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AZE - NEW MIGRATION RULES

There are some developments in respect with the program and online platform for Highly Skilled Migrant applications.

The Highly Skilled Migrants Program is aimed at broadening opportunities to attract highly skilled foreigners to engage in paid employment in the Republic of Azerbaijan. This new rule simplifies the procedure for talented workers seeking to contribute to Azerbaijan's developing economy across industries. The program offers extensive opportunities for Highly Skilled Migrants and their family members to come to Azerbaijan, live in the country, and engage in labor activities. Moreover, new rules are expected to provide employers greater access to international talent and reduce the time associated with sponsoring qualifying foreign nationals to obtain work and residence authorization in Azerbaijan.  

Thus, as of now, foreign specialists claiming the status of Highly Skilled Migrant may file their application through the official online portal at https://www.pass.gov.az which is available in Azerbaijani, Turkish, English, and Russian languages.

REQUIREMENTS

The main requirements are as follows: 

  • Official Invitation: An official invitation from a legal entity, state authority, scientific/research institute, or registered educational institution in Azerbaijan is not required.
  • Proof of Qualification: Foreign national claiming the status of Highly Skilled Migrant must demonstrate certain documents (diplomas, certificates) confirming professional skills and qualifications for the specific job.
  • Points-Based Assessment: Applications are evaluated using a point-based system in accordance with the approved criteria and established scoring thresholds (passing score is 70 points).
  • Medical Certification: Applicants and their dependents (if any) will need to obtain a medical reference certifying they are not carriers of dangerous infectious diseases like Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, Hepatitis B viruses, Hepatitis C viruses (medical certificates required for temporary residence permit applications shall be issued by local clinics approved by the State Migration Service of Azerbaijan).
  • Visa: Approved applicants will have received an electronic document confirming that they have been considered as Highly Skilled Migrants will be able to enter Azerbaijan on the basis of business visa (visa through consulates, evisa or visa-on-arrival)

REGISTRATION and APPLICATION PROCESS

For a Highly Skilled Migrant status

Registration: Applications for Highly Skilled Migrant status are processed by the State Migration Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan, through an online portal at https://www.pass.gov.az which is available in Azerbaijani, Turkish, English, and Russian languages. The sponsoring company/employer is not permitted to apply for a Highly Skilled Migrant status on behalf of the individual.

Foreign nationals should create an account by registering via email and submit electronic application to obtain Highly Skilled Migrant status. Documents confirming qualification should be added to the electronic application.

Tracking: E-application status will be sent to the applicants' account and registered email address and, applicants will be able to track the application status as well as any rejection of the application via their account and registered email address.

Assessment: The government processing time is 20 business days with a possible extension of the period for consideration of application up to 10 calendar days at the initiative of the State Migration Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan. This evaluation process is expected to take 20 to 30 business days.

Certification: Successful applicants will receive an electronic document confirming their status as a Highly Skilled Migrant. An electronic certificate confirming an individual’s status as a Highly Skilled Migrant is issued for five (5) years with possible renewals. It is possible to apply for Highly Skilled Migrant status in several specialties/occupations, but it is necessary to submit a separate application for each specialty/occupation. Evaluation is conducted only for professional qualifications, for which applications were filed. Thus, Highly Skilled Migrant certificate will be issued for each specialty/occupation in the form of electronic document to the applicant’s “electronic account” and registered email address.  

In order to confirm certificate confirming an individual’s status as a Highly Skilled Migrant, foreign national must submit duly legalized (apostile) originals of educational certificate/diplomas and/or other documents submitted to obtain the status of Highly Skilled Migrant online through the portal during his/her first trip to Azerbaijan, but not later than 1 (one) year period.

Residence Permit: Applicants who have received an electronic document confirming that they have been considered Highly Skilled Migrants may apply for temporary residence permit in the country for a period of up to 3 years within a shorter processing period (processing time for applications for Highly Skilled Migrants and their dependents is 5-10 business days shorter than the standard and expedited timeframes (15-day standard processing time instead of 20-day, etc.)).

Requirements to stay in the country for up to 90 days within 180-day period for work permit exempt category does not apply to Highly Skilled Migrant and their dependents.

Highly Skilled Migrant residing temporarily in the Republic of Azerbaijan continuously for 2 years may apply for obtaining a permanent residence permit. Highly Skilled Migrants are exempt from the requirement to demonstrate their knowledge of Azerbaijan’s constitutional rights and obligations, history and so on, as well as cleared from a language exam requirement when applying for permanent residence permit.

For employers

The online platform/portal provides employers with access Highly Skilled Migrant database. To access the database and submit requests for foreign specialists in the requested field of activity, employers should register at https://www.pass.gov.az/en/login-employer through digital signature.

Benefits

The Highly Skilled Migrant status provides several advantages: 

  • Work Permit Exemption: Highly Skilled Migrant is exempt from obtaining work permit (when working in the field in which he/she is a specialist)
  • Residence Renewal: The temporary residence permit is issued for up to 3 years and can be extended for up to another 3 years.
  • Pathway to Permanent Residence: After residing temporarily for at least two continuous years, Highly Skilled Migrants and their dependents can apply for a permanent residence permits, provided the grounds for their stay remain valid. 
  • Family Benefits: Dependents/Family members accompany Highly Skilled Migrant (person's spouse, children under the age of 18, disabled children who have reached the age of 18, and parents under his/her custody) can also receive residence permits. Also, work permit application process for dependents/family members accompany Highly Skilled Migrant (if any) is generally exempt from labor migration quotas, as well as shorter processing period will be applied.

For more information, please visit https://www.pass.gov.az