Temporary residence permit in Azerbaijan: all 18 grounds
A temporary residence permit is always given on one ground of Article 45 of the Migration Code. Pick yours to see what proves it, how long it lasts, the fee and whether it leads to permanent residence.
Study
You study at a university, college or school in Azerbaijan.
Work
You work in Azerbaijan for an employer or an organisation that invited you.
- Article 45.1.8Employee with a work permitYour employer got a work permit for you.
- Article 45.1.7-1Work without a work permitYour job needs no work permit: a journalist, athlete, coach, artist, seafarer, visiting lecturer, state employee, free zone or technology park staff.
- Article 45.1.4Invited top specialistA ministry, academy or federation invited you as a leading specialist.
- Article 45.1.4-1Invited specialist or highly skilled migrantA company invited you as a specialist, or the state approved you as a highly skilled migrant. Digital nomads join this ground from 1 January 2027.
- Article 45.1.10Religious workYou work for a registered religious organisation.
Own business
You run a business or head a company in Azerbaijan.
- Article 45.1.7EntrepreneurYou run your own business here with staff on contract.
- Article 45.1.6-1Company director or ownerYou lead, or own at least 51 percent of, an Azerbaijani company with a foreign founder.
- Article 45.1.6Head of a branch officeYou head, or are deputy head of, the local branch of a foreign company.
Investment or property
You invested money, hold a deposit or own property in Azerbaijan.
- Article 45.1.2Investor (AZN 500,000)You invested at least AZN 500,000 in Azerbaijan.
- Article 45.1.3Property or bank fundsYou own property worth at least AZN 100,000, or keep that amount in a bank in Azerbaijan.
- Article 45.1.3-1Bank depositYou hold a term deposit of at least AZN 100,000 in a local bank.
- Article 45.1.3-2Government securitiesYou own Azerbaijani state securities worth at least AZN 100,000.
Family
You live here because of a family member.
Other reasons
An international agreement, or a decision of the authorities.
Not in the list?
These 18 grounds are the full list in the law. Journalists, athletes, coaches, artists, seafarers, visiting lecturers and technology park staff are under Work without a work permit.
Former citizens, people born in Azerbaijan and volunteers have no ground of their own; they need one of the grounds above.
Refugees have a separate status and card, not a residence permit.
Not sure which one is yours? Ask the Migration Service on WhatsApp or call 919.
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Sroky is a private service and is not part of the government of Azerbaijan. This page is general information, not legal advice. Rules change: the official source always applies.