What is a TRC (Temporary Residence Card)?
A Temporary Residence Card (TRC) is an official document issued by the State Migration Service of Azerbaijan, allowing foreigners to reside legally for up to one year, renewable annually.
It acts as your residence ID, granting rights similar to local residents.
What You Can Do with a TRC
Live in Azerbaijan legally
Open and operate bank accounts
Rent or purchase property
Register and own a company
Sponsor your spouse and children for a Family TRC
Travel freely in and out of the country
Apply for Permanent Residence (PRC) after one year
TRC Eligibility for Pakistani Citizens
You can apply for a TRC through:
Company ownership or directorship
Real estate investment
Legal employment
Family reunification
Long-term education
What a TRC Does Not Allow
A TRC does not automatically give the right to work as an employee unless:
You also hold a valid Work Permit, or
You are a business owner or director of a registered company
For help with TRC applications, visit:
Migration Services in Azerbaijan
What Is a work permit in Azerbaijan?
A Work Permit authorizes a foreigner to work legally for a specific employer in Azerbaijan.
It is requested by the employer, not by the employee.
What a Work Permit Allows
Legal employment under an official contract
Salary payments under Azerbaijani labor law
Labor rights protection and insurance
Key Conditions
Valid only for one employer
Changing jobs requires a new permit
Does not grant residence — you still need a TRC to live in Azerbaijan
Who Needs a Work Permit
Foreign employees
Skilled professionals and technical staff
Workers hired by Azerbaijani companies
Who Does Not Need a Work Permit
Company founders and shareholders
Company directors or managing partners
Entrepreneurs managing their own businesses
For Pakistani investors, opening a company is often the smarter option since it removes the need for a separate work permit.
Learn more:
Company Registration Services
TRC vs Work Permit – Key Differences
| Feature | Temporary Residence Card (TRC) | Work Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Permission to live in Azerbaijan | Permission to work in Azerbaijan |
| Issued To | Any eligible foreigner (business, property, family, study) | Foreign employees through their employer |
| Validity | 1 year (renewable) | Matches employment contract duration |
| Allows Business Ownership | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Allows Employment | ❌ Not automatically | ✅ Yes |
| Required For Family Sponsorship | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Applied By | Individual or their lawyer | Employer |
| Renewable | ✅ Annually | ✅ With job renewal |
| Leads to PRC | ✅ After 1 year | ❌ No |
| Typical User | Business owners, property investors, families | Hired workers or professionals |
In short:
To live in Azerbaijan → You need a TRC
To work as an employee → You need a Work Permit + TRC
To manage your own business → TRC alone is sufficient
Common mistakes Pakistanis make
Many Pakistani applicants face rejections or penalties because they misunderstand Azerbaijan’s legal rules.
Frequent Errors
Assuming a Business Visa Grants Work Rights
A business visa only allows short-term visits. Working on it is illegal.Believing a Work Permit Equals Residence
A Work Permit lets you work but does not give you the right to stay long-term.Using Fake Invitation Letters or Unverified Agents
These can cause visa rejections, deportation, or blacklisting.Selecting the Wrong TRC Category
Applying as a visitor instead of an investor often results in denial.Submitting Documents in English or Urdu Only
All paperwork must be translated into Azerbaijani and notarized.
AzeImmigration eliminates these issues through verified, legal preparation of your TRC and Work Permit applications.
How AzeImmigration helps you choose the right permit
Understanding whether you need a TRC, a Work Permit, or both can be confusing — especially for first-time applicants.
Our Services Include
TRC, Work Permit, and Business TRC eligibility assessment
Company registration and tax setup
Preparation and verification of all documents
Certified translations and notarization
Official invitation letters recognized by Azerbaijani authorities
Online TRC and Work Permit submissions
Family TRC and PRC applications
Full legal support in English, Urdu, and Arabic
Our legal team works directly with the State Migration Service, ensuring your application is 100% compliant, verified, and approved quickly.