Market entry into Azerbaijan for foreign companies and investors
We help you understand how to operate in Azerbaijan before you invest: which form of presence is more efficient, which taxes and licences apply, how to hire foreign and local staff, which incentives are available. Then we register and support you.
What's included
- Business model analysis and choice of form: LLC, branch, representative office, sole trader
- Tax planning: simplified regime, VAT, profit tax, payroll taxes
- Licences and permits for your activity
- Employment law: hiring, work permits, payroll rules
- Customs procedures and imports
- Free economic zones and incentives (Alat, technology parks)
- Finding partners, a registered address, an office, an accountant
How it works
Brief
We analyse the model and ask about operations.
1 dayMemorandum
Written recommendations: form, taxes, licences, timeline, budget.
3–7 daysImplementation
Registration, bank account, licences, hiring.
per planDocuments required
- Description of the business and planned operations
- Parent company and shareholder details
- Expected turnover and headcount
Checklist: documents for a residence permit and an LLC in Azerbaijan
A 2-page PDF: what to prepare before you travel, where an apostille is needed and where notarisation is enough, and the order of filing.
- Document list for LLC registration and for each residence permit ground
- Table: apostille vs notarisation — by country
- Document list and timelines for every step
- Common mistakes that get a file returned
Frequently asked questions
What taxes does a foreign company pay in Azerbaijan?
Under the general regime: profit tax 20%, VAT 18%, payroll income tax in the private non-oil sector from 2026 — 3% up to AZN 2,500, 10% on the part from 2,500 to 8,000 and 14% above (state and oil sector: 14% and 25%). Under the simplified regime: 2% of turnover with no VAT or profit tax, if turnover is up to AZN 200,000 and the activity is eligible.
Do I need a licence?
It depends on the activity: construction, education, healthcare, tourism, finance, transport are licensed. Trade, consulting and IT are not. We check during the consultation.
Can I hire foreign employees?
Yes. The employer obtains a work permit through the Migration Service, which is a ground for a residence permit. Directors and founders have separate grounds.
Are there investor incentives?
Yes: the Alat Free Economic Zone, technology parks with tax exemptions, investment promotion certificates (7-year incentives), agro-parks. Eligibility depends on the sector and scale.
Verified 5 Nov 2026. Sources: taxes.gov.az, migration.gov.az, e-qanun.az.
Related services
Describe your task — we reply during business hours
Tell us what you need and which country you are in now. We will propose a plan with timeline and cost.