Ways to live in Azerbaijan
These are the residence routes in Bordr's guide that we have checked against official sources. Each one links to the government page.
Programme details are shown in English.
Work permit Work permits →
Temporary residence based on a work permit
Foreigners with a work permit for paid employment in Azerbaijan can get a temporary residence permit for the same period.
- What you need
- A valid work permit obtained through the employer, plus the standard documents: passport, health certificate, photos, proof of address and state fee receipt.
- How long
- Up to 1 year, then extended for up to 2 years at a time
- Renewable
- Yes
- How to apply
- State Migration Service in Baku, at least 30 days before your current stay ends.
- Family
- Family members can come with you
Student visa Student visas →
Temporary residence permit for full-time study
For foreigners studying full time at an Azerbaijani university, technical school or secondary school.
- What you need
- Proof of full-time study, a passport valid at least 3 months beyond the permit, a health certificate, two photos, proof of address and the state fee receipt.
- How long
- Up to 1 year, then extended for up to 2 years at a time
- Renewable
- Yes
- How to apply
- State Migration Service in Baku, at least 30 days before your current stay ends.
Investment and golden visa Investment and golden visas →
Temporary residence through property, deposit or investment
A residence permit for foreigners who own property, keep a fixed-term bank deposit or hold government securities in Azerbaijan, or invest in its economy.
- What you need
- One of: real estate worth at least 100,000 manat, a fixed-term bank deposit of at least 100,000 manat, government securities with a face value of at least 100,000 manat, or an investment of at least 500,000 manat in the economy.
- Savings
- about $58,800
- How long
- Up to 1 year, then extended for up to 2 years at a time
- Renewable
- Yes
- How to apply
- State Migration Service in Baku, at least 30 days before your current stay ends.
- Family
- Family members can come with you
- Path to permanent residence
- Permanent residence through property or a bank deposit needs at least 200,000 manat.
Cost of living
Monthly amounts in US dollars.
| One-bedroom flat | $250 |
|---|---|
| Two-bedroom flat | $470 |
| Bills | $40 |
| Typical local salary | $590 |
Cities to consider
Climate by month, neighbourhoods and costs for each city are in the Bordr guide.
What life is like
Programme details are shown in English.
Why people move
Baku blends a walled old city with a seaside boulevard and bold modern towers. The cuisine is rich in herbs, grilled meat and tea rituals, and the Caucasus foothills around Sheki and Gabala offer cool green escapes.
Day to day
Baku has a metro and cheap app taxis, while regions are reached by bus or car. Private clinics are the usual choice for foreigners. Cards work in the capital but cash rules elsewhere, internet is fine, and Russian is widely understood.
Trade-offs
Life outside Baku is much more limited in services and English. Baku is often windy, the expat scene is small and oil-industry heavy, and public criticism of the authorities is unwise.
Before you move: visa-free entry
Most people arrive as visitors first, then apply from inside the country or come back with the right visa. How long you can stay as a visitor depends on your passport:
United Statese-Visa · 30 d
United Kingdome-Visa · 30 d
Australiae-Visa · 30 d
Canadae-Visa · 30 d
New Zealande-Visa · 30 d
Switzerlande-Visa · 30 d
Norwaye-Visa · 30 d
Singapore30 days
JapanVOA · 30 d
South Korea30 days
IsraelVOA · 30 d
United Arab Emirates90 days
Hong Kong30 days
South Africae-Visa · 30 d
Mexicoe-Visa · 30 d
Brazile-Visa · 30 d
Questions
Does Azerbaijan have a digital nomad visa?
Not among the routes we have checked. Remote workers usually come as visitors within the visa-free limit or use one of the other routes on this page.
How can I move to Azerbaijan?
The routes we have checked are: Work permit, Student visa, Investment and golden visa.
Sources and last check
This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Requirements change; confirm with the official government page or a licensed adviser before you apply.
