AZE - MIGRATION ALERT
Some changes have been made by the migration authority to the work permit process, yet again without any prior official notification. Thus, with immediate effect, all foreign nationals need to provide medical certificates within 10 days of their arrival in Azerbaijan to the Migration Authority if their work permit applications are filed with the Migration Authority while being outside of Azerbaijan, otherwise WP may be canceled by the Migration Authority.
Moreover, it will not be possible to download electronic work permit through the Migration Authority’s online system without medical certificates. As you are already aware, effective April’2025 all work permits are issued electronically through Migration Authority’s online system thus, taking away an option of obtaining work permits in printed format.
Furthermore, there are some developments in “highly qualified migrants” program and process approved by Decision of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the “Rules on assessing an individual's qualification as a highly qualified migrant” [dated April 03, 2025, #99].
As we informed you eirlier, in accordance with to the Migration Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, highly qualified migrants are permitted to work in the Republic of Azerbaijan without obtaining a work permit under normal process to confirm an individual’s status as a highly qualified migrant, provided that they are engaged in activities within their area of expertise and hold a valid temporary residence permit.
By the Decision of the Cabinet of Ministers of of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the criteria for assessing an individual's qualification as a highly qualified migrant has been approved by the “Rules on assessing an individual's qualification as a highly qualified migrant” (“Rules”).
According to the Rules, applications submitted by foreign nationals are received and processed through the “Highly qualified migrant” system operating based on the “one-stop-shop” principle via “private account”. Applications are evaluated using a point-based system in accordance with the approved criteria and established scoring thresholds (passing score is 70 points). An electronic certificate confirming an individual’s status as a highly qualified migrant is issued for five (5) years with possible renewals. Highly qualified migrant certificate issued under one specialty as electronic document sending to foreing national “electronic account” and email address. It is possible to apply for highly qualified migrant status under several specialties. The government processing time is 20 business days with a possible extension of the period for consideration of application up to 10 calendar days at the initiative of the migration authority. In order to confrim certificate confirming an individual’s status as a highly qualified migrant, foreing national should submit duly legalized (apostile) originals of educational certificate/diplomas and/or other documents submitted to obtain the status of Highly qualified migrant online through “Highly qualified migrant” system during his/her first trip to Azerbaijan, but not later than 1 (one) year. Highly qualified migrant should report his/her salary level through electronic account to the Migration Authority within the established deadlines.
We will keep you informed on any further developments, meanwhile please feel free to advise should you wish to discuss further or require additional information.
The “Highly qualified migrant” system, which will be based on the “one-stop-shop” principle is still under development and the work on this portal has not yet been completed. Once the portal for the “Highly qualified migrant” system is launched we will be able to provide more detailed advice on process of “Highly qualified migrant” status.