What are the most popular sports in Azerbaijan?

football, wrestling, chess Popular teams include: Qarabağ FK (football), Neftchi Baku PFC (football), Gabala FC (football).

Expat Lifestyle

Private Schools

B+

Family Friendly

Single Friendly

Senior Friendly

LGBTQ+ Friendly

Weather

Healthcare

Cost of Living

Recreation

Nightlife

Restaurants

B+

Crime

Expat Exchange > Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan

Q: What visas are available for expats and digital nomads moving to Azerbaijan?

Popular expat visas: Temporary Residence Permit, Work Visa (Work Permit). Popular nomad visas: Temporary Residence Permit, the permit can allow them to live in for up to one year and can be extended. Obtaining a residency visa in Azerbaijan involves several steps and the process can be considered average in terms of difficulty. Expats typically apply for a Temporary Residence Permit or a Work Visa, depending on their circumstances. To apply for a Temporary Residence Permit, an individual must have a valid reason such as employment, owning real estate, investment, or family ties in Azerbaijan. The process begins with obtaining an invitation letter from a person or a legal entity registered in Azerbaijan. The applicant must then submit a completed application form, passport, photos, health insurance, and other relevant documents to the State Migration Service. A state duty fee is also required. The processing time can take up to 30 days after which, if approved, the permit is issued for one year with the possibility of extension. A Work Visa, on the other hand, requires an employment contract with an Azerbaijani company. The employer typically assists with the visa application and the necessary work permit from the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population. The Work Visa is usually valid for the duration of the employment contract. For digital nomads, the Temporary Residence Permit is the most practical option, allowing them to live and work remotely in Azerbaijan. The ease of the process can vary based on individual circumstances, the completeness of the application, and the efficiency of the Azerbaijani bureaucracy. It is advisable for expats to seek legal assistance or guidance from local contacts to navigate the process smoothly.

Q: What is the educational system like in Azerbaijan for expats?

The educational system in Azerbaijan is structured similarly to many Eastern European and CIS countries, with a strong emphasis on comprehensive education. Education in Azerbaijan is compulsory from the age of 6 to 17, which includes primary, general secondary, and full secondary education. The school year typically starts on September 15 and ends in June. The education system is divided into three main levels: primary education (grades 1-4), basic education (grades 5-9), and secondary education (grades 10-11). After completing the 9th grade, students can choose to continue their studies in the 10th and 11th grades to prepare for university entrance, or they can enter vocational schools where they receive specialized training for various trades. The quality of education in Azerbaijan has been improving, with the government investing in educational reforms, teacher training, and infrastructure development. The curriculum includes a wide range of subjects, including Azerbaijani language and literature, mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, foreign languages, and physical education. Schools in Azerbaijan also offer various extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and art. Upon graduation from the 11th grade, students receive a Certificate of Complete Secondary Education and can take university entrance exams. For expatriate families, there are international schools in Azerbaijan that offer education in English and follow international curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB).

Q: What is healthcare like in Azerbaijan for expats?

The healthcare system in Azerbaijan is a mix of public and private healthcare services. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and provides services to citizens at a low cost, but it often suffers from underfunding and a lack of modern equipment and facilities. Private healthcare in Azerbaijan offers higher quality services with more modern facilities and equipment, but at a significantly higher cost. Expats and digital nomads can access public healthcare once they have registered for a temporary or permanent residency permit, which allows them to contribute to the state healthcare insurance system. However, many expats and digital nomads choose to have private health insurance to ensure access to better healthcare services.

Coastal Beaches

Cost of Living: Low

Train Access: Yes (azerbaijan railways, relatively safe)

Bus Service: Yes (BakuBus, Xətt, relatively safe)

Azerbaijan is a transcontinental country located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, bordered by the Caspian Sea to the east. Known as the 'Land of Fire' due to natural gas fires on hillsides, it combines ancient cultural heritage with modern development, particularly in its capital Baku. The country has a rich history influenced by Persian, Ottoman, and Russian cultures, reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions. Azerbaijan's economy is primarily driven by oil and natural gas exports, though it is diversifying into tourism and technology sectors. The population is predominantly Azerbaijani-speaking Muslim, with a secular government and relatively cosmopolitan urban centers. Life in Baku offers modern amenities and a vibrant social scene, while rural areas maintain more traditional lifestyles.

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Podcasts

Episode 8: Jake Barber - The Expat Finance Expert Returns

Jake Barber, the Founder and CEO of SJB Global, is a life-long expat and an expert in expat finance. Over the course of Expat Exchange's nearly 30 years online, there are few people we have met with as much lived experience and professional acumen as Jake. We were thrilled to welcome him back to the show and look forward to having him on again!

Episode 6: Jake Barber - Expat Finance Expert and Lifelong Expat

Jake Barber is an expat finance expert and the founder and principal of SJB Global. A lifelong expat currently living in Marbella, Spain, Jake has vast experience helping expats from the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries manage their finances while living abroad. Get a primer on what you need to know both before and after you move abroad!

Living in Azerbaijan

Movies Set: Ali and Nino, The World Is Not Enough (some scenes)

Popular Foods: Azerbaijani cuisine is rich and varied, with dishes that often include meats, vegetables, and an abundance of herbs and spices. Plov, a savory rice dish often served with meat, dried fruits, and nuts, is considered the national dish. Kebabs and dolma, stuffed grape leaves, are also widely popular. For dessert, pakhlava, a sweet pastry made with nuts and syrup, is a traditional favorite.

Unusual Eats: Khash is a traditional dish made from cow or sheep feet, which is often eaten in the winter months. It has a unique texture and flavor that can be challenging for unaccustomed palates. Another unusual food is sturgeon's nose, which is considered a delicacy but might seem odd to visitors.

Popular Sports: football, wrestling, chess

Popular Teams: Qarabağ FK (football), Neftchi Baku PFC (football), Gabala FC (football)

Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid: When in Azerbaijan, it is important to avoid criticizing the country or its political leaders. Public displays of affection are frowned upon, especially in more traditional areas. It is also considered rude to refuse an offer of tea, as tea-drinking is a significant part of Azerbaijani hospitality and culture.

Best Places to Live in Azerbaijan

Discover the top-ranked towns in Azerbaijan. Click on the town's name for a full profile of each town.

Baku

Rankings are based on a combination of many factors including schools, recreation, family-friendliness, cost of living and crime.

Visa & Residency

Difficulty Obtaining: average

Popular Expat Visa/s: Temporary Residence Permit, Work Visa (Work Permit)

Popular Nomad Visa/s: Temporary Residence Permit, the permit can allow them to live in for up to one year and can be extended

Obtaining a residency in Azerbaijan involves several steps and the process can be considered average in terms of difficulty. Expats typically apply for a Temporary Residence Permit or a Work Visa, depending on their circumstances. To apply for a Temporary Residence Permit, an individual must have a valid reason such as employment, owning real estate, investment, or family ties in Azerbaijan. The process begins with obtaining an invitation letter from a person or a legal entity registered in Azerbaijan. The applicant must then submit a completed application form, passport, photos, health insurance, and other relevant documents to the State Migration Service. A state duty fee is also required. The processing time can take up to 30 days after which, if approved, the permit is issued for one year with the possibility of extension. A Work Visa, on the other hand, requires an employment contract with an Azerbaijani company. The employer typically assists with the visa application and the necessary work permit from the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population. The Work Visa is usually valid for the duration of the employment contract. For digital nomads, the Temporary Residence Permit is the most practical option, allowing them to live and work remotely in Azerbaijan. The ease of the process can vary based on individual circumstances, the completeness of the application, and the efficiency of the Azerbaijani bureaucracy. It is advisable for expats to seek legal assistance or guidance from local contacts to navigate the process smoothly.

Healthcare in Azerbaijan

The system in Azerbaijan is a mix of public and private healthcare services. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and provides services to citizens at a low cost, but it often suffers from underfunding and a lack of modern equipment and facilities. Private healthcare in Azerbaijan offers higher quality services with more modern facilities and equipment, but at a significantly higher cost. Expats and digital nomads can access public healthcare once they have registered for a temporary or permanent residency permit, which allows them to contribute to the state healthcare insurance system. However, many expats and digital nomads choose to have private health insurance to ensure access to better healthcare services.

"I am about to move to Baku to begin a teaching job. I will be living there alone and wondered if anyone had any advice about Baku in terms of shopping, socialising, sightseeing, security etc. Thanks Mallory" - malluk

Connect with Others on the Azerbaijan Community

Cost of Living

Azerbaijan offers relatively affordable living compared to Western Europe and North America. Rental prices in Baku range from $300-800 USD monthly for one-bedroom apartments in central areas, while outside the capital they are significantly cheaper. Property purchase prices in Baku average $2,000-4,000 USD per square meter, considerably lower than major European cities. Daily expenses including food, transportation, and utilities are inexpensive, making it an economical destination for expatriates.

Weather

Azerbaijan experiences a continental climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters, though conditions vary by region. Baku and coastal areas have moderate temperatures year-round, with summers reaching 25-30°C (77-86°F) and winters around 5-10°C (41-50°F). The Caucasus mountain regions experience colder winters with snow, while inland areas can be quite arid. Rainfall is generally low, with most precipitation occurring in spring and autumn.

Educational System in Azerbaijan

The educational system in Azerbaijan is structured similarly to many Eastern European and CIS countries, with a strong emphasis on comprehensive education. Education in Azerbaijan is compulsory from the age of 6 to 17, which includes primary, general secondary, and full secondary education. The school year typically starts on September 15 and ends in June. The education system is divided into three main levels: primary education (grades 1-4), basic education (grades 5-9), and secondary education (grades 10-11). After completing the 9th grade, students can choose to continue their studies in the 10th and 11th grades to prepare for university entrance, or they can enter vocational schools where they receive specialized training for various trades. The quality of education in Azerbaijan has been improving, with the government investing in educational reforms, teacher training, and infrastructure development. The curriculum includes a wide range of subjects, including Azerbaijani language and literature, mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, foreign languages, and physical education. Schools in Azerbaijan also offer various extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and art. Upon graduation from the 11th grade, students receive a Certificate of Complete Secondary Education and can take university entrance exams. For expatriate families, there are in Azerbaijan that offer education in English and follow international curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB).