AzerbaijanBusiness and self-employment

Azerbaijan business visa

Ordinary entry visa for a business visit (single or multiple entry)

In short

Business travellers from visa-required countries can use the ASAN e-visa for short trips or apply at an embassy for an ordinary entry visa for a business visit. Repeat visitors can obtain a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 2 years, but only after the host's invitation is approved through the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

checked 23 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
As printed on the visa; e-visa holders 30 days.
Validity
Single entry up to 90 days; multiple entry up to 2 years.
Work
Meetings and negotiations only. Paid work needs a work permit, except for staff seconded for missions totalling no more than 90 days a year in fields set by the Cabinet of Ministers.
Where to apply
Online (e-visa) or in person at an Azerbaijani embassy or consulate.

Who uses it

A business visit visa suits people coming to negotiate, attend meetings, inspect projects or take part in fairs for an Azerbaijani company or organisation. Citizens of the visa-free partner countries need no visa for such trips. Nationals on the ASAN list can use the 30-day e-visa for a one-off trip.

Holders of an electronic document confirming highly skilled migrant status enter on an entry visa for a business visit by presenting that document, according to the Migration Code as summarised by Azerbaijani embassies.

Invitation and documents

For a single-entry business visa the embassy wants the signed form, passport, two photos and an invitation from the receiving company or organisation with a copy of its state registration certificate.

For a multiple-entry visa the host must first send the invitation through the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Baku. The embassy issues the visa only after it receives the Ministry's authorisation, so the host should start this step well before your trip.

Required documents

Identity

  • Original passport valid at least 3 months beyond departure, with a blank page.

Work

  • Invitation letter from the Azerbaijani company or organisation with a copy of its state registration certificate.

Other

  • Signed visa application form and two recent colour photos.
  • Consular fee as set by the mission.

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Work

  • Multiple entry: authorisation from the MFA Consular Department confirming the host's invitation.

Validity

Single-entry ordinary visas are valid for up to 90 days. Multiple-entry visas are valid for up to 2 years and allow several entries within that period, each limited to the stay shown on the visa.

During the trip

Staying longer than 15 days (30 days for Kazakh citizens) means registering your address with the State Migration Service within 15 days of arrival. It is free and can be done online, by e-mail to the SMS registration desk, at a regional migration office or at an ASAN Service centre; a hotel or landlord may file it for you. If you move, register the new address within 5 working days.

If the visit turns into employment, the employer has to obtain a work permit before a labour contract is signed; concluding a contract without one is prohibited.

How to apply, step by step

  1. Confirm whether you are visa-free or e-visa eligible; if so, no embassy visa is needed for a short trip.
  2. Ask the host company for an invitation letter and a copy of its registration certificate.
  3. For a multiple-entry visa, have the host submit the invitation to the MFA Consular Department in Baku and wait for the authorisation to reach the embassy.
  4. Submit the form, passport, photos, invitation and fee at the consular section.
  5. Travel within the visa validity and register your address if you stay longer than 15 days.

Frequently asked questions

Can I work in Azerbaijan on a business visa?

No. Paid work needs a work permit obtained by the employer. A limited exception covers people seconded on missions totalling no more than 90 days a year in fields set by the Cabinet of Ministers.

How long is a multiple-entry visa valid?

Up to 2 years, according to the State Migration Service. Individual embassies may issue shorter validity, for example up to one year.

Do business travellers from visa-free countries need an invitation?

No visa is needed at all, so no visa invitation is required. Bring documents explaining your trip in case the border officer asks.

Can I use the e-visa for a business trip?

Yes, if your nationality is on the ASAN list. The e-visa covers short visits of up to 30 days with one entry.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Azerbaijan

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa Maximum stay: Visa-free: up to 90 days for most visa-free partner countries (30 days for Qatar). Embassy visa: the stay printed on the visa.
  • Transit visa Maximum stay: Up to 5 days

Business and self-employment

Study and training

  • Student visa Maximum stay: For the study period, permits of up to 1 year, extended for up to 2 years.

Work

  • Work visa Maximum stay: As long as the work permit and the linked residence permit are valid.
  • Skilled worker visa Maximum stay: Temporary residence for up to 3 years, extendable for up to 3 years at a time.

Family

Residence

Online travel permits

Faster processing

Protection

Azerbaijan visa guide