Azerbaijan is visa-free for Russian citizens, so many people first come for a short stay and then decide to remain for work or business. The visa-free regime, however, is designed for trips — living in the country requires a residence permit.
Short answer: Russian citizens enter Azerbaijan without a visa and can stay for up to 90 days per calendar year. A stay longer than 15 days requires registration at the place of stay. To live in the country longer, you apply for a temporary residence permit based on work, business, real estate, family or investment. The State Migration Service makes the decision.
How do Russian citizens enter Azerbaijan, and how long can they stay visa-free?
Russian citizens enter on their international passport; no visa is needed. Since 1 January 2025, the temporary stay period for Russian citizens has been 90 days within one calendar year. Days are counted cumulatively, so leaving and re-entering does not reset the limit. The State Migration Service (SMS) states that anyone who wants to stay longer must, before the period ends, either extend the stay on established grounds or obtain a residence permit.
Land border crossing rules for foreigners are set by separate decisions, so check the current rules before travelling by car.
Do Russian citizens need to register at their place of stay?
Yes, if you stay in the country for more than 15 days. Registration must be completed within 15 days of entry. The receiving party — the hotel or the owner of the accommodation — submits the application, but the foreigner may also apply directly. After a move, registration at the new address must be completed within 5 working days. Failing to register within the set period is grounds for administrative liability.
On what grounds can a Russian citizen obtain a residence permit?
The Migration Code sets out a closed list of grounds. Russian citizens rely on the same grounds as other foreigners:
| Ground | What to know |
|---|---|
| Employment | The employer obtains the work permit; the residence permit is issued on that basis |
| Business | Heading a company with foreign participation whose paid-up charter capital is not below the level approved by the Ministry of Economy, or owning at least 51% of its shares; entrepreneurial activity also qualifies |
| Real estate | Property worth at least AZN 100,000 — a ground to apply, not an automatic permit |
| Deposit or bonds | A fixed-term deposit of at least AZN 100,000 or government securities with a nominal value of at least AZN 100,000 |
| Investment | At least AZN 500,000 invested in the country’s economy |
| Family | Close kinship with an Azerbaijani citizen, or being a family member of a foreigner holding a temporary or permanent residence permit |
What matters in practice?
- The residence permit application must be filed at least 30 days before your permitted stay expires — with a 90-day annual limit, plan for this from the first weeks.
- A temporary residence permit is issued for up to 1 year and can then be extended each time for up to 2 years; for investors and highly skilled migrants, up to 3 years.
- For documents issued by state bodies of CIS countries, including Russia, international treaties provide a simplification: when submitted together with the original, the copy does not need to be notarised.
- The application package includes a medical certificate and a document for the accommodation at which you will be registered.
- You can apply in person or through a legal representative.
- After at least 2 years of temporary residence, you can apply for a permanent residence permit, which is issued for 5 years.
— SME: The biggest risk for Russian citizens is leaving the decision to the last month. The 90-day limit is counted per calendar year, and the residence permit application must be filed at least 30 days before it runs out. We recommend settling on your ground within the first weeks of your stay and requesting all the documents you need from Russia in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Can I reset the 90 days by leaving and re-entering?
No. Since 1 January 2025, the limit for Russian citizens is counted per calendar year. To stay longer, you need an extension on established grounds or a residence permit.
Does buying an apartment in Baku give me a residence permit automatically?
No. Property worth at least AZN 100,000 is a ground to apply, and the decision on the permit is made by the State Migration Service.
Does a Russian citizen need a work permit?
For employment — yes, and the employer obtains it. The Migration Code lists categories exempt from the work permit, for example permanent residence permit holders.
When can I get permanent residence?
After at least 2 years of temporary residence in Azerbaijan. The permanent residence permit is issued for 5 years and can be extended.
This article is for general information and does not replace individual advice. Migration rules can change — confirm current requirements or talk to SME.
Moving to Azerbaijan from Russia? We’ll help you choose the right ground for a residence permit and support your application — contact SME.
Full overview: How to Get a Residence Permit in Azerbaijan (2026)
Sources
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan — mfa.gov.az, “Visa free countries”: visa-free regime for Russian citizens, 90 days per calendar year. State Migration Service — migration.gov.az: announcement on the stay period for Russian citizens from 01.01.2025; “Registration upon place of stay”; “Temporary residence permit”, “Permanent residence permit” and “Work permit” pages (updated 06.11.2025). T—Zh (t-j.ru), 01.10.2026 — entry rules to Azerbaijan for Russian citizens.
Last reviewed: October 2026.
