Open a Bank Account in Azerbaijan as a Foreigner (2026 Guide)

Yes. Article 10 of the Law on Currency Regulation says non residents may open accounts in foreign currency and in manat with designated banks. The Financial Markets Supervisory Authority sets how accounts are opened, and the Central Bank sets how they are used.

Being allowed by law does not mean every bank must accept you. Banks must know their customers and can refuse an account if they cannot check who you are or why you need it. So the real question is not "is it legal" but "which bank will open one for me, and with which papers". That depends a lot on whether you hold a residence permit.

The currency law does not look at your passport. It looks at where you permanently live. A resident individual is a person who permanently lives in Azerbaijan, even while abroad for a while. A non resident is a person who permanently lives outside Azerbaijan, even while staying in the country for a time. A tourist or a short business visitor is a non resident.

In practice, banks treat a foreigner with a temporary or permanent residence permit very differently from a visitor on an e visa. With a permit you have a PIN code in the state system, a local address and usually a local phone number, which is what the bank's checks are built on.

There is no single national checklist for foreigners on official sites. Each bank publishes its own. ABB's FAQ, for example, lists a passport as the document for foreigners and says opening an account is free. Other banks may ask for more. Bring the full set below and you are unlikely to be sent home.

• Original passport, valid, with your entry stamp or e visa.
• Temporary or permanent residence permit card, if you have one.
• Your address in Azerbaijan, such as a rental contract or registration of your place of stay.
• A local mobile number for SMS codes and the banking app. See our tourist SIM guide.
• Proof of why you need the account and where your money comes from, such as an employment contract, a university letter or a company document.
• A tax number (TIN) if you open a business account or work as an individual entrepreneur.

Ask the bank in advance whether it wants documents translated into Azerbaijani or notarised. Some documents from abroad need an apostille; that is a separate step done in the country that issued them.

The State Migration Service gives every foreigner who receives a residence permit a unique identification code, called the PIN code, in its migration information system. It appears on your residence permit card. People in Azerbaijan often call this personal code the FIN.

Banks, mobile operators and e government services use this code to find you in state systems. Bakcell, for example, says foreigners can get an eSIM only at its service centres because their PIN works differently. This is why opening an account is much easier after you get your permit. Read the residence permit guide to see whether you qualify.

1. 1

   Pick two or three banks

   Look at the banks near your home or office and check their websites for accounts for foreigners. Large banks have English pages and branches across Baku.

2. 2

   Call or visit first

   Ask if they open personal accounts for your status (visitor or permit holder) and which documents they want. Write down the answer and the name of the person.

3. 3

   Go to the branch with originals

   Bring the documents from the list above. The Central Bank allows remote opening by video call for resident individuals; as a foreigner, expect to go in person.

4. 4

   Choose currency and card

   You can hold manat and foreign currency accounts. Ask about card fees, monthly fees and fees for receiving money from abroad.

5. 5

   Set up the app

   Install the bank's app and link your local number. Keep your passport details in the bank up to date when you renew your passport or permit.

If you run a company or work for yourself in Azerbaijan, you need a business account, not a personal one. Banks ask for company papers and a tax number. See our guide to opening a company in Azerbaijan as a foreigner and the business page.

Remote workers who are paid from abroad should also think about tax. Under the Tax Code, a person who is in Azerbaijan more than 182 days in a calendar year can become tax resident. Talk to a tax adviser before you move your income here.

Banks keep a copy of your identity document and may ask for a valid one before some operations. When your passport or residence permit is renewed, bring the new document to the bank so your account details stay current.

Sroky can remind you before your residence permit and passport expire, so your bank, phone and stay stay in order. Add your dates on the reminders page.