Azerbaijan now issues electronic work permits for foreigners with e-signatures. Replacements for lost permits or updated info are free, streamlining immigration processes.
---
Azerbaijan has embraced digital transformation in its immigration processes, implementing electronic work permits for foreign nationals. This move promises greater efficiency and accessibility for both employers and workers.
Azerbaijan's State Migration Service has ushered in a new era for managing foreign employment by transitioning to electronic work permits. This significant change, enabled by legislative amendments enacted in November 2024, means that work permits for foreign nationals and stateless individuals are now issued digitally. These e-permits are secured with enhanced electronic signatures, ensuring their authenticity and integrity. Importantly, work permits issued before this digital shift remain valid until their original expiration dates, providing a smooth transition for current foreign workers and their employers.
The new electronic system offers added convenience and cost savings in specific scenarios. Employers can obtain replacement work permits in a digital format without incurring any state fees if a foreign national or stateless employee experiences loss or destruction of their identification documents. This fee exemption also applies when there are changes to an employee's personal details or if the employing legal entity undergoes a name change. This provision streamlines administrative processes and reduces potential financial burdens associated with these necessary updates, benefiting both employers and employees.
Applying for these electronic work permits is designed to be accessible through multiple channels. Employers seeking to hire foreign nationals or stateless individuals can submit their applications at the dedicated "Migration Services" windows located within the efficient "ASAN Service" centers. Alternatively, applications can be conveniently submitted online through the "Electronic Services" section available on the official website of the State Migration Service. As of January 31, 2025, the State Migration Service exclusively issues work permits electronically, regardless of the initial application method, underscoring the full commitment to this digital transformation.
Azerbaijan's adoption of electronic work permits signifies a progressive step towards a digitally empowered and efficient immigration system, aligning with global trends in modern governance.