The small country of Azerbaijan is bordered by the Caspian Sea to the east, the Greater Caucasus mountain range and Russia to the north and the flatlands of Georgia and Iran to the west. Azerbaijan, which was part of the former Soviet Union for 70 years, was declared an independent country in 1991.
Azerbaijan is a predominately Muslim country with approximately 85% of the population being Azerbaijan, 10 % Russian and 5% Armenian. Russian and Azerbaijan languages are spoken interchangeably. Very few people outside the capital city of Baku speak English.
International adoption is still a new concept to the Azerbaijani people. Many children are abandoned due to extreme poverty and harsh living conditions. Family members or neighbors may raise some of these children but the majority live in crowded orphanages until the age of fifteen when they are sent into the community to make a living for themselves. We are currently working with two orphanages in Baku. As our program grows we will develop relationships with additional orphanages in and around the city.
The Children
Azerbaijan children vary greatly in characteristics, from very fair to medium complexion. The majority of children have beautiful big brown eyes and light to medium brown hair. Some children have blond hair and blue eyes. Both boys and girls between the ages of four months to 14 years are available. Many children are currently available for adoption and waiting for a family. Sibling groups are generally not likely, but adoptions of unrelated children are permitted.
All children will have at least one medical condition such as hypotrophy, meaning low weight, listed on their medical report. It is important to become familiar with medical diagnosis associated with all children who are offered for adoption from any country that was part of the former Soviet Union. It is recommended that you consult with one of the many U.S. doctors who specialize in reviewing children's medical reports to help you understand this medical information. In most cases the children of Azerbaijan are very healthy and are expected to grow and develop normally.
Country Requirements
Azerbaijan permits adoption by married couples and single women. There are no restrictions on parental age, nor are there restrictions on the number of other children in your household.
If married, both parents are required to appear in court, which occurs on the first trip. Exceptions to this are handled on a case-by-case basis. Only one parent is required to travel on the second trip.
Multi-child adoptions are permitted. Only one dossier is required, and adoptions of multiple children are coordinated so families finalize both adoptions at the same time.
Two short trips are required, 1st 3-4 days; 30 days later, 2nd trip 9 days.
Your homestudy should specify your interest in adopting from Azerbaijan. INS approval must be sent to Moscow, Russia.
The entire process including home study, INS approval, dossier preparation, country approval and two trips will take approximately 6 months.
All documents must be original, state certified, then certified by the US State Dept and translated and authenticated by the Azerbaijan embassy
Schedule and Confirmation of Azerbaijan Adoption Costs
Dossier fee - Due with ANA contract $3,000
Dossier fee - Due with submission of dossier $2,000
$2,000Additional referral fee of $1,000 due for the adoption of more than 1 child
Total agency and dossier fees $5,000
$5,000Country Fees:
a) For each non-related child (for sibling group of 2 add $2700) $5300
$5300 Due when plans for 1st trip is confirmedb) Translation (of your dossier) $950
$950c) Post-placement reports, translation & mailing) $260
$260d) Orphanage Donation( per child) $1,500
( per child) $1,500Total country fees $8,010
$8,010Travel and Lodging: 1st trip:2nd trip:
1st trip:2nd trip: 1st Trip 2nd Tripa) Airfare-US to Azerbaijan and return (per adult)$500-$950 $500-$950
$500-$950 $500-$950b) Domestic Airfare Moscow/ Baku (per adult) $300
$300c) Infant (under 2)child 2-12/ Moscow to US $250-$450
$250-$450d) Hotel in Baku 3 days,1st trip,4 days,2nd trip @ $100/per day $300 $400
e) $100/day translator, ground transportation/Baku $300 $400
$300 $400e) Moscow /lodging $200/day/ 3days $400
$400f) Transfers, coordinator, transportation/Moscow $500
$500g) Visas for traveling parents (per person) $300
$300Total traveling & lodging $1,050-$1450 $3,050-$3,500
$1,050-$1450 $3,050-$3,500 Finalization Costs in Azerbaijan
a) Child's photos, Passport, B/C, adoption certificate, $2,900
b) Medical exam in Moscow for visa $100
$100c) Child's visa $335
$335Total finalization costs $3,325
$3,325Total Cost of Azerbaijan Adoption$21,435-$22,235
$21,435-$22,235*This does not include home study, INS and certification fees charged by other parties. Our agency fees will not change during your adoption process, however, all other fees charged by foreign country and travel fees are subject to change.
