Essential Rules for Foreigners (2026)
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Foreigners and stateless persons visiting Azerbaijan must adhere to the declared purpose of entry and strictly follow the legal stay durations. This guide outlines the fundamental legal requirements for staying in the Republic of Azerbaijan.
 

STATUTORY PROTOCOLS FOR LEGAL STAY AND PROCEDURAL COMPLIANCE

UNDERSTANDING TEMPORARY STAYING PERIODS IN AZERBAIJAN

The legal framework governing the presence of foreign nationals within the Republic of Azerbaijan is strictly regulated by the Migration Code. The duration of your authorized stay is fundamentally determined by your method of entry and your nationality’s specific bilateral agreements. It is the legal responsibility of every visitor to monitor these dates to avoid administrative fines, deportation, or re-entry bans.

VISA-BASED ENTRY PROTOCOLS

For international travelers entering via a standard visa or the ASAN E-Visa, the temporary staying period is strictly confined to the duration indicated on the face of the visa document.

• COMPLIANCE NOTE: An e-Visa typically allows a stay of up to 30 days within a 90-day validity window. Exceeding the "Duration of Stay" specified on your visa without an official extension is a violation of Azerbaijani immigration law.

VISA-FREE REGIME DYNAMICS

Foreigners entering Azerbaijan under a visa-free regime (based on international treaties) are generally permitted to stay for up to 90 days, unless a specific bilateral agreement stipulates a different duration (e.g., 15 or 30 days for certain nationalities).

• VERIFICATION: Always confirm the specific visa-free duration applicable to your citizenship before arrival to ensure continuous legal standing.

REQUIREMENTS FOR LEAVING THE COUNTRY

Legal residency is a conditional privilege. If a foreigner's legal authorization to stay is not formally extended by the State Migration Service, they are statutorily required to exit the territory of Azerbaijan. This requirement becomes mandatory under the following circumstances:

• EXTENSION DENIAL: If an application for the extension of a temporary stay is officially denied.

• RESIDENCY REJECTION: If an application for a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) is rejected by the authorities.

• EXPIRATION OF DEADLINES: If no formal application for extension or residency was submitted to the State Migration Service before the current legal period expired.

CRITICAL LEGAL NOTICE: To maintain uninterrupted legal status, all applications for stay extensions or residence permits must be received and acknowledged by the State Migration Service before your current visa or visa-free period reaches its expiration date.

SPECIAL CASES: TERMINATION OF CITIZENSHIP

In complex legal scenarios where an individual holds dual citizenship and their Azerbaijan citizenship is formally terminated, specific migration protocols are triggered. According to the Migration Code, such individuals must take one of the following legal actions to remain in the country:

1. MANDATORY DEPARTURE: Leave the country within 30 days of receiving the official notice regarding the termination of citizenship.

2. RESIDENCY APPLICATION: Apply for a temporary residence permit if they possess valid legal grounds under Article 45 of the Migration Code (e.g., family ties, investment, or professional expertise).

• LEGAL STATUS DURING PROCESSING: While a residency application is under formal review by the State Migration Service, the applicant’s stay within Azerbaijan is considered fully legal until a final decision is rendered.

IDENTITY AND LEGAL DOCUMENT CHECKS

Foreign nationals and stateless persons within Azerbaijan are subject to the oversight of the State Migration Service. To ensure public order and administrative transparency, visitors must comply with all official requests from migration employees. Upon a legal request, you are required to present the following:

• PRIMARY IDENTITY DOCUMENTS: A valid international passport or equivalent border-crossing document.

• LEGAL STANDING CERTIFICATES: Documents certifying your current legal stay, which may include your printed E-Visa, migration registration (if staying over 15 days), or a valid Temporary/Permanent Residence Permit.
   

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

WHAT IS THE PENALTY FOR OVERSTAYING A TOURIST E-VISA?

Overstaying can result in significant monetary fines (typically ranging from 300 to 400 AZN) and may include an administrative ban from entering Azerbaijan for a period of up to 5 years.

 

CAN I EXTEND MY 30-DAY E-VISA WITHOUT LEAVING THE COUNTRY?

The E-Visa itself cannot be "renewed," but your temporary stay can be extended by the State Migration Service for up to 60 days under specific conditions such as urgent medical treatment or official business necessity.

 

HOW MANY DAYS DO I HAVE TO REGISTER MY PLACE OF STAY?

If you intend to stay in Azerbaijan for more than 15 days, you must register your address with the State Migration Service within those 15 days. Failure to register is one of the most common causes of immigration fines.

 

IS MY STAY LEGAL WHILE MY TRP APPLICATION IS PENDING?

Yes. Once you have submitted a formal application for a Temporary Residence Permit, your presence in Azerbaijan is legally protected until the State Migration Service issues a final approval or rejection.