in Azerbaijan. To extend your residence permit, your business should have an annual turnover of at least 100,000 AZN (approximately 60,000 USD).
Please note that, to prevent illegal immigration, the State Migration Service may request additional documentation beyond the charter capital. Therefore, it is advisable that your business is already operational at the time of application to minimize the risk of rejection.
Yes, foreigners can apply for and obtain citizenship in Azerbaijan. To become eligible, it is required to reside in the country for a minimum of five years as a permanent resident. The same requirements apply to all foreigners, regardless of their nationality.
The state fee for a one-year Temporary Residence Permit card (TRC Card) typically ranges from 120 AZN to 160 AZN, depending on the processing time. In turn, the state fee ranges from 300 AZN to 450 AZN for Permanent Residence Permit cards.
The application processing time for Temporary Residence Permits (TRP or TRC cards) in Azerbaijan ranges from 15 to 20 working days. In turn, the processing time for Permanent Residence Permits ranges from 35 to 60 working days. Applicants are free to choose their preferred processing duration.
Firstly, a residence permit card grants its holder the right to live in Azerbaijan during its validity period. Additionally, residence permit holders can freely start a business or invest in the country. Moreover, residents have access to healthcare, education, and other public services.
Yes, the legal requirements are the same for all foreigners, regardless of their country of origin, when applying for residency in Azerbaijan. In other words, there is no legislative difference whether the applicant is from the USA, Germany, France, the UK, UAE, Pakistan, India, China, or any other country. However, to prevent illegal immigration, the policy may be applied more strictly for citizens of certain countries.
The requirements for obtaining a residence permit in Azerbaijan are the same for U.S. citizens as for citizens of any other country. To apply for and obtain a residence permit in Azerbaijan, U.S. citizens must either start a business or make a certain amount of investment (such as a bank deposit, real estate purchase, or investment in securities) in Azerbaijan. Additionally, U.S. citizens can apply for and obtain a residence permit in Azerbaijan if they have family ties with Azerbaijani citizens or with current residence permit holders.
Citizens of European Union countries are subject to the same requirements as citizens of any other country. To apply for and obtain a residence permit in Azerbaijan, EU citizens must either start a business or make a certain amount of investment in the country (such as a bank deposit, real estate purchase, or investment in securities). Additionally, EU citizens can apply for and obtain a residence permit if they have family ties with Azerbaijani citizens or with current residence permit holders in Azerbaijan.
The same requirements apply equally to all European Union countries, including Germany, France, Italy, Austria, Denmark, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Estonia, or any other EU country.
Citizens of the United Kingdom are subject to the same requirements as citizens of any other country when applying for a residence permit in Azerbaijan. To qualify, UK citizens must either start a business or make a certain amount of investment in the country (such as a bank deposit, real estate purchase, or investment in securities). Additionally, UK citizens can apply for and obtain a residence permit based on family ties, if they have close relatives who are Azerbaijani citizens or current residence permit holders in Azerbaijan.
Citizens of China are subject to the same requirements as citizens of any other country when applying for a residence permit in Azerbaijan. To qualify, Chinese citizens must either start a business or make a certain amount of investment in Azerbaijan (such as a bank deposit, real estate purchase, or investment in securities). Additionally, Chinese citizens can apply for and obtain a residence permit based on family ties, if they have close relatives who are Azerbaijani citizens or current residence permit holders in Azerbaijan.
Citizens of Arab countries are subject to the same requirements as citizens of any other country when applying for a residence permit in Azerbaijan. To qualify, they must either start a business or make a certain amount of investment in the country (such as a bank deposit, real estate purchase, or investment in securities). Additionally, they can also apply for and obtain a residence permit if they have family ties with Azerbaijani citizens or current residence permit holders.
The same requirements apply equally to all Arab countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, or any other Arab nation.
Citizens of India are subject to the same requirements as citizens of any other country when applying for residency in Azerbaijan (TRC or TRP). To qualify, Indian citizens must either start a business or make a certain amount of investment in Azerbaijan (such as a bank deposit, real estate purchase, or investment in securities). Additionally, Indian citizens can apply for and obtain residency (a TRC or TRP card) based on family ties, if they have close relatives who are Azerbaijani citizens or current residence permit holders.
Citizens of Pakistan are subject to the same requirements as citizens of any other country when applying for residency in Azerbaijan (TRC or TRP). To qualify, Pakistani citizens must either start a business or make a certain amount of investment in the country (such as a bank deposit, real estate purchase, or investment in securities). Additionally, Pakistani citizens can apply for and obtain residency (a TRC or TRP card) based on family ties, if they have close relatives who are Azerbaijani citizens or current residence permit holders.
The state fee for a one-year Temporary Residence Permit card (TRC Card) typically ranges from 120 AZN to 160 AZN, depending on the processing time. In turn, the state fee for Permanent Residence Permit cards ranges from 300 AZN to 450 AZN. The same fees apply to all foreigners, regardless of whether they are from India, the UAE, the USA, Pakistan, or any other country.
To extend a current residence permit, it is generally required to maintain the same basis under which the permit was originally granted, or to have another eligible basis. It should also be noted that if the basis is business, the business must be actively operating and must meet a specific minimum annual turnover requirement.
Foreigners who have applied for a permit to live in Azerbaijan can check their application status at: https://eservice.migration.gov.az/public/application-track
If you hold a bank deposit or have invested in real estate (or any other eligible type of investment) that meets the minimum required amount, you will most likely obtain your residence permit without any issues. The risk of rejection typically arises when applying based on business investment, especially if your business is not yet operational or if your activities do not fully comply with local laws. To minimize the chance of rejection, we recommend consulting with experts to ensure that your business is legally compliant and actively operating in accordance with Azerbaijani legislation.