Create Azure API Management Instance – Step-by-Step Guide
Creating an Azure API Management (APIM) instance is the first and most important step in building secure, scalable APIs on Microsoft Azure. This beginner-friendly guide walks you through the exact Azure Portal screens required to deploy APIM successfully.
If you are new to APIM, start with the Azure API Management Overview to understand architecture, pricing tiers, and use cases.
Create Azure API Management Instance
This page explains how to create an Azure API Management (APIM) instance using the Azure Portal. The steps below follow the same screens you see in Azure and are written in simple, easy-to-understand language.
You do not need prior experience with APIs or Azure services to follow this guide.
Step 1: Sign in to Azure Portal
Open your browser and go to:
https://portal.azure.com
Sign in using your Azure account. After login, you will see the Azure dashboard.
Step 2: Search for API Management
At the top of the Azure Portal, use the search bar and type:
API Management
From the search results, click on API Management services.
Step 3: Click Create
On the API Management services page:
- Click the + Create button
- The Create API Management screen will open
Step 4: Fill in Basic Details
On the Basics tab, fill in the following fields:
- Subscription – Select your Azure subscription
- Resource Group – Choose existing or create new
- Region – Select the nearest Azure region
- Resource name – Enter a unique name for APIM
- Organization name – Company or project name
- Administrator email – Email for notifications
Step 5: Select Pricing Tier
Click Select under Pricing tier.
- Developer – Best for learning and testing
- Basic / Standard – Small production usage
- Premium – Enterprise workloads
For practice or demos, choose:
Developer (No SLA)
Step 6: Review and Create
Click Review + Create.
After validation is successful, click:
Create
Step 7: Deployment in Progress
Azure will start creating your API Management instance.
- Deployment time: 30–45 minutes
- Status shows: Deployment in progress
Step 8: Go to Resource
Once deployment is complete:
- Click Go to resource
- You will see the API Management overview screen
Your Azure API Management instance is now ready.
Next Step
Continue with the next step in the APIM setup:
Related Azure API Management Guides
Frequently Asked Questions – Azure API Management Instance
How long does it take to create an Azure API Management instance?
Creating an Azure API Management instance usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. Premium and VNET-enabled tiers may take slightly longer.
Which pricing tier should I choose for learning APIM?
The Developer (No SLA) tier is best for learning, testing, and demos. It is cost-effective and includes most APIM features.
Is Azure API Management free?
Azure API Management does not have a fully free tier. However, the Developer tier is affordable and designed for non-production use.
Can I change the APIM pricing tier later?
Yes, you can scale Azure API Management up or down by changing the pricing tier after creation.
Do I need Azure Functions before creating APIM?
No. You can create Azure API Management independently. Backend services like Azure Functions can be added later.
What should I do after creating APIM?
After creating APIM, the next steps are: importing APIs, creating backend services, configuring security, and enabling versioning.