A work permit is an official authorization that enables foreign nationals to legally work in Azerbaijan. It is issued by the State Migration Service and is required for all non-citizens employed in the country. This permit complies with local legislation and ensures the protection of both employers’ and employees’ rights. Every able-bodied and over 18 years old foreigner can work in the Republic of Azerbaijan after obtaining a work permit.
Azerbaijan work permit is issued for one year. If the employment contract is signed for a shorter period, the permit is issued for that duration. The work permit may be extended each time for up to one year. For foreign nationals working in the liberated territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the permit can be extended for up to two years at a time.
To extend the validity of a work permit, the employer must apply to the State Migration Service at least 30 days before the permit expires. The work permit will be revoked if the employer fails to pay the required state fee within 30 days or if the foreigner or stateless person is denied a temporary residence permit in Azerbaijan.
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In most cases, foreign nationals who intend to work in Azerbaijan must obtain a work permit. However, this requirement does not apply to the following categories:
Foreigners holding a permanent residence permit in Azerbaijan
Individuals engaged in entrepreneurial activity in Azerbaijan
Employees of diplomatic missions and consulates
Staff of international organizations
Heads and deputy heads of organizations established under international agreements
Persons employed by relevant executive authorities of Azerbaijan
Military personnel and experts invited to serve or work in the Armed Forces or other legally established armed units
Employees of media organizations accredited in Azerbaijan
Individuals sent on short-term missions (up to 90 days per year) in fields approved by the Cabinet of Ministers
Specialists invited by Azerbaijani citizens or legal entities to provide services or perform work in fields approved by the President
Sailors
Professors, teachers, and lecturers invited to higher education institutions
Artists, coaches, and athletes working in registered sports clubs
Persons carrying out professional religious activities in officially registered religious institutions
Heads and deputy heads of branches and representative offices of foreign legal entities in Azerbaijan
Heads and founders of Azerbaijani legal entities where a foreign founder owns at least 51% of the charter capital, provided they work in that entity
Foreigners married to Azerbaijani citizens who are officially registered as residents in Azerbaijan
Persons who have applied for, obtained IDP status, or received political asylum
Victims of human trafficking or individuals assisting law-enforcement authorities
Persons caring for Azerbaijani citizens under 18 or individuals with 81–100% disability
Individuals engaged in work activities approved by executive authorities
Persons working in the Alat Free Economic Zone, including its authorized bodies, administrative institutions, and resident companies
Residents of technology parks, including directors, deputies, and ICT specialists employed by them
Highly skilled migrants, provided they work within their professional field
Completed application form
Copy of the foreign employee’s passport
Justification letter explaining the need to employ the foreign worker
Notarized document confirming the employee’s qualifications for the position
Notarized copies of the company’s founding documents
Existing work permit certificate (required for extension only)
To obtain a work permit in Azerbaijan or extend its validity, companies and individual employers should follow these steps:
Employers must first show that it is difficult to fill the vacancy with a local employee. Foreigners or stateless persons may be hired only when a suitable local candidate cannot be found.
Collect all necessary documents and have them notarized where required. The application form and justification letter must clearly explain why a foreign employee is needed and specify the exact position.
Once the documents are ready, submit the application to the State Migration Service. The review process usually takes 10–20 business days. If approved, a Work Permit Certificate will be issued.
After the work permit is granted, the employer may sign the labor contract and the foreign employee can start work. Hiring a foreign national without a valid work permit is illegal and may result in significant penalties. Under the Code of Administrative Offenses, employers can be fined up to AZN 20,000 for such violations.
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