Azerbaijan’s modern identity was born of oil: by 1900, Baku had supplied almost half the world’s crude, and after the Soviet collapse in 1991 the city embarked on a futuristic transformation. Today, expat life in Azerbaijan draws people from dozens of countries, attracted by a booming economy, an affordable cost of living, and a unique crossroads of East-West culture.
What does expat life in Azerbaijan look like? Foyer Global Health gives you some tips to find your way around this stop on the old silk road…
Moving to Azerbaijan: entry formalities & residence permits
Before settling into your new life, you’ll need to navigate Azerbaijan’s immigration and permit system. Here’s what to know:
Visas & Azerbaijan post
To enter and remain legally, you must secure the right visa and register promptly.
- Nationals outside Russia and former Soviet republics must secure a visa for the entire duration of their stay. A 30-day e-visa is available via ASAN Visa online; for longer stays, apply at the nearest Azerbaijani embassy.
- Upon landing, register within three days at the State Migration Service (SMS). Bring your passport, visa/entry stamp, and tenancy contract. You’ll receive a registration certificate (stamp) necessary for utilities, opening bank accounts, and future permit renewals.
- To work legally, you’ll need both a work permit and a temporary residence permit. Employers often initiate the permit-application process, but permits typically take 2–4 weeks to issue.
- After five years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for permanent residence, which simplifies renewals, eliminates some permit fees, and may grant tax advantages.
Temporary & Permanent Residence Permits
Understanding the timeline for your stay will help you plan ahead and avoid last-minute renewals.
- Temporary Residence Permit: Valid for 12 months (renewable). Requirements include proof of income, valid health insurance, and a clean criminal record.
- Permanent Residence Permit: Available after five consecutive years on temporary permits; offers unrestricted rights to live, work, and study without annual renewals.
Living in Azerbaijan: Accommodation & cost of living
Finding the right home and budgeting accurately are key to a smooth expat experience. Consider these factors:
Where to live
Each neighbourhood in Baku offers its own vibe, amenities, and price range.
- City centre & Old Town (Icheri Sheher): Charming cobblestone streets, historic sites, furnished flats from €700–€1 200/month. Ideal for those seeking a walkable neighbourhood close to offices, cafés, and cultural venues.
- Port Baku & Flame Towers District: Ultra-modern high-rises with pools, gyms, and international restaurants. Typical rents start at €1 000/month.
- Family-friendly suburbs: Ganjlik, Nizami and Badamdar boast green parks, shopping malls, and proximity to international schools. Expect €500–€800 for a two-bedroom flat.
- Quieter neighbourhoods: Yasamal and Vorovsky offer lower rents (€400–€650) and authentic local flavour—perfect for expats wanting deeper cultural immersion.
Rental tips & utilities
Knowing local rental customs will help you avoid surprises when signing a lease.
- Notarize rental contracts to make them legally binding; standard leases are 12 months with tacit renewal.
- Confirm who pays for water, gas, electricity, and internet up front; many landlords use prepaid meters.
- Inspect installations carefully; avoid “pirate” gas or electrical hookups.
- There’s typically no deposit or detailed inventory, so photograph the property on move-in day and keep copies.
Cost of living in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan offers a lower cost of living compared to Western capitals, but you should plan your budget carefully.
- Overall about 3–4x cheaper than major Western capitals.
- Monthly average (single expat): rent €600 + groceries €150 + utilities €50 + transport €20.
- Dining out: mid-range meal €5–€8; top-rated restaurants €20+.
- Income Tax: Flat 14% for most salaries; up to 25% for high-income earners.
Schooling in Baku: international & local options
Choosing the right school is among the top priorities for families moving here. Below are your main options:
- Public Schools offer free education in Azeri and Russian, following a Soviet-style curriculum with larger class sizes.
- Top-Rated International Schools (mostly on the city’s periphery):
- Baku International School (BIS) – International Baccalaureate (IB), ages 4–18.
- International School of Azerbaijan (TISA) – IB & IGCSE, modern campus in Surakhani.
- Lycée Français de Bakou – French national curriculum, kindergarten to lycée. School bus services and private car hires are common; factor transport time and costs into your housing choice.
Getting around: transport & work permits
Getting from A to B both in-town and beyond requires some local know-how. Here’s how expats manage:
Within Baku
The city offers a range of affordable, reliable transport options.
- Metro: Clean, efficient, AZN 0.20 per ride; connects key districts.
- Taxis & Ride-hailing: Bolt and local apps are affordable; typical short trip AZN 2–5.
- Walking is practical in central quarters but rush-hour traffic can add 30+ minutes to commutes.
Outside the capital
To explore Azerbaijan’s countryside or commute to satellite towns, you’ll likely need a car.
- Own a vehicle? Register it with Customs and the Traffic Police to receive local plates.
- An International Driving Permit is valid for three years; always carry both it and your passport copy.
Safety & culture shock
Adjusting to a new culture and environment can be challenging. Keep these safety tips and social cues in mind:
- City Safety Central Baku is generally safe even at night, main pedestrian streets are well-lit. In winter, poorly lit alleys can feel isolated; stick to main roads.
- Restricted Areas Avoid the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone, the Nakhchivan exclave border regions, and neighboring Dagestan.
- Culture Shock Join expat networks on Facebook or Meetup (e.g., “Expats Azerbaijan,” “Members Azerbaijan”) to build community. Learning key Azeri phrases (e.g., “salam” – hello; “təşəkkür” – thank you) earns local goodwill.
Health & insurance
Maintaining your health abroad demands understanding local medical services and securing the right coverage:
- Public healthcare: Universal in principle but underfunded, especially outside Baku – expect long waits and limited English.
- Private clinics: Facilities like Medeks and Etiler in Baku offer modern equipment and English-speaking staff; consultations from €30–€50.
- Health insurance: Mandatory for permit renewals. Opt for an international health insurance plan that covers inpatient care and medical evacuation. Local plans often cover only basic outpatient services – upgrade for emergencies and evacuation.
- Water & food safety Drink only bottled water; use it for brushing teeth and washing produce.
Pros & cons of expat living in Azerbaijan
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low cost of living and affordable rent | Bureaucratic visa & State Migration Service hurdles |
| No language requirement for many international jobs | Hot summers (40 °C+) and cold winters (–5 °C), possible culture shock |
| Rapidly growing community of fellow expats | Limited public healthcare; must secure robust health insurance |
| Access to modern amenities at reasonable prices | Traffic congestion in city centre |
| Competitive tax rates (14–25%) |
Top attractions in Azerbaijan
Icheri Sheher & Palace of the Shirvanshahs : Step back in time within Baku’s medieval walls and explore royal architecture before modern life takes over.
- Overview: UNESCO-listed Old City with narrow alleyways, the Maiden Tower, and caravanserais.
- Highlights: 15th-century palace complex, royal mausoleum, bathhouse, and panoramic Caspian views.
- Tips: Combined tickets (€6–€8) grant access to multiple sites; guided tours in English/Russian; arrive by 9 AM.
Gobustan National Park & Mud Volcanoes: Uncover some of the world’s earliest art and witness geological oddities just outside Baku.
- Petroglyphs: Over 6 000 carvings from 5 000–40 000 BCE.
- Mud Volcanoes: Nearly half the world’s total; therapeutic mud believed to benefit the skin.
- Logistics: 1-hour drive; jeep tours from AZN 30; bring sturdy shoes and sun protection.
Quba & Khinalug Mountain Villages: Experience rural life from bustling bazaars to ancient mountaintop hamlets.
- Quba: Famous for apples, honey, pomegranate juice, and carpet markets.
- Khinalug: 2 300 m elevation, 5 000-year-old village with unique language and architecture.
Caspian Sea Coast & Baku Boulevard: Enjoy modern leisure facilities against the backdrop of the world’s largest inland body of water.
- Promenade: 3 km of Ferris wheel, mini-golf, art installations, and sea views.
- Cuisine: Waterfront caviar tastings (from AZN 45) and fish shashlik street food.
Altyaghach National Park & Thermal Springs: Revel in lush forests, rare wildlife, and restorative natural baths a short journey from Baku.
- Wildlife: East Caucasian tur, lynx, over 200 bird species in chestnut-leaf beech forests.
- Thermal Spas: Sulfuric springs in Gilgil for skin and joint therapies.
We hope that this enhanced guide gives you all the practical details permits, housing, schooling, transport, safety, healthcare, pros & cons, and top attractions to make your expat move to Azerbaijan as smooth as possible. Foyer Global Health offers tailored international health insurance and expat support services to help you thrive in this beautiful country.