A residence permit in Azerbaijan, is an official document granting foreigners the right to live in the country for a specified period. According to Azerbaijan’s migration legislation, there are two types of residence permits: Temporary Residence Permit and Permanent Residence Permit. Whether you plan to stay in Azerbaijan for work, study, or other purposes, obtaining the appropriate residence visa is essential for ensuring your legal status and enjoying your time in this vibrant nation.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the application process, required documents, and available legal services for obtaining a permission in Azerbaijan.
Temporary Residence Permit (TRP)
A Temporary Residence Permit in Azerbaijan allows foreigners and stateless persons to reside temporarily in the country. Below are the criteria and procedures for obtaining or extending a Temporary Living Permit.
What Are the Cases for the Issuance or Extension of TRP?
Article 45 of the Migration Code defines the criteria for issuing and extending Temporary Residence Permits. Foreigners and stateless persons can obtain or extend their permits under the following circumstances:
- Investment in the Economy of Azerbaijan: A minimum investment of AZN 500,000 (approximately USD 295,000).
- Real Estate Investment: An investment of at least AZN 100,000 (approximately USD 59,000) in local real estate.
- Bank Deposit: A deposit of at least AZN 100,000 (approximately USD 59,000) in local banks under a term deposit agreement.
- Investment in Securities: A minimum investment of AZN 100,000 (approximately USD 59,000) in securities.
- Business Activity in a Company with Foreign Investment: The foreign investor must own at least 51% of the company shares, with a paid-up charter capital of at least AZN 50,000 (approximately USD 30,000).
- Individual Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurs must employ at least five full-time employees and have a business turnover of at least AZN 50,000 (approximately USD 30,000).
- Management Activity in a Branch of a Foreign Company: Head or deputy head of a foreign company’s branch.
- Close Relationship with a Citizen of Azerbaijan.
- Family Members of Residence Permit Holders.
- Paid Labor Activity in Azerbaijan.
Duration and Extension:
- Temporary Residential Visas can initially be granted for up to one year.
- They can be extended for up to two years each time, provided there is a valid reason for the extension.
Permanent Residence Permit
A Permanent Residence Permit allows foreigners and stateless persons to reside permanently in Azerbaijan.
What Are the Cases for the Issuance or Extension of PRP?
Article 52 of the Migration Code outlines the criteria for issuing and extending Permanent Residence Permits:
- Investment in the Economy: The same minimum investment of AZN 500,000 (approximately USD 295,000) applies.
- Real Estate Investment: A minimum investment of AZN 200,000 (approximately USD 120,000) in real estate.
- Funds Deposit: A deposit of at least AZN 200,000 (approximately USD 120,000) in local banks.
- Investment in Securities: A minimum investment of AZN 200,000 (approximately USD 120,000) in securities.
- Business Activity in a Company with Foreign Investment: A paid-up charter capital of at least AZN 100,000 (approximately USD 60,000) and an annual turnover of at least AZN 200,000 (approximately USD 120,000).
- Individual Entrepreneurship: An annual business turnover of at least AZN 100,000 (approximately USD 60,000).
- Management Activity in a Branch of a Foreign Company: Similar to the temporary permit criteria.
- Close Relationship with a Citizen of Azerbaijan.
- Family Members of Permanent Residence Permit Holders.
Applicants must have resided in Azerbaijan temporarily for two consecutive years and possess knowledge of the local language. The permit is valid for five years and can be extended for another five years if necessary.
Application Process for Obtaining and Extending a Residence Permit in Azerbaijan
The State Migration Service issues and extends residence permits in Azerbaijan. Foreigners can apply both offline and online. The processing time typically ranges from 15 to 20 business days, and applicants can track their submission status online.
Residence card holders should apply for an extension at least one month before expiration. For PRP, applications should be submitted at least three months before the current permit expires.
Application Process to Obtain a Residence Permit in Azerbaijan
STEP 1: Determine your eligibility for residence in Azerbaijan, understand the specific requirements based on your purpose of stay.
STEP 2: Prepare Required Documents: Gather the necessary documents to support your application for residence permit.
STEP 3: Complete and submit your application to the State Migration Service in Azerbaijan to obtain your permit.
STEP 4: Attend Interviews (if required): Some applications may necessitate an interview to further assess eligibility for obtaining residency in Azerbaijan.
STEP 5: Wait for Decision Once submitted, patiently await the decision on your residence permit application.
List of Documents Required to Apply for a Residence Permit in Azerbaijan
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Application form
- Copy of passport
- Medical certificate
- Documents confirming the circumstances justifying the issuance of a residence permit
- Copy of the document granting the right to stay or reside in Azerbaijan
- Two photos
- Document of the residential area
- Consent form from the owner of the residential area
- Document confirming the identity of the residential area’s owner
Legal Services for Obtaining and Extending a Residence Permit in Azerbaijan
We hope this blog post has provided detailed insights into the requirements, application process, and grounds. If you need professional legal assistance with obtaining or extending a residence permit in Azerbaijan, please feel free to reach out to ACON Consulting.
Read More:
- Company Registration in Azerbaijan – https://acon.az/company-registration
- Work Permit in Azerbaijan – https://acon.az/work-permit
- Start a Business in Azerbaijan– https://acon.az/business-in-azerbaijan
- Trademak Registration in Azerbaijan – https://acon.az/trademark-registration-in-azerbaijan
-
Opening a Bank Account in Azerbaijan – https://acon.az/opening-a-bank-account-in-azerbaijan
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the main types of permission?
- Temporary RP: Allows foreigners to reside temporarily in Azerbaijan for up to one year, with the possibility of extension.
- Permanent RP: Allows foreigners to reside permanently in Azerbaijan, initially granted for five years and renewable.
2. What are the eligibility criteria for a permanent permission?
Eligibility for a permanent permit includes:
- Investment in the Azerbaijani economy (minimum AZN 500,000).
- Real estate investment (minimum AZN 200,000).
- Deposit (minimum AZN 200,000).
- Investment in securities (minimum AZN 200,000).
- Business activity in a company with foreign investment.
- Individual entrepreneurship.
- Management activity in a foreign company’s branch.
- Close relationship with an Azerbaijani citizen.
- Family members of PRP holders.
3. How can a temporary living permit be extended in Azerbaijan?
Temporary residence permits can be extended for up to two years each time, provided there is a valid reason for the extension. Applications should be submitted at least one month before the current permit expires.
4. What is the validity period of a PRP?
A permanent residence permit is initially valid for five years and can be extended for another five years if necessary.
5. Can I apply online?
Yes, foreigners can apply both offline and online through the State Migration Service of Azerbaijan.
6. What should I do if application is rejected?
If your application is rejected, you may seek legal assistance to understand the reasons for the rejection and explore the possibility of reapplying or appealing the decision.