For foreign companies setting up in Azerbaijan
The first questions companies ask when opening an office in Baku: which kind of entity, how long, how staff get permits. Timings are from our own work and run from the day the papers are complete.
LLC, branch or representative office
The choice depends on what you will do in Azerbaijan: sell and provide services, or only represent the parent company.
| Form | What it may do | Who is liable | Time | Our fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LLC (limited liability company) | Any commercial activity, contracts, staff | The company itself; the founder only up to its share | 10–15 working days | ₼1,200 |
| Branch | Commercial activity in the parent company’s name | The parent company | 15–20 working days | ₼1,800 |
| Representative office | Representation, marketing and liaison only; no sales | The parent company | 15–20 working days | ₼1,800 |
An LLC with a foreign founder: the steps
- Day 1We send the document list: the founder’s register extract, its articles, the director’s passport, the power of attorney.
- In your countryThe power of attorney is notarised and the papers apostilled. A few days to a month, depending on the country.
- 1–2 working daysThe papers are translated into Azerbaijani in Baku and the translations notarised.
- 3–5 working daysRegistration: the company is entered in the register and gets a tax number.
- 5–10 working daysThe bank account: the bank’s document set and the director’s visit to the bank.
- If neededVAT registration, work permits for foreign staff, employment contracts.
Work out what registration costs
Our fees, with VAT. State fees, the notary and apostilles abroad are paid separately, at cost.
For a branch or representative office: the number of parent companies (usually 1).
Articles, register extract, power of attorney: usually 15–30 pages.
Permits for your staff
Our employment team handles work permits and temporary residence permits for foreign directors and specialists. In our work a work permit comes through in 4–6 weeks once the papers are complete.
Questions foreign companies ask
Does the director have to be an Azerbaijani citizen?
No, the director can be a foreign national. If they will live and work in Azerbaijan, they will need a work permit and a residence permit, which we plan alongside the registration.
Can the papers be signed in English or Russian?
Registration papers are filed in Azerbaijani. Internal documents and contracts we draft in two languages, and the contract says which version prevails.
Can we register without an office?
You need a registered address. If you do not have an office yet, we arrange a 12-month address at a partner business centre.
Who will handle tax and the books?
We do not keep the books. We recommend accounting firms we know, and on tax questions our tax team works alongside them.
A first meeting is 60 minutes and starts at ₼100
We read your papers and tell you what can be done, how long it will take and what it will cost. If you instruct us within 30 days, the meeting fee comes off your first invoice.
- RequestOn the form, by phone, on WhatsApp or in the chat.
- Within 2 working hoursThe client desk calls you and asks about the matter and the other side, so we can check for conflicts.
- Before the meetingWe confirm the lawyer, the time, the format and the fee in writing.
- 60 minutesIn the office, by video or by phone. What you tell us stays confidential.
- AfterwardsIf you wish, we send an engagement letter setting out the scope and the fee.