Home Arrow FAQs Arrow In Azerbaijan, can an e-visa be converted to TRC?

In Azerbaijan, can an e-visa be converted to TRC?

The question “In Azerbaijan, can an e-visa be converted to a TRC?” is commonly asked by foreigners who wish to travel, work, or stay in Azerbaijan as visitors. It is especially relevant for travelers who arrive on a short-term e-visa and later decide to stay longer.

The short answer is no: there is no mechanism to convert an e-visa into a Temporary Residence Card (TRC). However, you may apply for a TRC separately, provided you meet the legal grounds and follow immigration rules.

What is an e-visa in Azerbaijan?

The Azerbaijan e-visa is an online entry visa issued through the ASAN Visa system.

  • Valid for a stay of up to 30 days.
  • Usually issued for tourism, business visits, or medical treatment.
  • Applied for online and typically processed within 3 business days.

An e-visa is for short-term stays only. It does not grant the right to work, study, or reside long-term in Azerbaijan.

What is a TRC in Azerbaijan?

A Temporary Residence Card (TRC) is a residence permit issued by the State Migration Service (SMS) of Azerbaijan. It allows foreigners to reside in the country legally, typically on a renewable yearly basis.

Foreigners may:

  • Exit and re-enter Azerbaijan multiple times without needing new visas while the TRC is valid.
  • Work, Study, be with family members: lawful residence.

Access services such as renting property, opening a bank account, or registering utilities.

Why an e-visa cannot be converted to TRC

Many visitors believe they can upgrade an e-visa to a TRC after arrival, but the law distinguishes between the two:

  • An e-visa is temporary and is issued for tourism or other short visits.
  • A TRC requires a legal basis, such as employment, study, investment, family reunification, or property ownership.

The conditions, documentation, and eligibility requirements for an e-visa differ entirely from those for a TRC; therefore, no conversion is possible.

When entering Azerbaijan on an e-visa and then deciding to stay long-term, you are required to have the documents ready and apply for long-term residence of the country with the State Migration Service.

How to apply for a TRC in Azerbaijan

Your intention of visiting needs to change and you want to extend your stay in Azerbaijan, this is the right way;

  • Establish eligibility: The following are common grounds to apply, the job contract, the study at a local university, the possession of property, or relatives family member of a resident.
  • Collect the documents: Passport, valid visa, confirmation of the place of accommodation, medical insurance, employment contract or letter of admission to the study, and any other additional documents.
  • Employer sponsorship (Where relevant): On work based TRC, the Azerbaijani employer must issue a work permit to you before you file.
  • Application to SMS: Submit application to SMS within the expiry of your e-visa.
  • Awaiting approval: It may take some weeks to process so it is wise to submit early.

Risks of overstaying an e-visa

If you attempt to stay in Azerbaijan beyond your e-visa validity without applying for a TRC, you will face:

  • Fines for overstaying.
  • Possible deportation.
  • A ban on re-entering Azerbaijan for a certain period.

Following the proper legal process is always the safer option.

Conclusion

In short, it is not possible to convert an Azerbaijan e-visa to a TRC. The two serve different purposes: The TRC is used in regard to staying long term due to employment, academic or family purpose, and the e-visa is used when staying on a short-term basis in the country. Just in case you wish to have more time in Azerbaijan than the e-visa term, you will need to respect the law and apply to have an extension of stay known as TRC by submitting related documents. This would make you be in line with the law on immigration, protect your status and have a stress-free stay in Azerbaijan.

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