Azerbaijan

When traveling to Azerbaijan, your nationality and the types of activities you will conduct during your trip will determine whether you may travel lawfully as a business visitor or if you must obtain work authorization. Please seek advice from your immigration counsel if you are uncertain about the specific types of activities that constitute business or work.

What types of activities may I engage in as a business visitor?

As a business visitor to Azerbaijan, you may engage in the activities below. While this list is not exhaustive and other activities could qualify as business, you may:

• » Attend business and sales meetings
• » Attend conferences and workshops
• » Tour a company facility
• » Conclude contracts

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Azerbaijan?

Most nationalities, including those from Canada and the United States, are required to obtain an Entry Visa to perform ordinary business activities in Azerbaijan. Eligible business visitors may obtain an e-Visa via Azerbaijan’s online portal, or a consular Entry Visa from an Azerbaijani Embassy or Consulate.

While some foreign nationals may be eligible to obtain a Visa on Arrival for business purposes, it is generally recommended that business visitors obtain a visa prior to travel to avoid any issues. Please consult with your immigration counsel for an individual assessment to determine the appropriate Entry Visa type.

Some select nationalities are eligible to enter Azerbaijan without obtaining a visa to engage in business activities. Please consult with your immigration counsel prior to travel to determine your eligibility for a visa waiver.

What types of activities require work authorization?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Azerbaijani law. This list is not exhaustive, and many other professional activities are considered work in Azerbaijan, even if conducted for a short duration.

• » Performing audits
• » Hands-on technical work
• » Repairs and maintenance

 
Short-term professional activities conducted in certain industries such as manufacturing, information and communication, and finance and insurance may be permitted under a short-term work authorization; however certain preconditions must be met. An individual assessment is required prior to travel to determine eligibility for a work authorization exemption.

If I am traveling to Azerbaijan for work, what type of work authorization do I need?

The requirements for work authorization depend on your qualifications, and on the nature and duration of your work. The most common form of work authorization for Azerbaijan is a Work Permit. Work Permits must be sponsored by a local entity in Azerbaijan, and foreign national employees must have a local contract and be on local payroll.

Is it possible to be exempted from work authorization requirements?

Azerbaijan offers a variety of long-term work authorization exemptions to different groups, including spouses of Azerbaijani citizens, entrepreneurs, and heads and deputies of branch offices established in Azerbaijan. However, registrations or other formalities may be required prior to working or residing in Azerbaijan. Please consult with your immigration counsel prior to travel to determine your eligibility for a work authorization exemption.

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection, as well as visa waiver and work authorization eligibility, entail the careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.