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Azerbaijan Work Permits & Visas: Employer Guide to Types & Sponsorship

Looking to sponsor an international hire in Azerbaijan? This guide breaks down what employers need to know — from visa types to employer obligations and timelines. Whether you're hiring locally or relocating international talent, we've got you covered.

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Capital City

Baku

Currency

Azerbaijani Manat

(

₼

)

Timezone

AZT

(

GMT+4

)

Payroll

Bi-monthly

Employment Cost

17-24.5%

Milani Notshe

Research Specialist

Last Updated

July 11, 2025

In This Guide

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Sponsoring a Visa in Azerbaijan: What Employers Need to Know

Are you an employer looking to sponsor international talent in Azerbaijan? Navigating Azerbaijan’s visa and work permit process can be complex — especially without a local legal entity or dedicated HR team.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about employer-sponsored work visas in Azerbaijan, including processing times, documentation, and local compliance rules. Whether relocating a team member or hiring locally, Playroll simplifies visa sponsorship through an end-to-end employer of record platform.

Key Takeaways

Employers must secure a work permit for all foreign nationals, with a labor market test to justify hiring over local candidates.

Temporary Work Visas are issued for up to 90 days, while Permanent Work Visas support longer-term employment.

Fees include approximately $50–$150 for work visa sponsorship and $50–$100 for visa issuance, varying by case.

Processing times can take several weeks, with employers advised to start early to avoid delays.

Work permits require notarized qualifications and health certificates, ensuring compliance with Azerbaijan’s regulations.

Who Needs a Work Permit in Azerbaijan

In Azerbaijan, any foreign national intending to engage in paid employment must obtain a work permit. This requirement applies to all non-citizens, regardless of the industry or position. Employers are responsible for securing these permits on behalf of their international employees.

Types of Work Visas in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan offers various work visas tailored to different employment needs and durations. Employers should select the appropriate visa type based on the nature and length of the employment contract.

Visa Type	Description
Temporary Work Visa	Issued for short-term employment contracts, typically up to 90 days.
Permanent Work Visa	For long-term or indefinite employment contracts.

Common Hiring Scenarios for Azerbaijan

When hiring talent in Azerbaijan, employers typically choose one of three pathways depending on the role, duration, & legal requirements. Below are the most common models.

Use Case 1: Sponsoring a Foreign Employee via Work Permit or Visa

This is the most common route for companies hiring full-time foreign talent in Azerbaijan. To sponsor this visa, an employer (or Playroll as the Employer of Record) must have a registered legal entity in-country and issue a compliant offer of employment.

Key Employer Considerations:

Sponsorship is required — contractors or freelancers cannot apply under this visa.
Employees must remain in the approved work location unless authorized to relocate or change employers.
Processing timelines vary (average of 30-60 days), depending on the consulate or embassy.

This is best for: Long-term roles with in-office or hybrid presence in Azerbaijan.

Use Case 2: Hiring a Foreign Contractor in Azerbaijan

Independent professionals in Azerbaijan can legally work with international clients without employer sponsorship, but must comply with local tax registration and reporting laws.

With Playroll’s Contractor Management solution, you can:

Draft fully compliant local contractor agreements.
Automate contractor invoicing and cross-border payments, in Azerbaijani Manat (AZN) or USD.
Mitigate risk of permanent establishment and contractor misclassification.

This is best for: Freelancers, consultants or project-based roles, especially if the worker already lives in Azerbaijan.

Use Case 3: Relocating an Existing Employee to Azerbaijan

Transferring an existing team member to Azerbaijan? You’ll still need to navigate the same visa and payroll setup process. Even if the employee works for you elsewhere, a local employer of record is required to stay compliant.

EOR’s, like Playroll, handle all local steps, including:

Work permit sponsorship and immigration paperwork,
Registration with local authorities and payroll systems,
Enrollment in mandatory benefits and statutory schemes.

This is best for: Internal transfers or remote-first companies looking to expand into Asia, or talent retention offerings for global mobility programs.

Not Sure What to Pay in Azerbaijan? Compare fair, local salaries with our free benchmarking tool.

Requirements for a Work Permit in Azerbaijan

Securing a work permit in Azerbaijan necessitates meeting specific criteria to ensure compliance with local regulations.

Valid Job Offer: The foreign employee must have a confirmed job offer from an Azerbaijani employer.
Minimum Age: The employee must be at least 18 years old.
Proof of Qualifications: Notarized copies of documents supporting the employee's professional qualifications are required.
Health Certificate: A medical certificate confirming the employee is free from contagious diseases, such as HIV or Hepatitis B and C.
Work History: Documentation of the employee's work history for the previous five years.
Proof of Residence: A notarized copy of proof of residence in Azerbaijan, including state registration on the property right and the landlord’s identity card.
Reference Letter: A reference justifying the necessity to employ the foreign worker for the specific job.

Azerbaijan Work Permit Application Process

Document Collection: Employers must gather all necessary documents from both the company and the prospective employee.
Submission to State Migration Service: Submit the completed application form and all supporting documents to the State Migration Service.
Payment of Fees: Pay the applicable work visa fees, which vary based on the duration of the permit.
Await Processing: The State Migration Service processes the application, typically within 30 days.
Notification of Decision: Applicants receive written notification of the decision; if approved, the work permit is issued.

Process for Visa Sponsorship in Azerbaijan

In Azerbaijan, employers act as sponsors for foreign employees, initiating the work permit application on their behalf. This process includes demonstrating that the position cannot be filled by local candidates and ensuring all legal requirements are met. The employer must also handle the necessary documentation and fees associated with the application. Sponsorship helps ensure compliance with immigration laws and supports the foreign employee’s legal status in the country.

What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in Azerbaijan

The fees for work permits in Azerbaijan vary depending on the duration of the permit.

Visa Type	Application Fee
Work Permit (3 months)	$205
Work Permit (6 months)	$353
Work Permit (12 months)	$588

Processing Time for a Work Permit or Visa in Azerbaijan

The processing time for a work permit in Azerbaijan is approximately 30 days. In some cases, it could take longer, depending on the purpose of the visit. If applying for an eVisa, the processing time is usually faster. In the event of a rejection, the applicant will receive written notification within five days.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in Azerbaijan

Work permits in Azerbaijan are typically issued for one year and can be renewed each time for no more than one year. Employers should apply for an extension at least 30 days before the permit's expiration date. The renewal process requires submitting updated documentation and payment of applicable fees.

Visa Requirements for Digital Nomads in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan currently does not offer a specific visa category for digital nomads. Digital nomads typically need to apply for a standard tourist or business visa, depending on the nature of their work activities. It is recommended to consult with Azerbaijani immigration authorities to determine the most appropriate visa for remote work.

Tourist Visa: Suitable for short-term stays and non-commercial activities. Typically valid for up to 30 days.
Business Visa: For business-related activities, such as attending meetings or conferences. Validity can range from 30 days to 90 days.
Consult Authorities: Ensure compliance with Azerbaijani regulations to avoid potential issues related to remote work.

Common Challenges and Tips for Employers Hiring in Azerbaijan

Employers in Azerbaijan may encounter several challenges when hiring foreign nationals. Addressing these proactively can facilitate a smoother hiring process.

Navigating Immigration Laws: Employers must comply with strict immigration laws to avoid legal penalties.
Ensuring Compliance with Labor Regulations: Adherence to labor laws regarding employment contracts and working conditions is essential.
Language Barriers: Azerbaijani and Russian are widely spoken; consider language support for effective communication.
Engage Local Expertise: Consult with local HR and legal experts to stay compliant with regulations.

Hire Global employees without hassle with an EOR solution

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be a logistical nightmare to hire and pay employees in different countries. That’s the advantage of using a trusted Employer of Record like Playroll. They can:

Handle your international payroll: An EOR will act as your payroll provider, paying your employees on your behalf in the local currency. The company will also have in-depth knowledge of local tax codes, regulatory practices, and everything else that goes into managing global payroll.
Alleviate compliance concerns: Different countries each have their own federal and local laws governing employee payments. An EOR helps ensure that you are compliant with the unique set of laws for any country in which your company operates. This is extremely important since a compliance slip-up can result in heavy fines or even a lawsuit.
Hire and pay international contractors: Sometimes a particular project or role doesn’t require hiring a full-time employee. An EOR gives employers the flexibility to also hire contractors as needed, and avoid the potential for misclassification under local labor law.

Disclaimer

THIS CONTENT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE. You should always consult with and rely on your own legal and/or tax advisor(s). Playroll does not provide legal or tax advice. The information is general and not tailored to a specific company or workforce and does not reflect Playroll’s product delivery in any given jurisdiction. Playroll makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of this information and shall have no liability arising out of or in connection with it, including any loss caused by use of, or reliance on, the information.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Milani Notshe

Milani is a seasoned research and content specialist at Playroll, a leading Employer Of Record (EOR) provider. Backed by a strong background in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, she specializes in identifying emerging compliance and global HR trends to keep employers up to date on the global employment landscape.

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FAQs about Work Permits & Visas in Azerbaijan

Can Playroll sponsor a visa in Azerbaijan?

We don’t currently sponsor visas in Azerbaijan — but we can still help. Our in-house compliance team supports employers through every stage of the visa process: helping you compile documentation, set timelines, and coordinate with our network of trusted local immigration advisors.

If you’re looking to hire in Azerbaijan, book a demo and we’ll help you prepare, flag potential issues, and streamline the path to compliant onboarding.