Immigration Law at Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan's immigration and residency framework is governed by the Migration Code, administered by the State Migration Service (SMS). The system encompasses visas, work permits, residence permits, asylum procedures, and pathways to citizenship.
🛂 Visa and Entry Requirements
Azerbaijan requires most foreign nationals to obtain a visa for entry. The Migration Code specifies various visa types, including:
Labor Visa: Issued to foreigners intending to engage in paid labor activities.
Scientific or Educational Visa: For individuals coming for study or research purposes.
Medical Treatment Visa: For those seeking medical treatment in Azerbaijan.
Private Visit Visa: For family visits or personal reasons. (The migration code of the Republic of Azerbaijan)
Each visa type has specific requirements, such as proof of sufficient funds, health insurance, and accommodation arrangements.
💼 Work Permits
Foreigners intending to work in Azerbaijan must obtain a work permit, except in certain exempted cases. The State Migration Service outlines the following categories of individuals who are not required to obtain a work permit: (State Migration Service)
Persons holding a permanent residence permit.
Entrepreneurs engaged in business activities.
Employees of diplomatic representations and consulates.
Employees of international organizations.
Heads of organizations established under international agreements and their deputies.
Persons employed by relevant executive authorities.
Military personnel and specialists invited for service or work in the Armed Forces.
Employees of accredited mass media.
Persons dispatched for a business trip not exceeding 90 days within a year.
Seamen.
Academic staff and lecturers invited to deliver lectures.
Art workers, coaches, and athletes invited to work in sports clubs.
Persons engaged in professional religious activities in registered religious institutions.
Heads of branches and representations of foreign legal entities.
Persons married to Azerbaijani citizens.
Persons who have applied for or obtained refugee status or political asylum.
Persons considered victims of human trafficking or assisting criminal investigation bodies.
Persons having custody of Azerbaijani citizens under 18 or disabled persons.
Persons involved in labor activity in cases defined by the President of Azerbaijan. (State Migration Service, State Migration Service, State Migration Service, State Migration Service)
Work permits are typically issued for one year and can be extended annually. Employers must submit applications for extension at least 30 days prior to expiration. Failure to pay the state fee for extension within 30 days may lead to revocation of the work permit. (State Migration Service, State Migration Service)
🏠 Residence Permits
Temporary Residence
Foreigners and stateless persons may apply for a temporary residence permit, which is initially issued for up to one year and can be extended for periods not exceeding two years. The application process involves submitting various documents, including proof of accommodation, health certificates, and evidence of sufficient financial means. (State Migration Service)
Permanent Residence
Permanent residence permits are granted based on specific grounds, such as:
Having close family members who are Azerbaijani citizens.
Investing at least 500,000 AZN in the country's economy.
Owning real estate valued at no less than 100,000 AZN.
Holding government securities or investment securities of state-owned legal entities.
Being a highly qualified specialist in fields like economy, industry, defense, science, culture, or sports.
Being a family member of foreigners or stateless persons residing in Azerbaijan.
Holding positions in branches or representations of foreign legal entities.
Engaging in entrepreneurship activities. (Azerbaijan changes Migration rules (new amendments to Migration Code accepted) | EMZE Law)
Applicants must submit various documents, including proof of accommodation, health certificates, and evidence of financial means. The application process is detailed in the Migration Code. (State Migration Service)
🛡️ Asylum and Refugee Status
Azerbaijan grants asylum to individuals who meet the criteria set forth in the Migration Code. Applicants must submit an application to the State Migration Service, providing evidence of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country. The application process involves interviews and assessments to determine eligibility for refugee status.
🌍 Citizenship
Azerbaijani citizenship can be acquired through:
Birth: Individuals born to Azerbaijani citizens.
Naturalization: Foreigners who have legally resided in Azerbaijan for a specified period, typically five years, may apply for naturalization.
Marriage: Spouses of Azerbaijani citizens may apply for citizenship under certain conditions. (The migration code of the Republic of Azerbaijan)
Dual citizenship is generally not recognized, and individuals seeking Azerbaijani citizenship may be required to renounce their previous nationality.
RELATED Blog
0 comments