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

Visa & Immigration

Entry and residence options for Azerbaijan.

Visa-Free Access

Citizens of Georgia, Turkey, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and several other CIS/post-Soviet states can enter Azerbaijan visa-free for varying periods. Most other nationalities require an e-Visa (ASAN Visa) or visa on arrival. Check current rules at mfa.gov.az before travel — the list changes periodically.

All residence permit applications are processed by the State Migration Service (SMS, migration.gov.az). Foreigners must register their residential address with SMS within 10 days of arrival or change of address. Overstaying your visa or permit is a serious offence — fines, detention, and ban from re-entry. ASAN Service centres (asan.gov.az) provide one-stop assistance for visa and residence-related documentation.

ASAN Visa (e-Visa)

ASAN Viza

USD 25 (USD 20 state duty + USD 5 service fee); higher fee for 3-hour express processing

Duration: 30 days (single entry, standard); up to 90 days available

Eligibility

Most nationalities not eligible for visa-on-arrival or visa-free entry. Available to citizens of approximately 95+ countries online.

Processing time

3–5 business days standard; 3-hour express available for higher fee

Requirements

✓Valid passport (6+ months validity)
✓Completed online application at evisa.gov.az
✓Recent digital photo meeting requirements
✓Debit/credit card for payment
✓Email address for delivery

💡 The e-Visa is delivered by email as a PDF. Print it or have it ready on your phone. Most common entry method for tourists and short-stay visitors. For stays beyond 30 days, apply for a TRP after arrival.

Visa on Arrival

Gəlişdə viza

USD 25–100 (varies by nationality)

Duration: 30 days

Eligibility

Citizens of approximately 15–20 specific nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD). Check mfa.gov.az for current eligible countries.

Processing time

15–30 minutes at the airport visa counter

Requirements

✓Valid passport
✓Return or onward ticket
✓Proof of accommodation
✓Sufficient funds for stay
✓Completed arrival card

💡 Not available to all nationalities — verify eligibility in advance. Queue time at the airport visa desk can be significant on busy arrival days. The e-Visa is generally faster and cheaper.

Temporary Residence Permit (TRP)

Müvəqqəti yaşayış icazəsi

₼10–50 state fee + any professional support fees

Duration: 1 year (renewable annually); also available as 2-year or 5-year permits

Eligibility

Foreigners planning to stay in Azerbaijan for more than 90 days. Available on various grounds: employment, family reunification, self-sufficiency, study, or property ownership.

Processing time

10–30 working days

Requirements

✓Valid passport
✓Proof of lawful entry (visa)
✓Ground for TRP (employment contract + work permit, or family proof, or sufficient funds declaration)
✓Proof of accommodation (rental contract or property documents)
✓Medical health certificate (HIV/AIDS test result)
✓Criminal record check from country of origin (apostilled)
✓Completed application form

💡 Apply at the State Migration Service (SMS, migration.gov.az) office in Baku or online. Apply before your initial visa/visa-free period expires. Employment TRPs require the employer to first obtain a work permit. The TRP is the foundation for all other legal activities in Azerbaijan (banking, healthcare, driving licence, etc.).

Permanent Residence Permit (PRP)

Daimi yaşayış icazəsi

₼20–50 state fee

Duration: 5 years (renewable)

Eligibility

Foreigners who have held a TRP for at least 5 consecutive years with no significant absences.

Processing time

30–60 working days

Requirements

✓Valid passport
✓Minimum 5 years of continuous TRP
✓No criminal record
✓Financial self-sufficiency
✓Azerbaijani language proficiency (basic)
✓Application to the State Migration Service

💡 PRP holders can live and work without a work permit. Does not confer citizenship rights (voting, passport). Azerbaijani citizenship application requires additional years and conditions.

No dedicated digital nomad visa

Digital Nomad

N/A

Standard eVisa USD 25; TRP AZN 10–50 state fee

Duration: Up to 30 days on eVisa; TRP on self-sufficiency grounds can be issued for 1–2 years

Eligibility

Azerbaijan does not offer a dedicated digital nomad visa as of 2026. Remote workers may enter on an ASAN eVisa (30 days) and extend their stay via a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) on grounds of self-sufficiency, but there is no specific remote-worker programme.

Processing time

TRP: 10–30 working days at the State Migration Service

Requirements

✓Immigration advice on the most appropriate status
✓Tax-residence analysis for extended stays
✓Proof of remote income or employment outside Azerbaijan
✓TRP application if staying beyond 90 days

💡 Working remotely from Azerbaijan for a foreign employer on a tourist/short-stay basis is legally a grey area. Consult the State Migration Service (migration.gov.az) for clarification and seek local tax advice if staying beyond 183 days in a calendar year.

Premium Section

Visa & Immigration

Unlock the complete Visa & Immigration guide for Azerbaijan — including every detail, document, tip and link you need.

Become a Supporter

Support the guide on Ko-fi · Unlocks every premium section, everywhere