The Certificate of Return is an official document confirming the identity of a citizen of the Republic of Azerbaijan or a stateless person who permanently resides in the Republic of Azerbaijan on legal grounds.

In accordance with Article 10 of the Migration Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Regulation on the Procedure for Issuing a Certificate of Return to the Republic of Azerbaijan, the right to return to the Republic of Azerbaijan on the basis of a Certificate of Return is granted to:

• Citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan who have lost their passports abroad;
• Citizens whose passports have been stolen or rendered unusable;
• Citizens whose passports have expired;
• Minors under the age of 18 or persons who have reached the age of 18 while abroad and are returning to the Republic of Azerbaijan together with such citizens;
• Stateless persons who permanently reside in the Republic of Azerbaijan on legal grounds and their children (either under the age of 18 or who have reached the age of 18 abroad) returning with them to the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The procedure for issuing the Certificate of Return to the Republic of Azerbaijan is regulated by the Regulation on the Procedure for Issuing a Certificate of Return to the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The Certificate of Return to the Republic of Azerbaijan is issued by the embassies and consulates of the Republic of Azerbaijan abroad. In cases where a citizen of the Republic of Azerbaijan or a stateless person permanently residing in the Republic of Azerbaijan has lost their passport, had it stolen, rendered unusable, or expired while in a foreign country where there is no diplomatic mission or consulate of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Certificate of Return is issued through the diplomatic mission or consulate of another state representing the interests of the Republic of Azerbaijan in that country, in accordance with bilateral or multilateral international agreements, by the relevant executive authority of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

There are two types of Certificates of Return to the Republic of Azerbaijan:

1. Certificate of Return for citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan (Series AA) (Annex No. 1);
2. Certificate of Return for stateless persons permanently residing in the Republic of Azerbaijan (Series AB) (Annex No. 2).
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Responsibilities and Restrictions Established by Law

After submission of the documents stipulated by law by a citizen of the Republic of Azerbaijan or a stateless person permanently residing in the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Certificate of Return is issued within no later than three calendar days from the date of registration of the application form.

Issuance of Certificates of Return is carried out through the Interagency Automated Information and Search System “Entry-Exit and Registration.”

For a stateless person permanently residing in the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Certificate of Return is issued with the consent of the relevant executive authority of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

A citizen of the Republic of Azerbaijan or a stateless person permanently residing in the Republic of Azerbaijan who returns to the country on the basis of a Certificate of Return must submit the Certificate to the relevant state authority that issued their passport within 20 days after entering the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

If an applicant for the Certificate of Return, or a person returning together with them (either a minor under 18 or a person who has reached the age of 18 abroad), knowingly provides false information, the issuance of the Certificate shall be refused, and a written response shall be provided. In the event of refusal, the person has the right to appeal the decision in accordance with the procedure established by law.

According to the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Azerbaijan, unjustified refusal to issue a Certificate of Return, the demand for additional documents not provided for by law, or bureaucratic delays in its issuance shall result in a fine ranging from five hundred to eight hundred manats.

Important Notice for Citizens Traveling Abroad!

In cases of loss or theft of a passport abroad, it is strongly recommended that citizens make copies of their passports and identity cards before traveling abroad. This facilitates the prompt verification of their identity and citizenship status by Azerbaijani embassies and consulates.

Citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan who reside permanently or temporarily abroad are also advised to register with the embassy or consulate of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the host country (or in the nearest country where such a mission exists).