Moving to Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is an amazing country that combines Eastern culture and a developed economy. Many foreigners decide to settle there to start a new life or expand their business.
Stable economic growth, a favorable geographical location, hospitable and friendly people - these are just some of the factors that make Azerbaijan so attractive. It is relatively inexpensive to live here, and it is easy to start your own business or find a job in a particular field.
You can rent an apartment in Baku from AZN 300 per month for a one-bedroom apartment and from AZN 500 for a two-bedroom apartment. Buying property is also affordable - prices start at $800-900 per square meter.
The cost of living in Azerbaijan is much lower than in Europe. On average, living for a family of three costs about 1000 manat (about $600). This is enough for a comfortable life with reasonable expenses. So in terms of value for money, Azerbaijan is very favorable for migrants!

1. visa type D - business visa. This is a short-term visa that entitles the holder to stay in Azerbaijan for up to 30 days. It is required for registration of documents for residence permit and permanent residence.
2. residence permit. It is issued for a period of 1 year and then renewed annually. The residence permit allows you to reside, work and open a business in Azerbaijan. To obtain a residence permit, it is necessary to confirm the purpose of stay in the country - work, study, business, personal circumstances.
3. after 2 years of uninterrupted stay with the residence permit, one can apply for a permanent residence permit (PML) - the Azerbaijani Green Card. With a permanent residence permit, you can live and work in Azerbaijan for an indefinite period of time.
First a business visa is issued, then a residence permit and finally a permanent residence permit. The obligatory condition is the confirmation of the legality of the stay in the country in accordance with the stated purposes.

First: Proof of uninterrupted residence in Azerbaijan in the last two years with a temporary residence permit. This is the most important requirement for applying for a residence permit.

Secondly: the existence of legal grounds for issuing a residence permit. These include: family ties with citizens of the country; large investments in the economy (from 500 thousand manats) or in real estate (from 100 thousand manats); high professional qualifications in demanded areas; official employment in Azerbaijan at the invitation of the employer; ownership of a company; occupation of management positions in companies with foreign participation.

To apply for a permanent residence permit, you should contact the State Migration Service at least 3 months before your residence permit expires.

Proof must be provided that the applicant has spent a total of at least 180 days within a 180-day period on Azerbaijani territory in the last two years. Failure to meet this condition will result in the residence permit being refused.

• Application form
• Copy of passport or a replacement document
• For persons under 18 years of age - notarized copy of birth certificate.
• Medical certificate confirming the absence of dangerous infectious diseases
• Proof of sufficient financial means for the stay (not required for close relatives of Azerbaijani citizens)
• Copy of the residence permit
• Documents confirming the reasons for issuing the residence permit
• 2 photos 3,5x4,5 cm
• Notarized consent of children aged 14-18 years old
• Document about the accommodation (property, rental agreement, etc.)
• Application from the person providing the accommodation
• Copy of the identity card of the person providing the accommodation
• Receipt of payment of the state tax.
• The documents are submitted to the State Migration Service of Azerbaijan.

To summarize, obtaining a residence permit in Azerbaijan is a realistic prospect for foreign citizens.
The country offers a number of advantages for immigration - fast-growing economy, political stability, simplified taxation. The state encourages the settlement of qualified specialists, investors and entrepreneurs.
The conditions for permanent residence are quite loyal. All that is required is 2 years of uninterrupted residence with a residence permit, confirmed legality of residence in the country, housing and financial solvency.
Of course, the immigration formalities will take some time and effort. But Azerbaijan is capable of becoming a truly new home for those who are ready to leave their heart in the Caucasus!