Grounds for residence in Azerbaijan prior to obtaining a residence permit through the purchase of real estate

1. Visa-Free Entry (for countries with a visa-free regime with Azerbaijan)

Some countries have visa-free agreements with Azerbaijan — for example, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and others. Citizens of these countries may enter and stay in the country for 14 to 90 days, depending on the specific agreement.

The visa-free regime is suitable for short-term stays: there is enough time to view properties, complete stages of the transaction, open a bank account, and handle other formalities.

2. ASAN Visa Electronic Visa (for most countries worldwide)

For citizens of countries without a visa-free regime, an e-visa can be obtained through the ASAN Visa service.

Timeframes and features:

• online application within 3 business days;
• permitted stay — up to 30 days;
• can be repeatedly extended through a visa run (leaving the country and re-entering).

The electronic visa is the most common and convenient way to stay temporarily in the country before purchasing real estate.

3. Long-Term Property Rental

Some property buyers initially rent an apartment and use this as a basis for further obtaining a residence permit.

In certain cases, a long-term rental agreement helps to extend the period of stay without complications (when reapplying for a visa).

4. Private Invitation or Business Purpose of Visit

Foreign nationals may apply for:

• a business visa (for negotiations, investments, opening a bank account or a company);
• a private visa based on an invitation from an individual.

Both categories allow staying in the country for up to 60–90 days, depending on the type of visa.

5. Company Registration (for Entrepreneurs)

Those planning to conduct business in Azerbaijan may enter the country for the purpose of company registration and business negotiations.

This can serve as the first step toward obtaining a residence permit based on entrepreneurial activity or investment.

6. Extension of Stay through a Visa Run (Exit and Re-entry)

While a residence permit based on property ownership is in process, foreign nationals often use the practice of a visa run (border run) — leaving to a neighboring country and re-entering Azerbaijan with a new visa or under a visa-free regime.

This is a fully legal mechanism, provided that the permitted length of stay is observed and no violations occur.

Important note:

Foreign nationals staying in Azerbaijan for more than 15 days are required to obtain temporary registration at their place of residence (hotel or rented apartment). Registration is not a residence permit but confirms the legality of stay in the country.

Before obtaining a residence permit through the purchase of real estate, a foreign citizen may legally stay in Azerbaijan on the basis of a tourist, business, or private visa, a visa-free regime, or a business visit. All these options allow for a comfortable stay in the country to complete a real estate transaction and subsequently apply for a residence permit.