What do I need to do to live with my family in Azerbaijan?

Determine which residence permit you need

To live in Azerbaijan long-term, a residence permit is required. There are two main options:

a. Temporary Residence Permit (TRP)

This is the most common path for foreigners joining family members. You may apply for a temporary residence permit if you are an immediate family member (such as a spouse, minor child, or dependent parent) of an Azerbaijani citizen or a foreigner legally residing in Azerbaijan with a valid residence permit.

Most people start with a TRP before becoming eligible for permanent residence.

b. Permanent Residence Permit (PRP)

Permanent residence in Azerbaijan is granted only under specific legal grounds after holding a temporary residence permit for the required period, and it is not automatically granted based on length of stay alone.

Submit a family reunification application

To live with your family, you must apply through the State Migration Service of Azerbaijan (SMS). This is the official authority responsible for visas and residence permits.

Common documents required:

• Valid passport
• Marriage certificate or birth certificate (officially translated and notarized)
• Proof of family member’s legal status in Azerbaijan
• Rental contract or proof of accommodation
• Medical insurance (mandatory)
• Passport-sized photos
• Application fee payment

If your documents come from another country, they must be legalized or apostilled before submission.

Understand your family member’s role as a sponsor

Your family member in Azerbaijan serves as the legal basis for your residence application rather than an official ‘sponsor’ in the immigration-law sense. They must:

• Provide proof of sufficient income.
• Give official residence address.
• Accept responsibility for you during your stay in Azerbaijan.

This is a critical step since the government must provide an assurance that you have settled living conditions and will not struggle.

Know the processing time and what to expect

Processing times for a temporary residence permit are typically around 20–30 working days, subject to document completeness and verification.

During the process, the State Migration Service may:

• Request additional documents
• Conduct an interview
• Visit the stated residence address to confirm you actually live there

Azerbaijan’s migration system is rule-based and straightforward as long as documents are valid and complete.

Be aware of legal responsibilities when living in Azerbaijan

To remain compliant, you must:

• Make sure your place of residence is properly registered with the State Migration Service shortly after arrival, as required by Azerbaijani law.
• Renew your residence permit before it expires.
• Maintain health insurance
• Adhere to local legislation and rules of Azerbaijan.

Foreign residents who violate the rules or overstay may face fines or deportation, so staying informed is essential.

Avoid common mistakes and misinformation

It is assumed that individuals can easily relocate to Azerbaijan yet all foreigners need to take into account the immigration law. It should be remembered that the following things are:

• One does not have an automatic right to live in Azerbaijan despite having a spouse or relatives with citizenship and instead, one is required to make an application.
• Be careful of immigration fraud: There are also bad agents who will offer simple means to a visa or work without the proper paperwork. One should use government services or licensed agencies at all times.
• The prices of goods differ depending on the region. Costs in Baku are additionally higher than anticipated. Daily pre-moving and accommodation, and transportation costs.

Self-education eliminates risks and provides the possibility of a safe transition for your family.

Can you work while living with your family in Azerbaijan?

A residence permit alone does not give you the right to work.

In order to work, you should have a work permit or be exempt from certain groups, certain categories of foreign nationals may be exempt from the work permit requirement under Azerbaijani law, but exemptions are limited and situation-specific.

Conclusion

To live in Azerbaijan with your family, you have to request the necessary residence permit, prepare the necessary documents and follow the immigration law. You have to have one of your family members who can become your sponsor. The Azerbaijan family reunification process is structured, legal and would work in case it is accomplished appropriately.

Related Articles

• Is Azerbaijan doing better than Kazakhstan in terms of tourism?
• Can people in Baku, Azerbaijan speak English?
• Why does Azerbaijan have pockets of land within Armenia and vice versa?
• Is there any possibility of getting a job in Azerbaijan with a visitor visa?
• Does Iran have very good relations with Armenia and Azerbaijan?
• What do Azerbaijanis think about Iranian tourists in Azerbaijan?
• Can a student visa holder in Azerbaijan get a driving job? If yes, how much is the pay?
• Can tourists visit all three Caucasus states (Georgia-Armenia-Azerbaijan) without visas?
• Why does Pakistan still need a visa for Turkey despite ‘brotherly’ ties, while Azerbaijan has visa-free short stays?

View more