Home Arrow FAQs Arrow Can I convert my Azerbaijan visit visa to a work visa after entering Azerbaijan?

Can I convert my Azerbaijan visit visa to a work visa after entering Azerbaijan?

Often, when one is considering the process of traveling on workation abroad, a question arises whether it is possible to come there on a tourist or visit visa, and then transition to a work visa without leaving the country. In case you are thinking about Azerbaijan, you may be wondering: “Can I convert my Azerbaijan visit visa to a work visa after entering Azerbaijan?”. The short straightforward answer is no, inside Azerbaijan, your visit visa cannot be converted to a work visa.

Why you cannot convert a visit visa to a work visa in Azerbaijan

A visit visa (also known as a tourist visa) is issued on a short-term basis, including tourism or visiting family and friends or attending short-term events. It will not permit your work or earning of income in Azerbaijan.

A work visa on the other hand is meant to support an individual who finds an employment opportunity in Azerbaijan and fulfills all the conditions fixed by the State Migration Service. This is in the form of a proper employment contract, sponsorship by a company in Azerbaijan and also by professional or qualification criteria.

It is impossible to convert one to the other after arrival, because the requirements for a visit visa are completely different from those for a work visa.

International norms and Azerbaijan’s policy

Such a rule is not peculiar to Azerbaijan. Indeed, in the majority of the countries in the world, a visitor visa cannot be converted to a work visa (e.g. UK, USA, Canada, and the EU countries, among others).

This is because of a simple reason:

  • Visitor visa establishes that you are in position to visit temporarily, but not work.
  • A work visa needs various documentation, background checks and governmental approvals.

Azerbaijan follows the same international standard. If you wish to work legally, you must apply for a work visa from your home country or country of residence, not after entering with a visit visa.

What happens if you try to work on a visit visa?

Attempting to work in Azerbaijan on a visit visa is considered a violation of immigration laws. The consequences may include:

  • Immediate cancellation of your visa.
  • Fines or legal penalties.
  • Deportation from Azerbaijan.
  • A ban on re-entering Azerbaijan for a certain period of time.

Overstaying your visit visa or breaking its terms can also harm your chances of obtaining any future visa, including work visas.

The correct way to apply for a work visa in Azerbaijan

This is how you go about it, in case your intention is to get a job in Azerbaijan:

  • Receive a work proposal by an employer in Azerbaijan.
  • Employer sponsorship: Your employer in Azerbaijan has to apply to the State Migration Service in order to get a work permit on your behalf.
  • Work permit approval: The work permit will be approved and you will possess documents backing your work visa application.
  • Apply in your home country or country of legal residence whereby; it is recommended the work visa is applied at the Azerbaijani embassy and consulate.

Go to Azerbaijan on the work visa, and then enroll in the State Migration Service in case of necessity.

How long does the work visa process take?

The processing timeframe will depend on your nationality, the documentation of your employer and the caseload of the Azerbaijani immigration authorities. Overall, the length of time required to approve is several weeks to a few months. This is the reason it is important to plan in advance and you should not come to Azerbaijan on the visit visa hoping to subsequently convert it.

Conclusion

So, can you change your Azerbaijan visit visa to a work visa after entering the country? The answer is no. Basically, you would have to get a working visa in Azerbaijan, or any country for that matter, from outside of the country you are trying to go to. To work and live in Azerbaijan, it is best to seek an employer, have him or her sponsor the work permit and then obtain the appropriate visa prior to travelling. It also cannot be denied that following the appropriate legal procedure will require a longer period of time, but it will make the first days of your work in Azerbaijan easier and avoid possible problems with immigration in the future.

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