Home Arrow FAQs Arrow How easy is it to get a job in Azerbaijan?

How easy is it to get a job in Azerbaijan?

The possibility of working in Azerbaijan varies, as it depends on your citizenship, skills, the work you hope to do and importantly, your local contacts. While jobs exist, applying for them is very difficult, especially for outsiders and highly educated people who lack important contacts.

Economic overview: Limited job creation outside oil sector

The economy in Azerbaijan relies a lot on oil and gas, so changes in international oil prices affect the availability of jobs greatly. Even when times are good, the job market in local Azerbaijani firms is highly competitive and based on who you know.

Lately, lower state budgets, closed companies and job losses have made applying for work more difficult. Lots of jobs are being created in tourism, agriculture and IT, but the demand for skilled employees still outweighs what these sectors can offer.

Local companies: Connections matter more than credentials

Just having the necessary qualifications and experience may not guarantee success in local Azerbaijani business. Based on what both expatriates and locals who have returned say, having personal connections can really help you land a job.

Finding employment in Baku was hard for a returning MBA in Texas with an outstanding CV—until she received help from her father’s associates and was appointed at SOCAR (State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic). She admitted that in many cases, especially in state-run or traditionally structured local firms, "nobody cares about your resume or degrees unless they know who sent you". While qualifications matter, personal connections often open the door first.

This indicates that people are much more likely to be interviewed if someone recommends them, even without prestigious qualifications.

Foreign companies: Secure the job before you arrive

Landing a job in multinational or foreign-owned companies in Azerbaijan is typically more structured, but still competitive. Many of these companies give priority to:

  • Internal candidates
  • Referrals from existing employees
  • Locals with relevant experience

If you're an expat, it's highly recommended to secure a job offer before relocating to Azerbaijan. Walk-in applications rarely lead to results, and many roles are filled internally or through networks.

Language skills are crucial

Since local companies work in mainly Azerbaijani and Russian, customers there require staff who can speak these languages as well. This matters a lot in jobs dealing directly with the public or the work of an office. Local language skills are usually valued in international companies as well.

Geographical limitations: Baku vs. The rest of the country

Most candidates find work in Baku which acts as the country’s capital and economic hub. The number of jobs and earnings are much lower in areas of Azerbaijan apart from Baku.

Anyone living outside the country needs a work visa to begin working legally. There are professions that get approved fast and others might require extra effort or time. The company usually takes care of obtaining your work permit.

Azerbaijan also offers short-term work visa options for foreign professionals with in-demand skills, particularly in sectors such as oil & gas, finance, IT, and engineering. However, these opportunities are limited and often subject to strict eligibility criteria and employer sponsorship. Competition is high, and candidates with niche expertise or multinational experience stand a better chance of success.

Conclusion

It’s important to know how jobs are secured in Azerbaijan. For the most part, it’s not easy—unless you already have a friend or job waiting for you or are familiar with the place. The workforce contains much competition, processes lots of paperwork and often rewards based on connections rather than achievements. But if a person is qualified and fits well into oil, tech or tourism, there are some career paths out there. Try to learn the culture, language and how to network in order to build a good base for yourself.

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