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Azerbaijan Passport

Ranked #67 Globally

The Azerbaijani passport belongs to a South Caucasus country of about 10 million people. It ranked #67 worldwide in the January 2026 edition of the main global ranking. The government counts 70 destinations reachable visa-free, on arrival or by e-visa combined. Holders can visit Türkiye, Georgia, Russia, the United Arab Emirates and mainland China without a visa. They need one for the (the borderless travel zone covering most of Europe), the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada. For a foreigner the route is long: temporary residence, permanent residence after 2 years with a language and law test, then citizenship 5 years later. That is about 7 years in total. There is no citizenship by investment, and Azerbaijan does not recognise dual citizenship.

67th
Global Ranking
70
Destinations
35.18
Mobility Score
Azerbaijan passport cover, illustration

Azerbaijan Passport Global Mobility Context

This passport's reach comes from regional ties more than from global access. The government's economic reform portal placed it 67th worldwide in January 2026, up three places. It counted 70 destinations visa-free, on arrival or by e-visa combined, so the number of countries with no visa step at all is lower.

Most firm visa-free rights come from agreements between governments. The Foreign Ministry lists 90-day arrangements with neighbours and partners such as Türkiye, Georgia, Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. It also lists the United Arab Emirates and Serbia at 90 days, and mainland China at 30 days per entry.

The government says it is working to widen this network through more reciprocal agreements. For now, holders still need a visa for the (the borderless travel zone covering most of Europe), the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada.

The document itself is modern. Azerbaijan has issued a biometric passport since 1 September 2013. Its chip holds the holder's details, photo and, from age 15, fingerprints. The photo follows rules from (the International Civil Aviation Organization), the United Nations body behind passport standards, so that border systems can check it.

According to the results of the ranking, citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan can travel to 70 countries visa free, with a visa on arrival, or via an electronic visa.

On This Page

Azerbaijan Passport at a Glance

Global rank (2026)

#67 worldwide in the January 2026 edition of the main global passport ranking, up three places, as reported by the Azerbaijani government. Later 2026 editions are not confirmed at an official source.

Visa-free destinations

70 destinations visa-free, on arrival or by e-visa combined (government figure, January 2026). This is a combined total, not a count of countries with no visa step at all.

Document type

Biometric passport with an electronic chip. The chip stores the holder's details, photo and, from age 15, fingerprints, so border systems can match the traveller to the document.

Page count

Not stated in the Law on Passports or on the official pages we checked, so this page does not quote a figure.

Languages

Entries are made in Azerbaijani (the state language) and in English, as the Law on Passports requires.

Adult validity

10 years from age 18. A citizen can apply to replace the passport before it expires, and must replace it after a change of name or if the chip stops working.

Child validity (under 16)

1 year for children under 1, 3 years for ages 1 to 3, and 5 years for ages 3 to 18. A parent or legal representative must give consent.

Dual citizenship

Not recognised. Article 10 of the Law on Citizenship makes two exceptions only: international treaties and a grant by the President under Article 109(32) of the Constitution.

Issuing authority

The Ministry of Internal Affairs, through its Main Department of Passport, Registration and Migration. Embassies and consulates accept applications from citizens abroad.

History

The Law on Passports dates from 14 June 1994. A presidential decree of 17 July 2012 set up the biometric passport, issued since 1 September 2013.

Azerbaijan Passport Visa-Free Destinations by Region

Regional Mobility

Economic Mobility Score: 35.18%Country GDP: 0.0759%
Visa Exceptions
Scores are estimates from 2026 mobility data, not official figures. Europe scores lowest among the main regions because the Schengen Area and the United Kingdom require a visa.

Popular Destinations at a Glance

The government counts 70 destinations for this passport as of January 2026, a total that combines visa-free entry, visa on arrival and e-visas. The firmest part of that total is the Foreign Ministry's own list of visa-free agreements, which this section follows. Türkiye, Georgia, Russia, the United Arab Emirates and mainland China are the best-known places on it. The biggest gaps are the (the borderless travel zone covering most of Europe), the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada. We name a destination below only where a government source confirms the rule. Entry rules change, so check with the destination's embassy before you book.

Americas

The Americas are the weakest part of this passport's official network. The Foreign Ministry's list has no visa-free agreement with any country in North, Central or South America, or in the Caribbean. The United States requires a visa, because Azerbaijan is not in its Visa Waiver Program. That scheme lets citizens of listed countries visit for up to 90 days without one. Canada requires a visitor visa even for a transit stop. Global mobility data counts some Latin American and Caribbean countries as open to this passport. We could not confirm those rules one by one at government sources, so we do not name them here. Ask the destination's consulate before you plan a trip to the region.

Europe

European access splits in two. Holders need a visa for the Schengen Area, because Azerbaijan is on the European Union's list of countries whose citizens need one. A visa facilitation agreement in force since 1 September 2014 makes the process simpler and caps the fee, but it does not remove the visa. The United Kingdom also lists Azerbaijan among the nationalities that need a visa to visit. Outside those two systems the picture is better. The Foreign Ministry lists Georgia, Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine, Serbia, Albania, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina at 90 days. Russia is listed at 90 days per calendar year. North Macedonia appears on the same list with dates that ended in March 2023, so confirm its current rule first. Conditions on the ground can matter as much as the visa rule, so read current travel advice before going to a conflict zone.

Asia-Pacific

Central Asia is the strongest part of this region. The Foreign Ministry lists Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan at 90 days each. Mainland China allows 30 days per entry, with no more than 90 days in any 180-day period. Malaysia allows 30 days and the Maldives 90 days for ordinary passport holders. India accepts Azerbaijanis for its e-Visa, an electronic visa you must have before you travel. Hong Kong's listed exemption covers only diplomatic and service passports, so ordinary holders should not rely on it. Do not misread one recent change. Since 1 July 2026 Azerbaijan has let citizens of Japan and the Republic of Korea enter without a visa for a trial period. That window runs one way, into Azerbaijan, and gives Azerbaijani travellers no new rights in those countries.

Middle East

Türkiye is the most useful entry here, with up to 90 days in any 180-day period for ordinary passport holders. Turkey's own Foreign Ministry confirms this rule, as does Azerbaijan's. The United Arab Emirates is listed at 90 days and Qatar at 30 days, while Iran allows 15 days without a visa. The Gulf also shows the same one-way effect seen in Asia. From 15 February 2026 to 15 February 2027, Azerbaijan admits citizens of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain without a visa. They can make three trips a year of up to 30 days each. That rule applies to Gulf visitors coming to Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani holders need to check each Gulf state's own entry rules before they travel.

Africa

Only one African country appears on the Foreign Ministry's visa-free list: Morocco, at 90 days for ordinary passport holders. Elsewhere the rules belong to each destination. Rwanda says citizens of all countries can get a visa on arrival without applying in advance. Kenya asks all visitors who are not exempt, including children, to hold an (Electronic Travel Authorisation) approved online before the journey. Global mobility data suggests other African countries are also open on arrival or online, but we could not confirm them one by one at government sources. Check with the consulate before you book, and ask about vaccination rules as well as visas.

Offshore Jurisdictions

The Foreign Ministry's list has no agreement with the island territories often used for business and holidays, such as the British overseas territories or the Channel Islands. Each sets its own rules, and we could not confirm access for Azerbaijani holders at government sources, so we name none of them here. A tourist entry would not in any case give a right to work, open a company or stay long term. Anyone planning business in one of these places should check entry and residence rules directly with its government.

Where a Visa Is Still Required

  • Schengen Area: a visa is required. The 2014 agreement with the European Union makes it simpler to get but does not remove it.
  • United Kingdom: Azerbaijan is on the list of nationalities that need a visa to visit.
  • United States: a visa is required, because Azerbaijan is not in the Visa Waiver Program.
  • Canada: a visitor visa is required, including for transit.
  • Armenia: there is no listed visa-free arrangement. A peace agreement was initialled in August 2025 but had not been signed as of 28 October 2026, and Baku asks for a constitutional change in Armenia first.

How to Get a Azerbaijan Passport

1

Obtain a Temporary Residence Permit

A foreigner cannot apply for this passport directly, because only citizens hold it. The route starts with residence under the Migration Code, run by the State Migration Service. Applications go through ASAN (the state's public service centres).

Grounds for a temporary permit include a close relationship with a citizen, work as a highly qualified specialist, and family ties to a resident. Residence by investment under the Migration Code has four grounds:

  • Real estate worth at least $59,000 (100,000 manats).
  • A term deposit of at least $59,000 in a bank operating in Azerbaijan.
  • State securities of at least $59,000, or securities of a company at least 51% state-owned.
  • An investment in the economy of at least $294,000 (500,000 manats).

These are ordinary grounds in the Code. "Golden visa" is not an official name here, and no separate investor programme or fast track exists. The investment must be kept up. For deposits and securities the Code has reporting, so a drop below the threshold is notified.

An investor at the $294,000 level can get a permit for up to 3 years, extendable by up to 3 years each time. Other permits last up to 1 year and extend by up to 2 years. The state fee is about $100 for a permit of up to 1 year. For up to 3 years it is $200 at the 20 working-day review or $300 at the 15 working-day review.

You will need an application form, a passport copy and a certificate showing you do not carry HIV or hepatitis B and C. Add proof of your ground, 2 photos, a housing document and the fee receipt.

2

Move to Permanent Residence After 2 Years

After at least 2 years of continuous temporary residence on the grounds in Article 45.1.1 to 45.1.7 of the Code, you can apply for permanent residence. Check early that your ground is one of those listed.

The investment levels are higher at this stage. Real estate, a term deposit or government securities must reach at least $118,000 (200,000 manats). An investment in the economy stays at $294,000 or more. Other grounds include having a citizen as a parent, spouse, child or sibling, work as a highly qualified specialist, and being family of a permanent resident. Company heads and entrepreneurs who meet set business levels can also qualify.

A commission tests you on the official language and on your rights and duties under Azerbaijani law. People under 18 or aged 65 and over, and people with a disability of 81 to 100% impairment, are exempt.

The permit lasts 5 years and can be extended by 5 years. Apply at least 3 months before it ends. The adult fee is about $200 for a review of 40 to 60 days and about $300 for 35 days. Minors pay $100 to $200. You also need proof of funds.

3

Apply for Citizenship After 5 More Years

The Law on Citizenship asks for the last 5 years of uninterrupted, permanent legal residence. The State Migration Service counts those years from the date your permanent permit was issued. Time on a temporary permit does not count, so the realistic minimum is about 7 years from arrival.

Residence stays continuous if you leave for no more than 3 months during the year. Long trips abroad can therefore set back your date, so keep records of your travel.

You also need a legal source of income, an undertaking to obey the Constitution and laws, and a document showing that you know the state language. Your application can be refused on grounds that include damage to state security and links to terrorist activity.

Admission to citizenship is decided under Article 109 of the Constitution, which places it with the President. There is no citizenship by investment and no fixed outcome: meeting the conditions lets you apply, but it does not guarantee approval. We found no official processing time for this stage, so we do not quote one.

4

Apply for the Passport

A new citizen applies through the Ministry of Internal Affairs, with ASAN service centres handling the request in Azerbaijan. Citizens abroad apply at an embassy or consulate. You will need your identity card and the fee receipt. The issuing office takes your photo and, from age 15, your fingerprints.

Applicants aged 18 to 35 may also need a military card or a deferral document. Children under 18 need the consent of a parent or legal representative. A first passport for a child also needs a birth certificate and a medical certificate of blood group.

The adult state fee is about $35 (60 manats) for issue within 10 working days. Children pay about $9 to $21 by age. Issue within 5 working days costs about $70 for an adult, and within 1 working day about $120. Citizens applying through an embassy pay a further $25 for preparing and sending the documents.

The passport is valid for 10 years from age 18. It remains the property of the state, and the holder must report a lost passport at once. Replacing a lost or damaged passport costs more than a routine renewal.

There is no shortcut for foreign adults, but the Law on Citizenship does give some people citizenship without the residence route. The main case is family. A person is a citizen if one parent is an Azerbaijani citizen, so a child of a citizen does not need to naturalise.

Article 1 and Article 11 also treat a person born on Azerbaijani territory as a citizen, and Article 12 covers children of stateless parents. We found no official guidance on how this works for children of foreign visitors or residents. Do not plan around it without written confirmation from the State Migration Service.

Children can also follow a parent. When both parents become citizens, or the only known parent does, children under 14 become citizens too. If only one parent becomes a citizen, the child can follow on that parent's application, with the consent of the foreign parent.

A former citizen can apply to have citizenship restored under Article 15. Marriage is not a route. Article 7 says marrying or divorcing does not by itself change anyone's citizenship, so a foreign spouse still follows the 5-year rule. The spouse can use the marriage as a ground for residence.

Citizenship by investment does not exist. Buying property or placing a deposit can support a residence permit, as the steps above describe. No sum of money replaces the years of residence or the language requirement.

Comparison of Azerbaijan Passport With Other Top Passports

Passport

Rank

Visa-free

Key edge

Singapore Passport

#1

192

Top-ranked passport in 2026, the global benchmark for visa-free travel

Germany Passport

#4

185

Passport with the right to live and work across the European Union

Georgia Passport

#41

120

South Caucasus neighbour and the closest regional comparison

Turkey Passport

#45

113

Close partner that admits Azerbaijanis for up to 90 days in any 180

United Arab Emirates Passport

#2

187

Gulf hub that lists Azerbaijani holders at 90 days without a visa

Three comparisons show what this passport does and does not offer. Figures for other passports come from their current pages on this site and may reflect a later ranking edition than the January 2026 figure used here.

Versus its South Caucasus neighbour. Georgia counts 120 destinations against 70 for Azerbaijan. The main practical difference is Europe. Georgians can visit the (the borderless travel zone covering most of Europe) for 90 days in any 180 without a visa. Azerbaijanis must apply for one.

Versus Türkiye and the Gulf. Türkiye counts 113 destinations against 70 here, and the United Arab Emirates sits near the top of the world table. Azerbaijanis can visit both for up to 90 days without a visa, so the gap matters less for trips inside the region. Beyond it, both passports open far more of the world.

Versus the global top tier. Singapore counts 192 destinations and Germany 185. A German passport also gives the right to live and work across the European Union. No Azerbaijani route offers this, and the 7-year wait makes this passport a long-term residence outcome. It is not a mobility purchase.

Pros and Cons of the Azerbaijani Passport

Pros

  • Open Regional Network: The Foreign Ministry lists 90-day visa-free stays in Türkiye, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and other partners, with Russia at 90 days per calendar year.
  • Visa-Free Gulf and China Access: The United Arab Emirates is listed at 90 days and mainland China at 30 days per entry, up to 90 days in any 180.
  • Decade-Long Adult Validity: Adults receive a 10-year passport, and can apply to replace it before it expires.
  • Low Standard Fee: The adult state fee is about $35 for issue within 10 working days, with paid options for 5 days or 1 day.
  • Machine-Readable Biometric Document: Since 1 September 2013 the passport has carried a chip with the holder's details, photo and, from age 15, fingerprints.
  • Citizenship Is Constitutionally Protected: The law says a citizen cannot be deprived of citizenship, although citizenship obtained with forged information or fraudulent documents is lost.

Cons

  • Limited Global Reach: The 70-destination figure combines visa-free entry, visa on arrival and e-visas, so fully visa-free access covers fewer countries.
  • Visa Needed for Most of Europe: Holders need a visa for the and the United Kingdom. The 2014 European Union agreement simplifies the process but does not remove the visa.
  • Visa Needed for North America: The United States and Canada both require a visa, and Canada applies this rule to transit as well.
  • Long Route for Foreigners: Citizenship takes 2 years of temporary residence and then 5 years from the permanent permit, about 7 years in total.
  • Tests Along the Way: Permanent residence requires a test on the official language and on rights and duties under the law, and citizenship requires proof of the state language.
  • Dual Citizenship Is Not Recognised: Azerbaijan does not recognise a citizen's foreign citizenship, except under treaties or a presidential grant.
  • Money Cannot Replace Residence: Azerbaijan has no citizenship by investment. Investment only supports a residence permit under the Migration Code.

Dual Citizenship and the Azerbaijani Passport

Azerbaijan does not recognise dual citizenship. Article 10 of the Law on Citizenship says a citizen's foreign citizenship is not recognised. There are two exceptions: international treaties, and a grant by the President under Article 109(32) of the Constitution.

What this means for a new citizen. The admission article of the law and the State Migration Service's list of conditions do not name renouncing another citizenship as a requirement. Non-recognition still has a practical effect: Azerbaijan treats you as its own citizen and takes no account of your other nationality. Ask the Migration Service in writing how this applies to you before you give up any passport.

Your other country matters too. Your first country has its own rules, and some countries end citizenship when a person naturalises elsewhere. Check that law as well, because Azerbaijan's rules say nothing about what your home country will do.

Tax and military duties. A passport does not decide where you pay tax. Azerbaijani residents are taxed on worldwide income, and non-residents on Azerbaijani-source income. Passport applicants aged 18 to 35 may be asked for a military card or deferral document. Anyone in that age group should ask about military duty before applying for citizenship.

Final Assessment

This passport works best for travel in its own region: Türkiye, Georgia, Russia, Central Asia, the United Arab Emirates and mainland China. Its limits are clear. Holders need visas for the Schengen Area (the borderless travel zone covering most of Europe), the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada, and the 70-destination total is a combined figure.

For foreigners, it is an outcome of living in Azerbaijan, not a product to buy. Expect about 7 years, a language and law test for permanent residence, proof of the state language for citizenship, and no recognition of a second citizenship. People who need to keep their current passport should weigh that last point first.

Residence by investment is a separate question. A foreigner who only wants the right to live in Azerbaijan can stop at a residence permit and keep their existing nationality. Decide whether you want residence or citizenship before you commit money.

Watch three developments. The Foreign Ministry's list of agreements changes over time. The digital nomad status that starts on 1 January 2027 concerns residence and does not shorten the road to this passport. The peace agreement with Armenia was initialled in August 2025 and was unsigned as of 28 October 2026.

Related reading: the Azerbaijan country guide, residence by investment in Azerbaijan, what works for relocation and the Armenian passport.

Azerbaijan Passport FAQ

How many countries can Azerbaijani passport holders visit without a visa?

The Azerbaijani government counted 70 destinations in January 2026, when the passport ranked 67th worldwide. That total combines visa-free entry, visa on arrival and e-visas, so it is not a count of countries with no visa step at all. The Foreign Ministry's list of visa-free agreements is the firmest guide. It includes Türkiye, Georgia, Russia, Kazakhstan, the United Arab Emirates and mainland China.

Do Azerbaijanis need a visa for Europe and the United Kingdom?

Yes. The Schengen Area (the borderless travel zone covering most of Europe) requires a visa, because Azerbaijan is on the European Union's visa-required list. An agreement in force since 1 September 2014 makes the visa simpler to get but does not remove it. The United Kingdom also requires a visa. Georgia, Serbia, Albania and Montenegro are among the European countries the Foreign Ministry lists at 90 days without a visa.

Do Azerbaijanis need a visa for the United States and Canada?

Yes, for both. Azerbaijan is not in the United States Visa Waiver Program, the scheme that lets citizens of listed countries visit for up to 90 days without a visa. Canada requires a visitor visa, including for transit. The Foreign Ministry's list shows no visa-free agreement with any country in the Americas.

How long is the Azerbaijani passport valid?

Ten years from age 18. Children receive shorter passports: 1 year if under 1, 3 years for ages 1 to 3, and 5 years for ages 3 to 18. The passport carries an electronic chip with the holder's details, photo and, from age 15, fingerprints. A citizen can apply to replace it before it expires, and must replace it after a change of name or if the chip stops working.

How much does an Azerbaijani passport cost in 2026?

The adult state fee is about $35 (60 manats) for issue within 10 working days. Issue within 5 working days costs about $70, and within 1 working day about $120. Children pay about $9 to $21 at standard speed, depending on age. Citizens applying through an embassy pay a further $25 for preparing and sending the documents. The Law on State Fee sets these amounts, so confirm the current rate before you pay.

How can a foreigner get an Azerbaijani passport?

By becoming a citizen, which takes about 7 years. Start with a temporary residence permit. After at least 2 years of continuous residence, apply for permanent residence and pass a test on the language and on rights and duties under the law. Five years after the permanent permit is issued, you can apply for citizenship with a legal income and proof of the state language. Approval is not guaranteed.

Can I get Azerbaijani citizenship by investment?

No. Azerbaijan has no citizenship by investment. Investment supports only a residence permit under the Migration Code: from about $59,000 in real estate, a term deposit or state securities for temporary residence, and about $118,000 for permanent residence. An investment in the economy needs at least $294,000. "Golden visa" is not an official name here, and you still need the full residence period to apply for citizenship.

Does Azerbaijan allow dual citizenship?

Azerbaijan does not recognise dual citizenship. Article 10 of the Law on Citizenship says a citizen's foreign citizenship is not recognised, except under international treaties or a grant by the President. The law's admission article does not name renunciation as a condition, but Azerbaijan will still treat you as its own citizen only. Check your home country's rules too, and ask the State Migration Service in writing before you give up any passport.

Related Topics

Related Information

Verified by

Sarah
AI Research Assistant
at WorldPath

Official Data Sources & Methodology

Passport mobility metrics and visa regulations are validated against International Civil Aviation Organization standards (ICAO Doc 9303), issuing-government publications and consular statutory orders.

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