Baku
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has signed into law a series of amendments to the Law on the Minimum Subsistence Level, updating both the legal framework and practical benchmarks tied to food standards, social policy, and institutional care. The amendments also introduce new implementation mechanisms via a presidential decree.
According to AZERTAC, the law mandates that nutrition standards for individuals in healthcare, educational, and social care institutions must now be based on the updated composition of the minimum consumer basket, with oversight delegated to an agency designated by the executive branch.
2025 Minimum Subsistence Levels Announced
In parallel with the legal reforms, Azerbaijan has officially established its minimum subsistence levels for 2025:
| Demographic Group | Monthly Subsistence Level |
|---|---|
| General population | ₼285 |
| Working-age adults | ₼305 |
| Pensioners | ₼232 |
| Children | ₼246 |
These figures represent a 5–6% increase compared to 2024, and will form the basis for determining social benefits, pensions, and eligibility for targeted state assistance. They also guide standards for public service provision, including meals and care in hospitals, schools, and social institutions.
Implementation and Oversight
A separate presidential decree stipulates that:
The President of Azerbaijan will personally exercise the executive powers referenced in the law.
The Cabinet of Ministers and the DOST Agency (Agency for Sustainable and Operative Social Provision, part of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection) are designated as competent authorities for implementation.
In accordance with Article 3.3 of the amended law, the Cabinet must within three months:
Define nutrition norms for various public-sector institutions.
Report its findings to the President.
Address other regulatory needs arising from the changes.
