Finding Employment In Azerbaijan: A Comprehensive Guide

Azerbaijan is a country located on the Caspian Sea between Iran and Russia. Baku is the capital, and Azerbaijani is the official language. The country's main industries include oil and natural gas, petroleum, oil field equipment, and food production. There is a constant shortage of skilled workers in certain professions, including engineers, manufacturing workers, IT specialists, and project managers. As a foreigner, it can be challenging to find a job in Azerbaijan, especially without a work visa or if you are limited to English-speaking roles. However, there are many job opportunities for foreign citizens, and online resources like job search engines, portals, and classifieds can be helpful. Networking through LinkedIn and attending employment events and fairs can also increase your chances of finding a job.

Online job portals for Azerbaijan

EJob.Az

EJob.Az is a platform for employers and job seekers to exchange information. It is free to add resumes or vacancies and registration is not required. The platform has a large number of vacancies (3496 in October 2024) and companies (1452) listed. It covers a wide range of sectors including architecture and construction, administration and management, information technology, medicine and pharmacy, education and science, industry and agriculture, and production and service.

Indeed

Indeed is a global job site that also has a dedicated page for jobs in Azerbaijan. It covers a range of sectors including agriculture, health, IT, marketing, and sales.

Million Makers

Million Makers is a free international job site that connects candidates and employers from all over the world. It offers personalised services for companies and candidates, as well as additional HR services such as immigration requirements and payroll. It also has a classified section for buying and selling products.

Work visa requirements

To work in Azerbaijan, foreigners will need to obtain a work visa, which will allow them to stay in the country for a specific period. Here are the requirements and steps to obtain a work visa for Azerbaijan:

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
• A passport-sized photo.
• A duly completed application form.
• A job offer from an Azerbaijani employer.
• A work permit issued by the State Migration Service of Azerbaijan.
• A medical certificate confirming that the applicant is not carrying HIV, Hepatitis B, or Hepatitis C, and showing that they are free of contagious diseases.
• Proof of payment of the visa application fee.
• A police clearance certificate from the applicant's home country.
• Notarized copies of any documents supporting the applicant's professional qualifications.
• The applicant's work history for the previous five years.
• A copy of a document that certifies the applicant's right to stay in Azerbaijan.
• A reference confirming the necessity for a specialized worker.

Steps to Apply for a Work Visa:

• Find a job and secure a job offer or employment contract from an Azerbaijani employer.
• Gather all the required documents, including a valid passport, work permit, invitation letter from the employer, and other supporting documents.
• Fill out the online visa application form and upload the required documents.
• Pay the visa application fee online.
• Schedule an appointment at the nearest Azerbaijani embassy or consulate to submit biometric data (fingerprints and photo).
• Attend the appointment and provide the required biometric data.
• Wait for the visa application to be processed and approved. This typically takes between 10 to 30 working days.
• Collect the visa from the Azerbaijani embassy or consulate.

It is important to start the work visa application process well in advance and to double-check all documents and information before submitting the application to avoid delays or rejection.

In-demand sectors

Azerbaijan's economy is heavily dependent on oil and gas exports, which make up two-thirds of the country's GDP. However, the country is seeking to diversify its economy by targeting other sectors, including agriculture, ICT, transportation, and tourism. Here are some in-demand sectors in Azerbaijan:

Agriculture

Azerbaijan has the largest agricultural basin in the region, with about 54.9% of its land being agricultural. The government heavily subsidizes machinery and other agricultural inputs, with a focus on crops like hazelnuts, rice, citrus fruits, tea, tobacco, and cotton. Livestock, dairy products, wine, and spirits are also important farm products.

Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

The ICT sector is another area that the Azerbaijani government is actively trying to develop. The country has created several high-tech parks as part of its efforts to bolster this sector.

Transportation and Logistics

Azerbaijan's strategic location on major international traffic arteries, such as the Silk Road and the south-north corridor, highlights the importance of the transportation sector. The Port of Alat (Baku International Sea Port) and the adjacent Free Trade Zone (FTZ) are becoming regional hubs for logistics and transportation due to the increasing trade on the Middle Corridor.

Tourism

Tourism is a priority for the Azerbaijani government, aiming to make it a major contributor to the economy. The country has simplified visa requirements and the application process, especially for US citizens, to promote tourism. Additionally, Azerbaijan has a lot to offer, including religious, spa, and healthcare tourism, as well as the Shahdag Winter Complex for skiing during winter.

Construction

The construction sector is also significant in Azerbaijan, contributing 4.8% to the country's GDP in 2022.

Education and Science

While not among the top contributors to GDP, the education and science sector is still an important area, with 245 vacancies listed on eJob.az, a popular job search platform in Azerbaijan.

These sectors present potential opportunities for those seeking employment in Azerbaijan, as the country works towards diversifying its economy and developing various industries.

English-speaking jobs

If you are a foreign citizen looking for an English-speaking job in Azerbaijan, it can be challenging to know where to start your job search. There are, however, many job opportunities for English speakers in the country.

Where to Look for English-Speaking Jobs in Azerbaijan

Firstly, you should define your priorities, such as the location of the company, desired salary range, benefits selection, and whether you would prefer to work for a large company or small business. You should also decide if you want to work for a company where the official language is English or Azerbaijani.

Online resources like job search engines, job portals, and classifieds are the main source for those seeking jobs in Azerbaijan but are not currently in the country. There are also recruitment companies and employment agencies that can help, such as Human Capital Baku and Smart Resources Group.

Demand for English teachers in Azerbaijan is huge, especially for those able to teach business English, as English is taking over Russian as the language of international trade, industry, and technology. Inexperienced teachers with a 120-hour TEFL course can expect to earn around $1,000 to $1,500 USD, while those with a degree and some experience will be able to find teaching jobs in Baku’s international schools and universities, paying $3,000 USD and upwards.

There are also remote English-speaking jobs available in Azerbaijan, such as administrative assistant, project coordinator, and online verification specialist roles.

Job fairs and events

• Research the event beforehand: Before attending a job fair, take time to research the participating organizations and the types of roles they are offering. This will help you target your efforts and maximize your chances of success.
• Prepare your resume and dress professionally: Ensure your resume is up-to-date and tailored to the types of positions you are interested in. Print multiple copies to bring with you, and consider storing an electronic copy on a USB drive as well. Dress professionally and comfortably for the event.
• Network and introduce yourself: Job fairs are a great opportunity to meet potential employers and make a good first impression. Introduce yourself confidently, express your interest in the company, and highlight your relevant skills and experiences.
• Ask questions and collect business cards: Engage with recruiters and representatives by asking questions about the company, the roles they are hiring for, and the skills they are looking for. Collect business cards so you can follow up after the event.
• Follow up after the event: Send thank-you emails or messages to the recruiters you met, expressing your continued interest in the company and the role. This will help keep you top of mind and demonstrate your enthusiasm.
• EJob.Az: eJob.Az is an online platform that provides an easy way for employers and job seekers to connect. It offers free resume and vacancy posting, and you can search for jobs in various sectors such as administration, management, education, medicine, and information technology.
• Ajman Career Fair: This two-day event in Ajman, UAE, features exhibitors from different federal and local institutions, as well as the military and private sector. It offers a range of job opportunities for job seekers.
• Dubai Investments UAE Nationals Job Fair: This fair is organized by Dubai Investments to support the UAE's Emiratisation vision. It offers diverse opportunities across different sectors of the group for UAE nationals.
• MAHE Dubai Career Fair: This online career fair hosted by Manipal Academy of Higher Education offers graduate hiring opportunities with over 50 companies in attendance. It provides full-time and part-time placements, as well as student jobs and internships.
• International Modern Hospital (IMH): IMH is a JCI-accredited state-of-the-art hospital group with locations across Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Cochin (India). They are often looking for talented healthcare professionals and provide an opportunity to send your resume or apply for specific vacancies.

Frequently asked questions