Work Visa For Azerbaijan: A Comprehensive Guide

To work in Azerbaijan, foreigners must obtain a work visa and a temporary residence permit. The process is initiated by the employer, who must apply for a work permit on the employee's behalf. The employer must demonstrate that the role cannot be filled by local candidates and provide evidence that the employee is at least 18 years old. The employee must provide various documents, including a valid passport, proof of qualifications, work experience, and a health certificate. The application is then submitted to the State Migration Service, and the processing time is typically around 30 days. Work permits are initially issued for one year but can be renewed up to four times.

Required documents for a work visa

To obtain a work visa for Azerbaijan, several documents are required. Here is a comprehensive list of the necessary paperwork:

• Completed visa application form: The application form must be duly filled out, providing accurate and complete information.
• Valid passport: The applicant's passport must be valid for at least six months after their planned arrival in Azerbaijan.
• Passport-sized photo: This is required for the application process and biometric data submission.
• Letter of invitation from the employer: A formal invitation from the employer in Azerbaijan is necessary, indicating their support for the work visa application.
• Work permit issued by the State Migration Service: The work permit is a crucial document and must be obtained before initiating the visa application process.
• Proof of payment of the visa application fee: Applicants must provide confirmation of paying the required visa application fee.
• Medical certificate: A health certificate is mandatory, confirming that the applicant is free from contagious diseases and in good health.
• Police clearance certificate: This document ensures that the applicant has a clean criminal record and no legal impediments to obtaining the visa.
• Academic qualifications and professional experience evaluation: Depending on the profession, applicants may need to have their qualifications and experience recognised by the Azerbaijani authorities.
• Proof of intended stay: Applicants must provide documentation confirming their entitlement to stay in Azerbaijan during their employment.
• Work experience: A record of the applicant's work history, specifically detailing the previous five years of experience.
• Professional qualifications: Notarised documents that verify the applicant's professional qualifications and expertise in their field.
• Identity document: This includes proof of citizenship, workplace address, job profile, and other relevant personal information.

It is important to note that the employer plays a pivotal role in the process, as they must apply for the work permit on behalf of their foreign employee. Additionally, the employer must provide specific documents, including age verification, local employee search justification, and company identity confirmation.

The work visa application process in Azerbaijan typically takes between 10 to 30 working days for approval. However, it is advisable to apply well in advance to avoid any delays or issues.

The role of employers in the application process

The role of employers in the Azerbaijan work visa application process is crucial. It is the responsibility of the employer to obtain work permits for any foreign employees they wish to hire. This involves several steps and requirements that must be fulfilled by both the employer and the employee. Here is a detailed overview of the employer's role in the application process:

Document Collection:

The employer must collect specific documents from the prospective foreign employee to initiate the application process. These documents include:

• A completed and signed application form.
• Proof of work experience, typically for at least five years.
• Notarized documents verifying the employee's professional qualifications.
• A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
• A health certificate confirming the employee's medical fitness and absence of contagious diseases.
• Details of their accommodation in Azerbaijan during their employment.

Submission and Fees:

Once the employer has collected all the necessary documents from the employee, they must then submit these documents, along with their own company documents, to the State Migration Service of Azerbaijan. The employer is also responsible for paying the associated work visa fees, which vary depending on the duration of the work permit.

Age and Local Employee Requirements:

The employer must provide evidence to the State Migration Service that the foreign employee is at least 18 years old. Additionally, they must demonstrate that the position cannot be filled by any eligible local job seekers in Azerbaijan. This involves providing proof that local employees or candidates are unable to fill the said position.

Work Permit Application Process:

After submitting all the required documents and paying the fees, the employer then waits for the State Migration Service to process the application. The processing time is generally around 30 days, but it can vary depending on the purpose of the visit. If the application is approved, the employee can travel to Azerbaijan and begin working. If the application is rejected, the employer and employee will receive written notification within five days.

Work Permit Renewal:

Work permits in Azerbaijan are typically issued for a period of one year. If the employer wishes to renew the employee's work permit, they must submit a renewal application to the State Migration Service at least 30 days before the existing permit expires.

Visa fees and duration

To obtain a work visa for Azerbaijan, you must pay a fee that varies depending on the duration of your work permit. The cost of a 3-month work permit is $205, while a 6-month permit costs $353, and a 12-month permit is $588. These fees are paid by the employer when submitting the work permit application.

Work permits in Azerbaijan are typically issued for an initial period of one year and can be renewed in one-year increments up to four times. This means that foreign workers can legally work in Azerbaijan for up to five years with a work permit. After living in Azerbaijan for two years with a temporary residence permit, workers may apply for a permanent residence permit.

The work permit application process involves submitting various documents to the State Migration Service, including a completed application form, a valid passport, recent photographs, proof of work experience, notarized documents verifying professional qualifications, proof of intended stay, and a health certificate. The processing time for a work permit is approximately 30 days, and the cost of extending a work permit is the same as the initial fee.

Visa extension process

To extend your work visa in Azerbaijan, you must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a valid work visa.
• Have no record of violating Azerbaijani laws during your stay.
• Provide a letter from your employer confirming the extension of your employment contract.
• Have valid health insurance.

The extension application process involves the following steps:

• Submit your application to the State Migration Service of Azerbaijan at least 30 days before your current visa expires.
• Pay the required fee.
• Wait for the decision, which can take up to 30 days.
• If approved, collect your extended work visa from the State Migration Service.

Note that overstaying your visa can result in fines, deportation, and future travel restrictions. Therefore, it is advisable to initiate the extension process early.

Entry requirements and restrictions

Visa Requirements

To enter Azerbaijan, you must obtain a visa. Visitors need a passport with an 'expiry date' of at least six months after the date of arrival and at least two blank pages for entry stamps. For residents, the passport must have an 'expiry date' of at least three months after the expiry date of the residence permit.

Work Visa Requirements

To work in Azerbaijan, foreigners must obtain a work visa and a temporary residence permit. The temporary residence permit and work permit have the same duration, and the required documents for both are submitted together.

Work Visa Application Process

The employer is responsible for obtaining work permits for foreign employees. Employees must provide their employers with any relevant documents to be submitted during the application process. The employer must then submit the documents to the State Migration Service.

Work Visa Requirements for Employers

• Age verification: proof that the employee is at least 18 years old.
• Local employee search: demonstrate that local candidates cannot fill the position.
• Necessity documentation: provide a reference justifying the need to hire a foreign expert.
• Company identity: submit documents confirming the employer's identity.

Work Visa Requirements for Employees

• Application form: complete the application form.
• Valid passport: provide a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
• Photographs: submit recent passport-sized photos.
• Work experience: document at least five years of work experience.
• Professional qualifications: present notarized documents verifying professional qualifications.
• Stay documentation: provide proof of intended stay in Azerbaijan.
• Identity information: furnish an identity document detailing citizenship, workplace address, job profile, etc.
• Health certificate: include a health certificate confirming good health and the absence of contagious diseases.

Work Visa Fees

The cost of Azerbaijan work visa fees depends on the duration of the work permit:

• Work Permit (3 months): $205
• Work Permit (6 months): $353
• Work Permit (12 months): $588

Other Important Points

• Work permits in Azerbaijan are issued for a year at a time and can be renewed up to four times in one-year increments.
• After living in Azerbaijan for two years with a temporary residence permit, foreign workers may apply for a permanent residence permit.
• Foreign nationals who have entered Armenia with an Armenian entry stamp may be denied entry to Azerbaijan.
• Armenian nationals are not permitted to enter Azerbaijan.

Frequently asked questions