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 and Permanent.
This comprehensive guide by ACON Consulting will provide valuable insights into the basis, requirements, and procedures for obtaining and extending a residence permit in Azerbaijan. If you require legal assistance, ACON Consulting is here to help.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the process, covering temporary and permanent residence permits, the application process, the required documents, and legal services.
Bases to Get a Residence Permit in Azerbaijan
If you are a citizen of another country or a stateless person who wants to live temporarily in Azerbaijan, you need to apply for a temporary residence permit through the State Migration Service. You must be in Azerbaijan to apply for this permit.
Here are the primary grounds for obtaining a temporary residence permit in Azerbaijan:
- Bank Deposit:
- Deposit a minimum of AZN 100,000 in a bank located in Azerbaijan.
- Real Estate Investment:
- Own real estate in Azerbaijan with a total value of at least AZN 100,000. This can be the combined value of multiple properties.
- Establishing a Legal Entity:
- Create a legal entity (such as an LLC) in Azerbaijan. You can apply for a residence permit as a founder or director. For directors, the company’s charter balance must be at least AZN 50,000. If applying as a founder, the company must employ at least five full-time Azerbaijani employees.
- Family Connections:
- Have close relatives who are citizens of Azerbaijan. Close relatives include parents, grandparents, siblings, and their children.
- Have family members with temporary or permanent residence permits in Azerbaijan. This includes spouses, children, and parents.
- Work Permit:
- Obtain a residence permit based on a valid work permit in Azerbaijan.
These are the most common ways to qualify for a temporary residence permit in Azerbaijan. Make sure to check the latest requirements and consult with the State Migration Service for detailed information and updates.
Temporary Residence Permit in Azerbaijan
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 Residence Permit.
What Are the Cases for the Issuance or Extension of Temporary Residence Permits?
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 residence permits 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 in Azerbaijan
A Permanent Residence Permit allows foreigners and stateless persons to reside permanently in Azerbaijan.
What Are the Cases for the Issuance or Extension of Permanent Residence Permits?
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 for a Permanent Residence Permit 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.
Temporary Residence Permit holders should apply for an extension at least one month before expiration. For Permanent Residence Permits, applications should be submitted at least three months before the current permit expires.
Application Process to Obtain a Residence Permit in Azerbaijan
To obtain a residence permit in Azerbaijan, follow these steps:
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
To apply for a residence permit, 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 for issuance of residence permits. If you need professional legal assistance with obtaining or extending a residence permit in Azerbaijan, please feel free to reach out to ACON Consulting.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Obtaining a Residence Permit in Azerbaijan
1. What is a residence permit in Azerbaijan?
A residence permit in Azerbaijan is an official document that allows foreigners to live in the country for a specified period. There are two types of residence permits: Temporary and Permanent.
2. What are the main types of residence permits available in Azerbaijan?
- Temporary Residence Permit: Allows foreigners to reside temporarily in Azerbaijan for up to one year, with the possibility of extension.
- Permanent Residence Permit: Allows foreigners to reside permanently in Azerbaijan, initially granted for five years and renewable.
3. What are the eligibility criteria for a temporary residence permit in Azerbaijan?
Eligibility for a temporary residence permit includes:
- Investment in the Azerbaijani economy (minimum AZN 500,000).
- Real estate investment (minimum AZN 100,000).
- Deposit amount (minimum AZN 100,000).
- Investment in securities (minimum AZN 100,000).
- 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 residence permit holders.
- Paid labor activity.
4. What are the eligibility criteria for a permanent residence permit in Azerbaijan?
Eligibility for a permanent residence 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 permanent residence permit holders.
5. What documents are required to apply for a residence permit in Azerbaijan?
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Completed application form.
- Copy of passport.
- Medical certificate.
- Documents 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.
6. What is the process for obtaining a temporary residence permit in Azerbaijan?
The process involves:
- Determining eligibility based on the purpose of stay.
- Preparing required documents.
- Submitting the application to the State Migration Service.
- Attending interviews if required.
- Awaiting the decision.
7. How long does it take to process a residence permit application in Azerbaijan?
The processing time typically ranges from 15 to 20 business days. Applicants can track their submission status online.
8. How can a temporary residence 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.
9. What is the validity period of a permanent residence permit in Azerbaijan?
A permanent residence permit is initially valid for five years and can be extended for another five years if necessary.
10. Can I apply for a residence permit online in Azerbaijan?
Yes, foreigners can apply for a residence permit both offline and online through the State Migration Service of Azerbaijan.
11. What should I do if my residence permit 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.
12. Can ACON Consulting assist with obtaining or extending a residence permit in Azerbaijan?
Yes, ACON Consulting provides professional legal assistance to help with the application and extension of residence permits in Azerbaijan.
