Baku, September 3
The process of acquiring Azerbaijani citizenship is regulated by the country’s Law on Citizenship and related legal acts.
According to Baku.ws, foreign nationals and stateless persons can apply for an Azerbaijani passport if they meet specific criteria covering residency, language knowledge, financial stability and loyalty to the constitution.
Applicants must have legally resided in Azerbaijan for at least five consecutive years, demonstrate proficiency in the Azerbaijani language through an official test, provide evidence of a stable income, and sign a written pledge to respect the constitution and laws of the republic.
There are also special exemptions. The residency and other requirements may be waived for individuals with notable achievements in science, culture, technology or sports — such as internationally recognized scholars, artists or Olympic champions. Major investors and professionals with strategic value to Azerbaijan may also be granted citizenship by presidential decree.
To start the process, applicants need to submit a package of documents that includes:
an application and formal statement to the president (two copies each, in print);
a CV in printed form (two copies);
four official photos;
proof of payment of the state fee (110 manats / approx. $65);
a certificate of Azerbaijani language proficiency;
notarized and translated copy of a valid passport or ID;
proof of income (employment letter, bank statement, pension record, etc.);
additional documents if applying through a sponsor;
confirmation of past citizenship for those seeking restoration.
Applications can be filed through the State Migration Service or ASAN service centers inside Azerbaijan, or at Azerbaijani embassies and consulates abroad. The final decision on granting citizenship rests with the president of Azerbaijan.
