Jobs in Azerbaijan – Work Permit, Visa, Salary & Hiring Guide

Azerbaijan is a strategically positioned country at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, with a dynamic, growing economy anchored by one of the world's most significant oil and gas sectors. Located on the western coast of the Caspian Sea and bordering Russia, Georgia, Armenia, and Iran, Azerbaijan is rapidly diversifying its economy beyond energy into information technology, construction, tourism, agriculture, and financial services. This diversification is creating sustained, growing demand for skilled international workers across multiple sectors.

According to the State Statistical Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the average gross monthly salary has reached approximately AZN 1,103 — around USD 650 — with significantly higher earnings in the oil and gas, IT, and financial services sectors. The government's active economic diversification programme, anchored by major infrastructure investments and the expansion of the Baku tech ecosystem, continues to attract international professionals and create new employment opportunities across the country.

This guide covers everything you need to know about jobs in Azerbaijan — including 40 verified in-demand shortage occupations with salary data, and a complete, accurate guide to the work permit and visa process based on official information published by the State Migration Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Whether you are a job seeker, an employer, or a recruitment agency, Moving2Europe.eu is here to connect you with verified opportunities across Azerbaijan and the wider European and Eurasian region.

Europe Job Market Overview

Europe and the broader Eurasian region are experiencing sustained, structural labour shortages driven by ageing populations, declining birth rates, and ongoing economic growth. Governments across the region are actively investing in international recruitment frameworks and expanding their labour markets to welcome qualified workers from abroad.

Azerbaijan, as a key energy and trade hub bridging Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East, sits at the heart of this regional labour dynamic. The country's rapid economic expansion has outpaced the growth of its domestic skilled workforce in several critical sectors, creating genuine and immediate opportunities for international workers. The Azerbaijani government has actively streamlined immigration procedures for foreign workers through the State Migration Service and the ASAN Visa system, making the process more accessible than at any previous point.

For international job seekers, Azerbaijan offers a combination of competitive salaries in high-demand sectors, a low cost of living by European standards, and a clear legal pathway to employment and residency. For employers, it means access to a global talent pool capable of filling critical technical and professional gaps. For recruitment agencies, it represents a stable and growing market for international placements.

Jobs in Azerbaijan – Market Overview

Azerbaijan's economy is the largest in the South Caucasus region and continues to grow, driven by energy revenues and an accelerating programme of economic diversification. The country has established Special Economic Zones with significant tax incentives, invested heavily in infrastructure, and launched major digital transformation initiatives to attract foreign investment and skilled international talent.

According to verified labour market data, there is a consistent, documented shortage of skilled workers across several key sectors, including engineering, construction, information technology, healthcare, and energy services. This shortage has been acknowledged in the country's economic development plans and is directly driving the Azerbaijani government's openness to skilled international hiring.

Key industries actively hiring international workers in Azerbaijan include:

Oil, Gas, and Energy: Azerbaijan's energy sector remains the cornerstone of its economy, generating the highest salaries in the country. Petroleum engineers, drilling specialists, pipeline technicians, and energy project managers are consistently in demand across projects operated by state and international energy companies.

Construction and Infrastructure: Major infrastructure projects — including roads, railways, residential developments, and commercial construction — are driving significant demand for construction workers, welders, electricians, plumbers, civil engineers, and project managers nationwide.

Information Technology: Baku has emerged as a regional technology hub. The government's active promotion of the IT sector, including the establishment of tech parks offering tax incentives, has created strong and growing demand for software developers, data analysts, cybersecurity specialists, and IT systems administrators.

Healthcare and Medical Services: Azerbaijan's growing population and expanding healthcare infrastructure have created sustained demand for doctors, nurses, medical specialists, pharmacists, and healthcare technicians.

Tourism and Hospitality: Azerbaijan has experienced a significant tourism growth, particularly in Baku, driven by international events and its unique cultural and historical heritage. Hotels, restaurants, and tourism operations consistently require chefs, hotel managers, hospitality staff, and tour guides.

Manufacturing and Heavy Industry: Azerbaijan's industrial base — including metallurgy, machinery, food processing, chemical production, and construction materials — requires machine operators, welders, maintenance technicians, and industrial engineers.

Agriculture and Agribusiness: Azerbaijan's agricultural sector, particularly in the fertile regions of Lankaran, Quba, and the Aran lowlands, drives demand for agricultural technicians, agribusiness managers, and food-processing workers.

Top Cities for Jobs in Azerbaijan

Jobs in Baku

Baku is Azerbaijan's capital and its dominant economic centre. The city accounts for the overwhelming majority of employment opportunities across all sectors and offers the highest salaries in the country. The average monthly salary in Baku ranges from AZN 1,200 to AZN 1,300 — significantly above the national average — and is considerably higher in the oil and gas, IT, and financial services sectors.

Baku is home to the headquarters of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), the Port of Baku — one of the largest on the Caspian Sea — a growing technology startup ecosystem, and a rapidly expanding hospitality and tourism industry. IT professionals in Baku earn AZN 1,500–3,000 per month. Oil and gas engineers earn AZN 3,000–6,000 or significantly more on international contracts. Construction supervisors and skilled tradespeople earn AZN 800–2,000.

Jobs in Ganja

Ganja is Azerbaijan's second-largest city and a major industrial hub in the western part of the country. The city has a strong manufacturing base in metallurgy, machinery production, and construction materials. Ganja offers consistent employment for engineers, factory workers, mechanics, and skilled tradespeople. The city's lower cost of living compared to Baku makes it an attractive destination for international workers in the manufacturing and construction sectors.

Jobs in Sumqayit

Sumqayit is Azerbaijan's primary industrial city and a major centre for chemical production, heavy industry, and manufacturing. The city hosts dedicated industrial parks and zones that attract foreign investment and create employment in industrial engineering, chemical processing, machine operation, and construction. Sumqayit's proximity to Baku — approximately 30 kilometres north — makes it practical for workers to live in either city.

Job Opportunities in Azerbaijan

Blue-Collar Jobs in Demand in Azerbaijan

The following 20 blue-collar roles represent the most critical shortage occupations in Azerbaijan based on verified labour market data from the State Statistical Committee and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Azerbaijan.

Register as a Truck Driver → Browse Welder Opportunities →

White-Collar Jobs in Demand in Azerbaijan

The following 20 white-collar roles represent the most critical shortage occupations in Azerbaijan's professional and skilled sectors, based on verified data from the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Azerbaijan and documented labour market shortages across the country's key growth industries.

Register as a Healthcare Worker → Explore All Opportunities →

Salary in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan's salary levels are modest compared to Western Europe. Still, they are competitive within the South Caucasus region and significantly above average for workers in the oil and gas, IT, and financial services sectors. According to the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Azerbaijan, the average gross monthly salary is approximately AZN 1,063 — around USD 625. The minimum wage in Azerbaijan is AZN 400 per month, as set by the government.

Wages are highest in Baku, where the average monthly salary ranges from AZN 1,200 to 1,300, and in the oil and gas sector, where experienced engineers and specialists earn well above AZN 3,000 per month. Workers in the mining and energy sector — including oil and gas — are the highest earners in the country. Agriculture, forestry, and fishing remain the lowest-paying sectors.

Salaries in Baku and Sumqayit consistently exceed the national average. The cost of living in Azerbaijan remains significantly lower than in most European countries, which enhances the real value of earnings for international workers.

Work Permit Process in Azerbaijan

Under the Migration Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, any foreign national who intends to engage in paid employment in Azerbaijan must obtain a work permit. The work permit is applied for by the employer — not the employee — through the State Migration Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Concluding a labour contract with a foreign national without a valid work permit is expressly prohibited under Azerbaijani law.

Key Conditions for Issuing a Work Permit

Under Azerbaijan's Migration Code, a work permit is issued only when:

• An Azerbaijani citizen cannot fill the position with the required professional skills or qualifications.
• The employment services have been unable to meet the employer's staffing needs through local labour resources.
• The foreign worker is at least 18 years old.
• The employer can demonstrate a genuine operational need for the international hire.

Work Permit Validity

Work permits in Azerbaijan are issued for an initial period of one year. If the employment contract is for a shorter period, the permit is issued for that period. The permit can be extended in increments of up to 1 year each time, with no set limit on the number of extensions. After two years of legal residence in Azerbaijan on a temporary residence permit, the foreign national may apply for a permanent residence permit.

Step-by-Step Work Permit Process

Step 1 – Employer Secures a Job Offer and Employment Contract. The process begins with a formal employment contract or a confirmed job offer from a legally registered Azerbaijani company, an individual entrepreneur, or a branch or representative office of a foreign company. The employer is fully responsible for initiating and managing the entire work permit application.

Step 2 – Employer Prepares the Application Package The employer prepares the complete application package for submission to the State Migration Service. This includes the completed application questionnaire, a copy of the employee's passport, a notarised copy of the employee's qualification documents confirming suitability for the role, a medical certificate for the employee, and a reference document justifying the need to hire a foreign worker rather than a local candidate.

Step 3 – Submit the Application to the State Migration Service. The employer submits the complete application to the State Migration Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Applications can also be submitted online through the State Migration Service's official digital portal. The State Migration Service reviews the application and decides on the issuance of the work and temporary residence permit.

Step 4 – Processing and Decision Work permits in Azerbaijan are typically processed within 10, 15, or 20 working days, depending on the processing tier selected and the fee paid. The State Migration Service will issue a decision granting or refusing the work permit.

Step 5 – Temporary Residence Permit Issued Simultaneously: When a work permit is approved, a temporary residence permit is typically issued at the same time and has the same validity period as the work permit. This allows the foreign national to reside in Azerbaijan for the duration of their employment legally.

Step 6 – Worker Applies for the Appropriate Entry Visa. With the approved work permit, the worker applies for a long-stay Type D work visa at the Azerbaijani embassy or consulate in their home country or, where applicable, through the official ASAN Visa portal at evisa.gov.az.

Employers ready to begin the international hiring process can register here →

Work Visa Process in Azerbaijan

Foreign nationals intending to work in Azerbaijan for more than 90 days require a long-stay Type D work visa. Azerbaijan also offers an electronic visa system — the ASAN Visa — through the official portal at evisa.gov.az for eligible nationalities, primarily for short-term and tourist purposes. For employment purposes, a long-stay Type D visa is required and is typically obtained from the Azerbaijani embassy or consulate in the worker's home country.

Step 1 – Confirm Visa Requirements for Your Nationality Visit the official Azerbaijan Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and the ASAN Visa portal at evisa.gov.az to confirm the visa requirements applicable to your nationality. Citizens of some countries may be eligible for the ASAN eVisa for short stays, but a long-stay Type D visa is required for employment purposes.

Step 2 – Obtain the Approved Work Permit. The long-stay Type D work visa for employment purposes can only be applied for after the State Migration Service has approved the work permit. Confirm with your employer that the work permit has been issued before proceeding with the visa application.

Step 3 – Gather All Required Documents. Prepare your complete visa application file. Ensure your passport is valid, all documents are translated into Azerbaijani where required, and your work permit approval documentation is confirmed and ready.

Step 4 – Submit Your Visa Application at the Azerbaijani Embassy or Consulate. Apply for the long-stay Type D work visa at the nearest Azerbaijani embassy or consulate in your home country. Submit your complete application file, pay the applicable consular fee, and attend any required appointment.

Step 5 – Wait for the Visa Decision. Processing times for Azerbaijani long-stay work visas typically range from 2 to 4 weeks from the date of complete submission. Processing times may vary depending on the embassy's workload, your nationality, and any additional security checks required.

Step 6 – Travel to Azerbaijan and Register Your Residence.e Upon arrival in Azerbaijan, you must register your place of residence with the State Migration Service within the timeframe stipulated in your visa. Your temporary residence permit will be processed alongside your work permit as part of the same application.

Embassy Guidance

Use the Official State Migration Service Portal: All work permit information, application forms, and official guidance for employers and foreign workers are available at migration.gov.az. This is the authoritative source for all permit-related information.

Use the Official ASAN Visa Portal for eVisa Applications: Azerbaijan's official electronic visa portal is at evisa.gov.az. Check your nationality's eligibility for an eVisa and the specific conditions for each visa category before applying.

Referencee Reference Justifying the Need to Hire a Foreign Worker Is Properly Drafted: One of the most important — and most frequently overlooked — components of the work permit application is the employer reference explaining why a local Azerbaijani candidate could not fill the position. This document must be accurate, specific, and compelling. A poorly drafted reference is one of the leading causes of work permit rejection.

All Documents Must Be Translated Into Azerbaijani: All documents submitted in a language other than Azerbaijani must be accompanied by a certified translation. Untranslated documents will delay or invalidate the application.

Medical Certificates Must Be from an Accredited Institution: Health certificates confirming the absence of infectious diseases must be issued by an institution accredited in Azerbaijan or recognised by the Azerbaijani authorities. Ensure you use an accredited provider.

Qualification Documents Must Be Notarised: Copies of educational certificates and professional qualifications must be notarised before submission. Ensure your documents are properly notarised in accordance with Azerbaijani requirements.

Submit Applications at Least 30 Days Before Permit Expiry: When renewing a work permit, the employer must submit the renewal application at least 30 days before the current permit expires. Failure to do so can result in the State Migration Service revoking the permit.

Required Documents

The following documents are required for an Azerbaijani work permit application, in accordance with the official requirements published by the State Migration Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan at migration.gov.az.

All foreign documents must be translated into Azerbaijani and certified. Always verify the current requirements on migration.gov.az and at the Azerbaijani embassy in your country before submitting.

How to Avoid Rejection

Inadequate Justification for Hiring a Foreign Worker: The employer's reference document justifying the need to hire a foreign worker is one of the most critical components of the application. It must clearly demonstrate that no suitable Azerbaijani candidate was available. Vague or unconvincing references are a leading cause of rejection.

Untranslated or Unnotarised Documents: All documents not in Azerbaijani must be officially translated and certified. Qualification documents must not be notarised. Failure to meet these requirements will result in the application being delayed or rejected outright.

Invalid or Expired Medical Certificate: The health certificate must be current and issued by an accredited institution. Expired or non-accredited certificates will not be accepted.

Position Fillable by Local Candidates: If the State Migration Service determines that suitable Azerbaijani candidates exist for the position, the work permit application will be refused. Ensure the employer has exhausted local recruitment efforts and can document this clearly before applying.

Incomplete Application Package: The application must be complete at the time of submission. Missing documents — particularly the employer's justification reference, notarised qualifications, or medical certificate — will delay processing and may result in rejection.

Failure to Renew Before Expiry: Work permits must be renewed at least 30 days before expiry. If the employer fails to pay the state fee for extension within 30 days of expiry, the State Migration Service will revoke the permit.

Inconsistencies Between Documents: Any mismatch between the employment contract, qualification documents, and the references will raise concerns. Review all documents for full consistency before submission.

Previous Immigration Violations: Foreign nationals with a history of overstays or immigration violations in Azerbaijan or other countries may face difficulties. Maintain a clean and compliant immigration history.

Hiring Foreign Workers in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan's growing economy creates consistent demand for skilled international workers, particularly in the energy sector, construction, IT, healthcare, and tourism. Employers who build structured international recruitment pipelines gain access to a wider talent pool and address critical skills gaps that the domestic workforce alone cannot fill.

Why Hire International Workers in Azerbaijan? Azerbaijan has a documented shortage of skilled professionals in several key sectors. International workers bring specialist expertise, particularly in energy engineering, technology, healthcare, and construction management. The government's economic diversification agenda actively supports international investment and skilled labour migration, creating a favourable regulatory environment for employers who hire compliantly.

How to Begin the Hiring Process

Step 1 – Register as an Employer on Moving2Europe.eu Create your employer profile, specify your sector, required roles, and workforce needs. Register as an Employer →

Step 2 – Confirm Your Company's Registration and Compliance Status. Only legally registered Azerbaijani companies, individual entrepreneurs, or authorised branches of foreign companies can sponsor foreign workers. Ensure your entity is fully registered and in good standing with tax and regulatory authorities before applying.

Step 3 – Document the Unavailability of Local Candidates.s Before applying for a work permit, document your efforts to recruit locally. The employer's justification reference — which must accompany the work permit application — must clearly demonstrate that no qualified Azerbaijani candidate was available for the role.

Step 4 – Select Your Candidate and Issue a Formal Employment Contract.ct Issue a signed employment contract to the successful applicant. This contract is a core document required for the work permit application and must specify the role, salary, working conditions, and employment duration.

Step 5 – Submit the Work Permit Application to the State Migration Service.ice Submit the complete application package to the State Migration Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan through the official portal at migration.gov.az. Pay the applicable state fee to initiate processing.

Step 6 – Support Arrival and Registration Once the work permit and temporary residence permit are approved, assist your new employee with travel arrangements and ensure they register their residence with the State Migration Service within the required timeframe upon arrival.

How Job Seekers Can Apply

Step 1 – Confirm Your Eligibility Review the requirements for your target role and confirm that your qualifications and experience meet the criteria. Check whether your nationality requires a visa to enter Azerbaijan at the official ASAN Visa portal at evisa.gov.az.

Step 2 – Prepare Your Documents: ents Gather your passport, educational certificates and professional qualifications — which must be notarised — a medical health certificate from an accredited institution, and proof of accommodation. Ensure all documents are current, valid, and, where required, translated into Azerbaijani.

Step 3 – Register on Moving2Europe.eu

• Register as a Truck Driver →
• Register as a Welder →
• Register as a Healthcare Worker →
• Explore All Opportunities →

Step 4 – Apply for Available Positions Browse verified job listings and apply to positions that match your qualifications and experience. Ensure every application is complete, accurate, and honest.

Step 5 – Engage Promptly with Empl:oyers Respond to employer communications quickly and professionally. Be prepared for remote interviews, technical assessment requests, or qualification verification requests.

Step 6 – Your Employer Submits the Work Permit Application Once you receive a confirmed, signed employment contract, your employer submits the work permit application to the State Migration Service on your behalf. You do not apply for the work permit independently.

Step 7 – Apply for Your Long-Stay Type D Work Visa. With the approved work permit documentation, apply for your Azerbaijani long-stay Type D work visa at the nearest Azerbaijani embassy or consulate in your home country.

Step 8 – Travel to Azerbaijan and Register Your Residence.e Upon arrival in Azerbaijan, register your residence with the State Migration Service within the required timeframe to complete the legal process and begin your employment.

Recruitment Agencies & Partnerships

Moving2Europe.eu collaborates with international recruitment agencies, workforce supply companies, and staffing partners to build a consistent, reliable pipeline of pre-screened, work-ready candidates for employers across Azerbaijan and the wider European and Eurasian region.

For agencies operating in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, or Eastern Europe, a partnership with Moving2Europe.eu provides direct access to a growing network of verified Azerbaijani employers actively seeking international talent across multiple high-demand sectors.

Why Partner with Moving2Europe.eu?

• Access to a verified network of Azerbaijani and European employers actively hiring across energy, construction, IT, healthcare, and tourism
• A structured, transparent matching process that significantly reduces time-to-placement
• Compliance support aligned with Azerbaijan's current work permit and immigration requirements
• Long-term business development opportunities are expected as demand for international workers in Azerbaijan continues to grow.
• A trusted, professional platform built on transparency, accountability, and genuine results

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Declaration

Moving2Europe.eu provides information on jobs, work permits, visas, and international hiring for guidance purposes only. We do not guarantee job placement, work permit approval, or visa issuance under any circumstances.

All applications, hiring decisions, and approvals are subject to individual employer requirements, applicable immigration laws, and the final decision of the respective country's embassy or government authorities.

Users are strongly advised to independently verify all information, ensure the accuracy of their documents, and follow official procedures before submitting any application.