AzerbaijanFamily

Azerbaijan spouse and relative-of-citizen residence

Temporary residence for close relatives of Azerbaijani citizens

In short

Foreigners in a close relationship with an Azerbaijani citizen, including spouses, parents, children, siblings, grandparents and in-laws, can obtain a temporary residence permit. Spouses of citizens registered in Azerbaijan may work without a work permit, and after 2 years the spouse, parent, child or sibling of a citizen can apply for permanent residence.

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

Key facts

Maximum stay
Up to 1 year per permit, extended for up to 2 years.
Validity
Up to 1 year at first issue.
Fee
AZN 120Adult temporary residence permit for up to 1 year, decision in 20 working days; AZN 160 in 15 working days. Up to 2 years: AZN 240 or 320. Minors pay half.
Processing time
15 or 20 working days
Work
Yes for spouses of Azerbaijani citizens registered in Azerbaijan, without a work permit; other relatives need a work permit.
Family
The applicant's own family members can apply as family of a resident foreigner.
Path to permanent residence
After 2 years, if the citizen relative is a parent, spouse, child, sister or brother.
Where to apply
In Azerbaijan, at the State Migration Service.

Which relatives qualify

Article 45.1.1 covers close relationship with an Azerbaijani citizen. The SMS document list names the father and mother, husband or wife, child, brother and sister, children of a brother or sister, grandparents, great-grandparents, grandchildren, parents-in-law and brothers- and sisters-in-law.

Documents for spouses

Spouses provide a copy of the marriage certificate, a copy of the Azerbaijani spouse's identity card or passport, and, if a surname changed, the document confirming it. A notarised consent statement from the citizen relative is required, or their personal attendance at submission.

Foreign certificates must be translated and notarised, while certificates issued in Türkiye or CIS states are accepted without notarisation together with the original. If a birth certificate is missing, a notarised court decision establishing the family link or a paternity certificate can replace it.

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.
  • Marriage or birth certificates proving the relationship, the citizen relative's ID card or passport copy, and their notarised consent statement.
  • 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).

Fees and timing

AZN 120 for up to 1 year with a decision in 20 working days, or AZN 160 in 15 working days. Apply at least 30 days before your current stay ends; on a 90-day visa-free stay, that means within the first 60 days.

Permanent residence

After 2 years of temporary residence, a foreigner whose father, mother, spouse, child, sister or brother is an Azerbaijani citizen can apply for a 5-year permanent residence permit at least 3 months before the temporary permit expires. A citizen relative who takes on your support can replace the proof of living funds.

Work rights

A foreigner married to an Azerbaijani citizen does not need a work permit, provided the citizen spouse is registered at a place of residence in Azerbaijan. Other relatives of citizens follow the normal work permit rules.

How to apply, step by step

  1. Register the marriage, or gather birth certificates showing the relationship.
  2. Enter Azerbaijan visa-free or with the appropriate visa.
  3. Register your address within 15 days.
  4. Ask your citizen relative for a notarised consent statement, or attend the SMS together.
  5. Submit the residence application with all documents at least 30 days before your stay ends.
  6. Pay the fee, collect the card, and plan for permanent residence after 2 years.

Forms

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a work permit if I am married to an Azerbaijani?

No, as long as your spouse is registered at a place of residence in Azerbaijan.

When can a spouse of a citizen get permanent residence?

After 2 years of temporary residence on the close-relationship ground.

Can in-laws or nephews of a citizen get residence?

Yes, for temporary residence: parents-in-law, siblings-in-law and children of siblings are on the SMS list. Permanent residence through a citizen relative is limited to parents, spouses, children and siblings.

Is a foreign marriage certificate accepted?

Yes, translated and notarised. Certificates issued in Türkiye or CIS states are accepted without notarisation when shown with the original; ask the SMS whether a translation into Azerbaijani is needed.

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