Property
Registered title through the State Register of Immovable Property
The Civil Code governs ownership and the Law on the State Register of Immovable Property establishes registration as the basis of title. Foreign nationals cannot own land, though they may own buildings and hold long leases.
Key rules
- Jurisdiction — National. The State Service for Property Issues maintains the register.
Governing law
- Civil Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan (1999) — ownership, mortgage, servitudes
- Law on the State Register of Immovable Property2004
- Land Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan (1999) — categories and use of land
In practice
Registration in the State Register creates the right in immovable property; unregistered transactions do not transfer ownership. The Land Code divides land by category and permitted use, and change of category requires administrative approval. Foreign individuals and foreign-owned entities may not acquire freehold land, a restriction commonly addressed through long-term lease structures of up to 99 years. Mortgages require registration. Expropriation for state needs requires compensation, and the compensation methodology has been the subject of litigation particularly in connection with urban redevelopment in Baku.