Baku: what to see and whether to move there

What the city lives on and who it suits

Baku is the capital and economic centre of Azerbaijan, a city of more than two million on the Caspian shore. Its money comes from oil and gas, logistics, banking, construction and tourism. For newcomers from Russia the city is familiar: Russian is widely understood in services and business, Russian citizens enter without a visa, and prices are lower than in European capitals.

Baku suits remote workers who want a big city by the sea, entrepreneurs with business in the region and families who value proximity to Russia and familiar food. It is harder for those who need free travel to Europe: an Azerbaijani passport or residence permit does not give Schengen access.

Neighbourhoods: where newcomers settle

• The centre by the Seaside Boulevard and the Old City: the most expensive flats, within walking distance of the waterfront, restaurants and offices.
• Narimanov and Nasimi districts: residential areas close to the centre, many new buildings, metro nearby.
• Yasamal district: quieter and cheaper than the centre, convenient for families.
• White City: a new district on a former industrial zone by the bay, with modern buildings and a waterfront but less familiar city life.

Flats are usually rented through agencies and contacts, and a contract with residence registration is a standard part of renting.

Cost of living

The manat is pegged to the dollar at 1.70 manat per dollar. Rents in new seafront buildings are well above average.

Practicalities: transport, climate, money

Transport. The metro runs from 6 am to midnight, a ride has cost 0.60 manat since 2025, paid with a transport card. App taxis are cheap and standard. Climate. Summers are hot and dry, winters mild, but the city is famous for Caspian winds. Money. A bank account is opened with a residence permit or a tax number, and local bank cards are accepted almost everywhere. You become a tax resident after 182 days in the country in a calendar year: private-sector income tax is 3%, 10% and 14% on the 2026 scale.

Moving and legal status

• Russian citizens need no visa for up to 90 days;
• a residence permit is granted for buying property or a bank deposit from 100,000 manat (about $58,900), for investment from 500,000 manat, and for work, study and family;
• the residence permit fee is 120 manat a year, about $80;
• after 2 years permanent residence is possible, with property or a deposit from 200,000 manat.

More on the Azerbaijan residence permit page. We choose the grounds and handle the process with local partners.

Registration at the place of stay

A foreigner staying in Azerbaijan for more than 15 days must register at the place of stay within 15 days of entry. You can apply through the State Migration Service's e-service, by email, in person at a regional office or at a public service centre. An application form and a passport copy with the last entry page are required. There is no fee, but missing the deadline carries administrative liability, so registration is done in the first days of the lease.

Work, business and taxes

• corporate tax is 20%, and dividends are taxed at 5% at source;
• an individual entrepreneur pays 20% of profit or 2% of turnover;
• VAT is 18%, with registration required once turnover reaches 200,000 manat a year;
• social insurance on salaries is 25%, and 21% on the part above 8,000 manat a month.

More on the Taxes in Azerbaijan page. We open a company and a local bank account together with partners in Baku.

Schools and family

Baku state schools have Russian-language classes, which makes adaptation easier for children from Russian-speaking families. For those planning to study in Europe there are international schools with English programmes, and places are best booked several months ahead. The spouse and children receive residence permits with the main applicant on the same grounds.

Climate and seasons

The average temperature is about 4°C in January and about 26°C in July, with little rain, especially in summer. Baku is called the city of winds: the northern khazri brings cold and dust, the southern gilavar brings warmth. The most comfortable months to move and look for housing are late spring and early autumn; summers are hot, and the Absheron beach season runs from June to September.

How to rent a flat

Flats are usually let for a year or more. Sign a written contract and agree with the owner on registration at the place of stay straight away: it cannot be done without them. Before signing, check who owns the flat and whether there are utility debts, and set out in the contract who pays for repairs. We help check the documents and contract before payment.

Is the city worth considering

The pluses are a familiar language, visa-free entry for Russian citizens, moderate prices, the sea and a big city. The minuses are limited passport mobility, an economy dependent on oil and gas, winds and hot summers. Baku works well as a base for a few years for business in the region, but if the goal is Europe, build a path to a European residence permit in parallel.