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Azerbaijan Residence Visa: Types & Residency Through Investment

Last Updated : 29-Sept-2023

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Explore Azerbaijan's residence visa options for temporary and permanent stays. We will discuss eligibility criteria, document requirements, and the investor visa program. 

Azerbaijan offers two types of residence visas: temporary and permanent. 

    Temporary visas are for short-term stays. 

    Permanent visas provide long-term residency. 

The Investor Visa Program offers both temporary and permanent residence permits based on financial investments.

*Atlys does not provide this visa

Azerbaijan welcomes any foreigner or stateless person who meet certain criteria to reside temporarily or permanently within its borders. In this blog, we'll provide a comprehensive overview of both these permits. 

We can refer to these permits as "Azerbaijan residence visas" to make them more relatable and understandable.

What Is An Azerbaijan Residence Visa?

An Azerbaijan residence visa allows foreigners and stateless individuals to temporarily or permanently live within the borders of the Republic of Azerbaijan. 

There are two types of residence visas, each with its own eligibility criteria and purposes, catering to different categories of individuals seeking legal residence in Azerbaijan.

We will explore both temporary residence visas and permanent residence visas, as well as delve into the investment visa program and its connections to these residential visas.

Types of Residence Visa

Temporary residence visa: A Temporary Residence Visa is permission granted by the Azerbaijani government to foreigners or stateless individuals. This permission allows them to live in Azerbaijan for a specific period, usually for reasons like work, study, or reuniting with family. 

It's essential to note that this visa doesn't grant permanent residency or citizenship but enables individuals to stay in Azerbaijan legally for a defined time frame.

Permanent residence visa: Is official permission issued by the Azerbaijani government. This visa allows a foreigner or stateless person to live in Azerbaijan for an extended and indefinite period. 

Unlike a temporary residence visa, which has a shorter validity, a permanent residence visa offers a more stable and long-term legal status, removing the need for frequent visa renewals.

Temporary Residence Permit in Azerbaijan: Eligibility Criteria

Foreigners and stateless individuals who plan to live temporarily in the Republic of Azerbaijan must obtain the necessary authorisation for their stay. 

Foreigners and stateless persons can obtain a temporary residence permit in the Republic of Azerbaijan under various circumstances.

Eligibility Criteria:

    Close Relationships: If they have close family ties with a citizen of Azerbaijan.

    Investment: When they make a substantial investment of at least 500,000 manats in the country's economy.

    Real Estate Ownership: If they own real estate valued at least 100,000 manats within Azerbaijan's territory.

    Bank Deposit: By depositing a minimum of 100,000 manats in Azerbaijani banks through a term deposit agreement.

    Highly Qualified Specialists: When they possess expertise in fields such as economy, industry, military, science, culture, sports, and more.

    Special Categories: If they fall into categories specified by the President of Azerbaijan and are invited by Azerbaijani citizens or legal entities for specific work or services.

    Family Members: In the case of being family members of foreigners or stateless persons already residing in Azerbaijan.

    Key Positions: When they hold head or deputy head positions in branches or representations of foreign legal entities in Azerbaijan.

    Entrepreneurship Activity: When engaged in entrepreneurship, provided they employ at least 5 full-time or 10 part-time workers, with a requirement that at least 80% of the employees are Azerbaijani citizens.

    Recruitment by Executive Authorities: If recruited by relevant executive authorities.

    Military and Experts: For military servicemen and experts invited to serve or work for the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan and other armed units in accordance with Azerbaijani legislation.

    Media Accreditation: In the case of being an accredited employee of mass media in Azerbaijan.

    Seamen: If they are employed as seamen.

Additional Important Information About the Temporary Residence Visa:

    The State Migration Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan is the relevant executive authority responsible for granting temporary residence permits to foreigners and stateless individuals in the country.

    If a temporary residence permit is granted to foreigners and stateless individuals in Azerbaijan, they receive a temporary residence permission card from the State Migration Service of Azerbaijan.

Document Requirements for Obtaining (extending) Permit for Temporary Residence

Applicants for temporary residence visas must submit the following documents:

    Completed application form (approved by the Cabinet of Ministers).

    Copy of a valid passport or other border-crossing document.

    Notarised copy of the birth certificate or equivalent for applicants under 18 without a passport.

    Document justifying the grounds for the permit.

    Notarised consent letter from family members or close relatives (as applicable).

    Health certificate proving the absence of infectious diseases.

    Copy of the document authorising temporary stay or residence.

    Application by inviting authorities or organisations (for specific categories).

    Two passport-sized photos (3.5 x 4.5 cm).

    Residential area documentation.

    Copy of the identity document of the person providing the residential area.

    Receipt confirming payment of the state fee.

Permanent Residence Permit in Azerbaijan | Eligibility Criteria

Foreigners and stateless individuals who have resided continuously in Azerbaijan for at least two years on a temporary residence permit can apply for permanent residence. 

To apply for permanent residence in the Republic of Azerbaijan, foreigners and stateless individuals must meet specific criteria.

Eligibility Criteria:

    Close Relationships: If they have family ties with an Azerbaijani citizen.

    Investment: When they make a substantial investment of at least 500,000 manats in the country's economy.

    Real Estate Ownership: If they own real estate valued at least 100,000 manats within Azerbaijan's territory.

    Bank Deposit: By depositing a minimum of 100,000 manats in Azerbaijani banks through a term deposit agreement.

    Highly Qualified Specialists: When they possess expertise in fields such as economy, industry, military, science, culture, sports, and more.

    Special Categories: If they fall into categories specified by the President of Azerbaijan and are invited by Azerbaijani citizens or legal entities for specific work or services.

    Family Members: In the case of being family members of foreigners or stateless individuals already residing in Azerbaijan.

    Key Positions: When they hold head or deputy head positions in branches or representations of foreign legal entities in Azerbaijan.

    Entrepreneurship Activity: When engaged in entrepreneurship.

Additional Important Information About The Azerbaijan Permanent Residence Visa:

    Application for permanent residence must be made at least three months before the temporary permit's expiry date.

    Permanent residence permits are initially granted for five years and can be renewed for additional five-year periods, with no set limit on renewals.

    Specific categories, such as investors, may have reduced document requirements.

    An Azerbaijani language test is mandatory.

    The Permanent Residence Permit in Azerbaijan is initially valid for a period of 5 years and must be renewed every 5 years thereafter.

    Temporary residence in Azerbaijan is continuous as long as the individual doesn't leave the country for more than 90 days within a 180-day days.

Document Requirements for Obtaining (extending) Permit for Permanent Residence

Applicants for the Permanent residence visa must provide the following documents:

    Completed application form (approved by the Cabinet of Ministers).

    Copy of a valid passport or other border-crossing document.

    Notarised copy of the birth certificate or equivalent for applicants under 18 without a passport.

    Health certificate proving the absence of infectious diseases.

    Proof of necessary funds to cover minimal needs (unless supported by a close relative or Azerbaijani citizen).

    Copy of the temporary or permanent residence permit.

    Notarised consent for minors aged 14-18.

    Residential area documentation.

    Application by the person providing the residential area.

    Copy of the identity document of the person providing the residential area.

    Receipt confirming payment of the state fee.

Introducing the Azerbaijan Investor Visa Program

Let's explore the Azerbaijan Investor Visa Program, offering both Temporary and Permanent Residence Permits based on financial investments. 

With the Investor Visa Program, you can obtain both Temporary and Permanent Residence Permits, and it all depends on your financial investments.

Here's a simplified breakdown of the requirements:

Temporary Residence Permit:

    Bank Deposit: To obtain a Temporary Residence Permit, you need to deposit at least AZN100,000 (USD59,000) into an Azerbaijani bank account, which can be in either AZN or foreign currency (e.g., USD, EUR).

    Property Ownership: Another option is property ownership worth AZN100,000 (USD59,000) in Azerbaijan. This choice can be attractive due to Baku's rapid property price growth, although it comes with currency risk.

    Other Investments: Alternatively, any investment totalling AZN500,000 (USD294,000) can qualify you for a Temporary Residence Permit.

    Business Establishment: Setting up a business in Azerbaijan also qualifies you for a Temporary Residence Permit, with the process being straightforward.

Azerbaijan Permanent Residence Visa:

As mentioned earlier, obtaining a permanent residence permit in Azerbaijan is a relatively simpler process compared to the temporary residence permit, as most of the groundwork is laid during the temporary residence permit application.

To obtain an Azerbaijan Permanent Residence Visa, you must first reside in Azerbaijan for at least two years with a Temporary Residence Permit. During this time, you should maintain the conditions that led to your initial permit (e.g., bank deposit or property ownership). You can secure Azerbaijan Permanent Residence by investment.

Note: Azerbaijan work permits are separate from residence permits and must be applied for separately. 

In summary

Understanding the requirements and documents needed for an Azerbaijan residence visa is essential. Whether you're attracted to Azerbaijan's culture, business prospects, investments or the welcoming atmosphere, securing the correct permit is your key to a fulfilling experience in this wonderful country.

Government sources:

Atlys, your trusted source for information on residence permits and visas, relies on official government sources to ensure the accuracy and currency of information. For further details or to verify specific requirements, you can refer to the following official sources:

The Republic of Azerbaijan State Migration Service (Temporary Residence Permit) 

The Republic of Azerbaijan State Migration Service (Permanent Residence Permit)

Moving2Azerbaijan requirements for Residence Permit

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can obtain Permanent Residence (PR) in Azerbaijan if you meet specific eligibility criteria. These criteria include close relationships with Azerbaijani citizens, significant investments in the country's economy, ownership of real estate in Azerbaijan, and other specified categories. It typically requires residing continuously in Azerbaijan for at least two years on a Temporary Residence Permit before applying for PR.

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