AzerbaijanBusiness and self-employment

Azerbaijan investor residence permit

Temporary residence for investment of at least AZN 500,000 in the economy

In short

A foreigner whose total investment in Azerbaijan's economy is at least AZN 500,000 can obtain a temporary residence permit for up to 3 years, extendable for up to 3 years at a time. After 2 years on this ground the investor can apply for permanent residence without proving living funds.

Apply on State Migration Service – electronic services checked 25 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
Up to 3 years per permit
Validity
Up to 3 years; extendable each time for up to 3 years.
Fee
AZN 360Adult permit of up to 3 years with a decision in 20 working days; AZN 480 within 15 working days.
Funds required
AZN 500,000Total investment in the economy of Azerbaijan, taking into account the property, deposit and securities grounds of Articles 45.1.3 to 45.1.3-2.
Processing time
15 or 20 working days depending on the fee paid.
Work
The residence permit itself is not a work authorisation; running your own business or company is covered by the entrepreneur exemptions.
Family
Family members can obtain residence as family of a resident foreigner.
Path to permanent residence
After 2 years: permanent residence on the AZN 500,000 investment ground; the funds document is not required.
Where to apply
In Azerbaijan, at the State Migration Service.

What counts as investment

The SMS accepts four forms of investment, each with its own proof: cash or savings in banks operating in Azerbaijan (a bank reference); stocks and shares, including in agricultural partnerships (an ownership reference or notarised charter); securities (a National Depository Center reference stating their total value); and movable or immovable property such as buildings, equipment and other assets (registry extract, a valuation by a licensed appraiser and notarised documents on equipment value).

Where real estate worth between AZN 500,000 and AZN 1,000,000 is part of the investment, a lease or rental contract showing income from the property is also required.

Thresholds compared

AZN 500,000 is the threshold for this investor ground and gives up to 3 years per permit. Smaller amounts work through separate grounds: real estate, a term deposit or government securities of AZN 100,000 give temporary residence for up to 1 year at a time, and AZN 200,000 in those assets is needed for permanent residence.

Fees and processing

Adults pay AZN 360 for a permit of up to 3 years decided within 20 working days, or AZN 480 within 15 working days. Shorter permits cost less, for example AZN 120 or 160 for up to 1 year. Children pay half.

How to apply

Apply in person or through a legal representative at the SMS at least 30 days before your current stay or permit ends, with the standard residence documents and the investment proofs. Birth and marriage certificates issued in Türkiye or CIS states are accepted without notarisation when shown with the original, under international treaties.

  1. Make and document the investment in Azerbaijan, totalling at least AZN 500,000.
  2. Obtain the matching references: bank, National Depository Center, registry extract and licensed valuation.
  3. Prepare the standard residence documents, medical certificate and address proof.
  4. Apply to the SMS at least 30 days before your stay ends and choose a permit term of up to 3 years.
  5. Pay the state fee and collect the card; register any change of address.
  6. After 2 years, apply for permanent residence at least 3 months before the temporary permit expires.

Forms

Extension and permanent residence

Each extension can again be for up to 3 years if the ground still exists. After 2 years of temporary residence the investor may request permanent residence on the AZN 500,000 ground; proof of living funds is waived, but the commission test on Azerbaijani language and on rights and duties applies unless you are exempt (for example aged 65 or over).

Permanent residents on the investment ground are not subject to the rule that cancels permanent residence after more than 180 days abroad in a year.

Documents

Required documents

Identity

  • Copy of the passport, valid more than 3 months beyond the end of the permit requested (original shown for comparison).
  • Two photos, 3.5 x 4.5 cm.

Insurance

  • Medical certificate showing you do not carry a disease on the official list of dangerous infectious diseases (HIV, hepatitis B and C).

Other

  • Application form in the format approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.
  • Proof of investment of at least AZN 500,000: bank reference, share ownership reference or notarised charter, National Depository Center reference, or property registry extract with licensed valuation.
  • Copy of the document allowing your current stay in Azerbaijan (entry stamp, visa or current permit).
  • Proof of the address where you will be registered: title extract, rental contract or similar, plus the provider's statement and ID copy if the home is not yours.
  • Receipt for the state fee (handed over when the card is issued).

Frequently asked questions

How much do I need to invest for residence in Azerbaijan?

AZN 500,000 in the economy for a permit of up to 3 years. Real estate, a term deposit or government securities of AZN 100,000 give a 1-year permit through separate grounds.

Does Azerbaijan offer citizenship by investment?

The official residence rules describe no citizenship-by-investment route; investment leads to temporary and then permanent residence.

Can my family join me?

Yes. Spouses, minor children, adult children unable to work and dependent parents of a resident foreigner can obtain temporary residence.

Will I lose the permit if I live abroad most of the year?

A temporary permit can be cancelled after more than 90 days abroad within 180 days. Once you hold permanent residence on the investment ground, the 180-days-abroad rule for permanent residents does not apply to you.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Azerbaijan

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa Maximum stay: Visa-free: up to 90 days for most visa-free partner countries (30 days for Qatar). Embassy visa: the stay printed on the visa.
  • Transit visa Maximum stay: Up to 5 days

Business and self-employment

Study and training

  • Student visa Maximum stay: For the study period, permits of up to 1 year, extended for up to 2 years.

Work

  • Work visa Maximum stay: As long as the work permit and the linked residence permit are valid.
  • Skilled worker visa Maximum stay: Temporary residence for up to 3 years, extendable for up to 3 years at a time.

Family

Residence

Online travel permits

Faster processing

Protection

Azerbaijan visa guide