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Azerbaijan (AZ)

Oil-rich Caspian nation blending ancient heritage with a modern capital, offering low living costs, a strategic Silk Road location, and a rapidly growing expat community in energy, diplomacy, and tech sectors.

Capital: Baku
Region: Europe
Language: Azerbaijani
Currency: AZN (₼)
Cost of living: Very affordable (index 35)
Emergency: 112
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Bringing Pets to Azerbaijan

Requirements, costs and process for relocating with your pets.

Microchip
Required
Health certificate
Required
Import permit
Required
Quarantine
Not required

Vaccinations

Rabies (mandatory — vaccination must be administered at least 30 days before travel, not more than 12 months before) Distemper, Parvovirus, and other core vaccinations (recommended, required for most official health certificates)

Restricted Breeds

No breed-specific legislation exists at the national level in Azerbaijan (2026), but individual apartment buildings and residential complexes may have rules restricting large or aggressive breeds.Verify building rules before moving in with a dog.

💰 Costs

Import permit: free–USD 20. Health certificate from home country vet: USD 50–200. Official government endorsement/apostille: USD 30–100. Airline pet fee: USD 75–300 in cabin; USD 200–500 in cargo hold (varies by airline). Post-arrival vet check: ₼30–80. Total typical cost: USD 300–800 excluding airline fees.

📋 Relocation Process

1. Microchip your pet with ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip. 2. Vaccinate against rabies (at least 30 days before travel, not more than 12 months). 3. Obtain a health certificate from an accredited vet in your home country — must cover vaccination history, microchip number, parasite treatment, and general health. 4. Have the certificate officially endorsed by the government veterinary authority of your home country. 5. Obtain an import permit from the Azerbaijani State Veterinary Service (Food Safety Agency, vet.gov.az) — typically requested by your shipping agent or applied for in advance. 6. On arrival at GYD: present all documents at the veterinary inspection counter before clearing customs. 7. Register with a local vet in Baku within the first few weeks.

Azerbaijan is not a rabies-free country — the rabies vaccination requirement is strictly enforced and the vaccine timing (30 days before travel) must be carefully planned. Dogs are generally less welcome indoors in Azerbaijan than in Western Europe — expect restaurants and shops to be dog-free. Dog walking is common in Baku parks (Narimanov Park, Milli Park, Baku Boulevard). There is no dog tax equivalent in Azerbaijan. Keep pets on leash in public areas; off-leash areas are very limited. Cats and dogs are the most common pets for expats.