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When will the Azerbaijan entry for a work permit holder open?

As a foreigner that has already been issued with a work permit by the government of Azerbaijan or is looking forward to beginning working in the country you may be having such question in mind: When will Azerbaijan allow customer entry into the country in respect to work permit? The immediate response to this question can be called as follows- Azerbaijan now permits the entry of those individuals who have received valid work permits; nevertheless, the case remains subject to a number of conditions and procedures.

That is what you should know in detail, present entry rules, the documentation required, as well as tips to travel easily.

Current status of Azerbaijan's borders for work permit holders

By 2024, the borders of Azerbaijan will not be closed to the entrants with their valid work visas and residence permits who understand the entry requirements to Azerbaijan imposed by the government. There are currently no COVID-19 entry restrictions affecting travel to Azerbaijan.

You are however, only permitted to enter when your work visa and permit have been approved. Even after your work permit is issued, you must apply for an entry visa specifically for employment purposes before traveling to Azerbaijan. A tourist visa cannot simply be used for this purpose. Azerbaijan is not the country where you can enter in quest to find a job or on arrival seek a permit to work. It is necessary that the permit needs to be issued before travel, which is facilitated by an employer in Azerbaijan.

Who can enter Azerbaijan with a work permit?

You are eligible for entry if:

  • You hold a valid work visa issued by the Azerbaijani embassy or consulate.
  • You have an officially issued work permit and temporary residence permit.
  • You can provide proof of employment and meet border entry requirements (e.g., passport validity, return ticket if needed).

Keep in mind that travelers without these documents may be denied boarding or entry at the border.

Entry requirements for work permit holders

To successfully enter Azerbaijan as a work permit holder, prepare the following:

  1. Valid passport (with at least 6 months’ validity from date of entry)
  2. Work visa sticker (obtained from an Azerbaijani embassy/consulate)
  3. Work permit approval letter or certificate
  4. Employment contract or invitation letter from the employer
  5. Temporary residence card (if already issued)

Upon arrival, immigration officers may ask for confirmation of your job role and company. Always carry digital and hard copies of all relevant documents.

Work permits in Azerbaijan involve significant fees, usually around 1,000–1,500 AZN per year or higher in some sectors. These costs are often covered by employers, but you should confirm this in your employment agreement.

How to stay updated on entry status

Immigration and border regulations can occasionally change due to regional or global developments. To stay informed:

  • Visit the State Migration Service of Azerbaijan website
  • Check with the Azerbaijani Embassy or Consulate in your home country
  • Ask your employer in Azerbaijan for the latest immigration updates

Employers often work directly with immigration authorities, so they can provide up-to-date travel timelines and documentation guidelines.

Common reasons for entry delays

Although the border may be opened officially your entry can be postponed because of:

  • Overdue or incomplete documentations
  • Visa information that is not accurate or is missing
  • Contributions in the approval of work permit
  • Visa-types airline restrictions

It is also important to re-check your status on the issuance of visa, work permit number and dates of your travel to your destination before making a flight booking.

Certain industries in Azerbaijan have quotas for foreign workers, and employers must justify hiring a foreigner over a local candidate. This can affect the timeline for your work permit and entry visa.

What to do if entry is not yet permitted

If your work permit is approved but you cannot yet travel:

  • Communicate with your employer to request a delayed start date
  • Avoid purchasing non-refundable tickets
  • Prepare your documents and keep them updated
  • Consider remote onboarding if your company allows it

Delaying entry by a few weeks until all procedures are confirmed is often safer than risking deportation or denied entry at the airport.

Although official processing times for work permits are 20–30 working days, in practice it can take 1–2 months due to document checks, quotas, or additional requirements.

Final thoughts

The holder of work permits is free to enter into Azerbaijan within the normal immigration procedures provided that he/she has been completely accepted prior to the actual entry. Legal procedures should be observed and proper documentations should be prepared, and you have to be able to contact your employer and also the Azerbaijani authorities.

This is not to say that you need not make an entry with a tourist or visiting visa and think of working there without giving your entry status. Never take the illegal path because it would not only jeopardize your status but also your successful beginning of the job in Azerbaijan.

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