Azerbaijan: all programs

Azerbaijan at a glance

Azerbaijan is a country on the Caspian Sea between Russia, Georgia, Armenia and Iran, with a population of about 10 million. The capital is Baku, the largest city in the Caucasus, with its seaside boulevard, UNESCO-listed Old City and modern skyscrapers. The economy rests on oil and gas, and in recent years on transport routes between Europe and Asia, construction and tourism.

Azerbaijan attracts with easy entry - visa-free for citizens of Russia, Kazakhstan and other CIS countries and an online e-visa for most others - Russian widely understood in Baku, inexpensive living and one of the region's most accessible residence permits: through property or a bank deposit from $59,000. The currency is the manat, pegged to the dollar at 1.70 manats per dollar.

History and government

Ancient states and Persian and Turkic dynasties succeeded one another on this land, and in the 19th century the territory became part of the Russian Empire. In 1918 the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was proclaimed here; the country then spent more than 70 years in the USSR and gained independence in 1991. Today it is a presidential republic with strong central power. In 2023 the country restored control over the whole of Karabakh.

How to move in 2026

Citizens of Russia and other CIS countries need no visa and most other nationalities apply for an e-visa online, and in 2026 entry is by air or on the Tbilisi-Baku train, open since 25 May 2026 to citizens of visa-free countries: other land crossings are closed to passengers under a special quarantine regime extended to 2 January 2027. Stays longer than 15 days require registration at the place of stay. The first permit is issued for at most 1 year with a fee of about $75, then renewed for up to 2 years, and after 2 years of continuous residence you can obtain permanent residence. Processing takes about a month. More on the page Azerbaijan residence permit.

The first 30 days and a 3-month budget

There are four things to do in the first month. Register at your place of stay if you remain longer than 15 days: the landlord or hotel files the notice with the migration service. Rent a home under a contract: without one there is no registration and no residence permit. Get a tax number, which you need for a bank account and for work. And apply for temporary residence before your permitted stay ends: processing takes about a month.

A single person's budget for three months in Baku starts at $3,100: living costs with rent from $830 a month, a deposit of one month's rent and a permit fee of about $75. This does not include the basis for the residence permit: a deposit or property from $59,000. A couple should allow about one and a half times as much.

Permanent residence and citizenship

Permanent residence is granted after 2 years of continuous living on a temporary permit. Citizenship comes after 5 years of lawful residence and with a certificate of Azerbaijani language: the application goes to the State Migration Service and the president decides. There is no citizenship by investment, and Azerbaijan does not recognise a second passport: for the state you remain its citizen only. More in our guide to Azerbaijani citizenship.

Taxes

On 1 January 2026 a seven-year exemption for private sector employees ended: salaries in the private non-oil sector are taxed at 3% up to $1,500 a month, 10% up to $4,800 and 14% above. In the public and oil and gas sectors the rates are 14% and 25%. Corporate tax is 20%, VAT 18%, and a sole trader pays 20% of profit or 2% of turnover under the simplified regime. Tax residence arises after 182 days in the country in a calendar year. More on the page Taxes in Azerbaijan.

Property

Foreigners buy apartments and houses in Azerbaijan, and a purchase from $59,000 becomes a basis for temporary residence, from $120,000 for permanent residence. The deal is registered in the state property registry; before buying, check the registry extract, absence of liens and debts, and for new builds whether the building has a title document. Land itself is not sold to foreigners and can only be leased. The most expensive market is central Baku by the boulevard and the new White City district by the bay.

Business and companies

A company is registered with the tax service through a one-stop shop within days, and a foreigner can own it fully. A senior position in a local company is a separate basis for residence. Strong sectors are oil and gas and related services, construction, logistics, tourism and trade. Azerbaijan has double tax treaties with more than 50 countries.

Banks and money

An account with an Azerbaijani bank is opened with a passport and its translation, a tax number, proof of address and source of funds documents. A deposit from $59,000 with a bank operating in the country is itself a basis for temporary residence, so the account is often the first step of the move. The bank withholds 10% on deposit interest and 5% on dividends.

The manat is pegged to the dollar, currency can be exchanged at any bank, and cards are accepted almost everywhere in Baku. We help open a personal account and a business account and prepare the documents for the bank.

Cost of living

Prices reflect the Baku market in 2026 at 1.70 manats per dollar. Rent in new seaside buildings is well above average, while life outside the capital is cheaper. Apartments are usually rented through agencies and contacts, and a lease and address registration are mandatory.

Where to live

• Baku - the centre by the boulevard and Old City, Narimanov, Nasimi and Yasamal districts, White City. More in the Baku guide.
• Gabala - mountains, forests and resorts three to four hours from Baku.
• Sheki - an old town with the Khan's palace and a calm life.
• Ganja - the second city, cheaper than the capital.

Practicalities

• Language. Azerbaijani is official, and Russian is widely spoken in Baku.
• Transport. Metro in Baku, and ride-hailing is cheap.
• Climate. Hot dry summers, mild winters and strong Caspian winds.
• Money. A bank account is opened with a residence permit or tax number, and cards are accepted almost everywhere.
• Healthcare and schools. Private clinics in Baku and schools teaching in Russian and English.

Leisure

Baku's Old City with the Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, the mud volcanoes and petroglyphs of Gobustan, the burning hill of Yanar Dag, the Shahdag and Tufandag ski resorts, Gabala's forests and waterfalls, and Caspian beaches. Travelling around the country by car or train is convenient.

Who Azerbaijan suits

Azerbaijan suits those who need an affordable residence permit with a clear path to permanent residence after 2 years, Russian in daily life, inexpensive living and direct flights to Russia, Turkey and Europe. The downsides are air-only entry until 2027, salary tax since 2026 and rigid bureaucracy. Murblz specialists help choose the basis, check property, open a deposit and file documents. A consultant in the chat will calculate the cost of support.