Azerbaijan: ‘Highly Qualified’ Work Permit Exemption Expanded

Update – November 25, 2025: Effective November 12, 2025, the online portal commenced operation. Prior to this it was not possible to apply for this permit, as the online portal was not yet operational and there was no mechanism to apply for it in person. Applicants will be able to track their application status via the portal. As a reminder, benefits of this permit include work permit exemption, faster processing time for temporary residence permit applications and for dependents’ work permits, as well as the ability of permanent residence permit applicants to avoid the Azerbaijani language and history test requirement. 

April 24, 2025: Foreign nationals deemed to be ‘highly qualified’ can now work without a work permit in any field related to their speciality; whereas previously, this work permit exemption was limited to qualified foreign nationals employed by specific authorities and working in projects of national interest to the government. Additionally, the latest reforms also extend the validity of ‘highly qualified’ status to five years (renewable). To be eligible, applicants must submit proof of their qualifications and must qualify under a points-based system. Standard government processing times for obtaining this status are 20-30 business days. In the future, applicants will be able to apply for this highly qualified status via a digital portal (which is not yet operational). Importantly, ‘highly qualified’ foreign nationals must still apply for a separate residence permit to legally reside in Azerbaijan, regardless of their work permit exemption.