Working In Azerbaijan: Opportunities For Foreigners

Azerbaijan is a country located on the Caspian Sea between Iran and Russia, with a rapidly growing economy thanks to investments from international corporations and the development of oil production. The country offers a wide variety of professions for expats, with many foreigners finding jobs in agriculture, forestry, and the oil and gas industries. To work in Azerbaijan, foreigners will need to obtain a work permit and a temporary residence permit. The process of obtaining these permits can be complex, and it is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that their foreign employees have the necessary documentation.

Work permit and visa requirements

Foreigners seeking employment in Azerbaijan are required by law to obtain a valid work permit. This is usually arranged through an employer, as foreign individuals do not have the right to apply for a work permit themselves. The State Migration Service is the government body responsible for issuing work permits.

To apply for a work permit, employers must submit the following documents:

• A copy of the foreign employee's passport
• A reference letter justifying the need for the foreign employee
• A notarized copy of a document confirming the foreign employee's qualifications for the role
• Notarized copies of the company's founding documents
• A work permit certificate (for extensions only)

The processing time for work permit applications is typically between 10 and 20 business days, and the state fee ranges from 1000 AZN to 1400 AZN. Work permits are generally issued for a period of one year, although they can be issued for shorter durations if required. The validity of the permit can be extended for up to one year at a time, and applications for extensions must be submitted at least 30 days before the permit's expiration.

In addition to a work permit, foreign nationals intending to work in Azerbaijan will also need to obtain a temporary residence permit. The required documents for both permits are submitted together and include:

• A duly completed application form
• Notarized copies of documents supporting the prospective employee's professional qualifications
• An identity document for the employee
• The employee's work history for the previous five years
• A health certificate confirming the employee is not carrying HIV, Hepatitis B, or Hepatitis C
• A copy of the employee's passport, valid for at least six months after the planned arrival in Azerbaijan
• A copy of a document certifying the employee's right to stay in Azerbaijan
• A reference confirming the necessity for a specialized worker

It is important to note that certain categories of foreigners are exempt from obtaining a work permit, including permanent residence permit holders, foreigners married to Azerbaijani citizens, employees of international organizations, and diplomatic staff.

Job search resources

Job Portals and Classifieds

• Human Capital Baku: A good starting point for IT and engineering professionals seeking work in Azerbaijan.
• Glassdoor: This site has quite a few job opportunities in Baku.
• CareerJet: CareerJet has job opportunities in Azerbaijan.
• MyPerfectResume: This site enables you to search for employment in specific countries and/or regions worldwide.
• Indeed: A job search engine with a range of opportunities in Azerbaijan.

Overseas and Expat Job Portals

• Go Abroad: GoAbroad has a good job portal and a global embassies directory.
• LinkedIn: This professional social network is a resource for building contacts and finding jobs in your field of interest.

Specialist Recruitment Agencies

• Recruitment companies: If you are looking for work in the oil and gas sector, specialist recruitment companies can be a good option.
• Large corporate enterprises: These companies may have direct, steady recruitment drives for projects in Azerbaijan.

Company Websites

• BP: If you have skills in oil and gas, BP is a good place to start. Check out their careers page for opportunities.
• RigZone: Another good resource for those with oil and gas expertise.
• Deloitte: This giant consulting firm has opportunities in consulting and finance.

Other Options

• EJob.az: A platform for the exchange of information between employers and job seekers in Azerbaijan.
• Direct approaches: Prospective expats can also check out the websites of specific companies to find out about job openings.

Oil and gas industry jobs

Azerbaijan's oil and gas industry is a major source of income for the country, with the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) being a key player. The country's oil and gas sector is attractive to foreign investment due to its substantial reserves, and it has a diverse range of roles for expats looking to advance their careers.

Job Opportunities

Foreigners often seek jobs in the oil and gas industry in Azerbaijan because it is a promising sector with a growing demand for employees. The country's oil and gas companies typically provide their employees with favourable working conditions, including career growth opportunities and financial security.

Some notable employers in the industry include:

• AF Holding
• AZ Petrol
• SOCAR
• Topaz
• Unibank
• Ganja Auto Plant
• Bank Respublika
• Gazelli Group
• Bakcell
• AzSamand
• Bahra Biscuit Factory
• Baku Caro Terminal
• Azersun Holding

Work Visa Requirements

To work in Azerbaijan, foreigners must obtain a valid work visa and register their entry into the country. The process can be lengthy, especially at the embassy in the capital, Baku, so it is advisable to start the application as soon as possible.

The requirements for a work visa include:

• A notarized copy of your passport
• Medical examination results
• Notarized copies of professional qualifications
• An employment record book for the last five years
• A completed application form
• A letter of recommendation from the employer

Work Culture

The Azerbaijani work culture values communication and relationship-building, and the people are known for their friendliness. Building rapport and developing mutual trust are important aspects of doing business and are usually established at the beginning of meetings.

The official language of Azerbaijan is Azerbaijani, and while some locals may understand and speak English, particularly in the oil and gas sector, Azeri and Russian are the most common business languages. Therefore, it is beneficial for expats to learn some key phrases in these languages.

Cost of Living and Lifestyle

The cost of living in Azerbaijan is more affordable than in the UK, and the country offers a rich cultural heritage. Baku, the capital, is a modern city with all the necessary amenities, including international schools. The company providing employment typically offers private health insurance, but if not, it is recommended to invest in one.

English-speaking jobs

To work in Azerbaijan, most foreigners will need a work permit and a temporary residence permit. It is the responsibility of the employer to obtain these permits for their foreign employees. However, there are some categories of foreigners who are exempt from needing a work permit, including permanent residence permit holders, employees of international organisations, and those married to citizens of Azerbaijan.

• Education: There is a demand for teachers, particularly in international schools that cater to expat families. English teachers for Saudi Arabia are also advertised for.
• Tourism: The tourism industry has presented opportunities for expats, and there are vacancies in the hospitality sector, such as hotels.
• Communications and information technology: These sectors are growing in importance in Azerbaijan, and there are job opportunities for specialists in these fields, including marketing interns and IT infrastructure roles.
• Oil, gas, and energy industries: Due to the country's rich natural resources, these industries have traditionally employed many expats. While Azeri and Russian are common business languages, English is also spoken, especially in the oil and gas sector.
• Construction: Infrastructure development and increased demand for housing have led to a growth in construction projects.

Job portals advertising roles in Azerbaijan include eJob.az, iAgora.com, and LinkedIn.

Social security and insurance

Foreigners can work in Azerbaijan, but they need a valid work permit, which is usually arranged through an employer. The State Migration Service issues work permits, and the application process typically takes between 10 to 20 business days. The validity period of the work permit is initially one year but can be extended in one-year increments up to four times.

The social protection system in Azerbaijan aims to reduce poverty and economic problems among the population by promoting effective labor markets and reducing the risks faced by citizens. The system consists of two main parts: social insurance and social security.

Social insurance covers workers residing in Azerbaijan, including self-employed persons, members of collective farms, landowners, and foreign citizens. It provides benefits such as sickness and maternity coverage, funeral grants, and child care benefits. It also includes unemployment insurance, which covers residents of Azerbaijan but excludes self-employed persons.

Social security, on the other hand, is a notional defined contribution (NDC) and social assistance system. The NDC covers workers residing in Azerbaijan, including foreign citizens, and finances benefits such as sickness and maternity, funeral grants, and child care. Social assistance, which is only available to citizens of Azerbaijan, provides additional support for the elderly, disabled, and survivors.

In recent years, there have been efforts to improve the insurance-pension system in Azerbaijan, such as the introduction of the "Pension +" service and the implementation of plastic cards for pension payments. The country has also taken steps to enhance social benefits for disabled persons, the elderly, and internally displaced persons.

Frequently asked questions