Types of Companies
Limited liability company
Joint stock company
Closed stock company
General or limited partnership
Sole proprietorships
Partnerships (general or limited)
Private and public companies
Subsidiaries and branch offices
Choose and reserve the company name.
Draft statutory documents.
File documents with the local Trade Register.
Register for taxation, VAT, and social security.
Apply for necessary business licenses.
Documents Needed
Articles of association
Company name and address details
Notarized lease contract (if applicable)
Bank contract details
VAT certificate
Azerbaijan offers various legal entities for foreign investors, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies, joint stock companies, and closed joint stock companies. The choice of entity depends on the nature and size of the business.
The credit rating for Azerbaijan is favorable, with agencies like Standard & Poor's, Moody's, and Fitch providing positive assessments, indicating a strong fiscal position and external balance.
Foreign direct investments (FDIs) in Azerbaijan have been substantial, with an influx of USD 1.5 billion in 2019. The country ranks 34th in the World Bank's Doing Business Report.
Overall, Azerbaijan's growing economy, strategic location, and business-friendly environment make it an attractive destination for foreign investors seeking diverse opportunities.
In sectors showing significant growth prospects, opportunities abound in agriculture, tourism, the petroleum industry, energy, and manufacturing. Entrepreneurs looking to establish their ventures in Azerbaijan can opt for various business entities such as limited liability companies (LLC), joint stock companies, or closed joint stock companies. The process of forming a company in Azerbaijan is straightforward and can be comprehensively navigated with assistance from our specialists in company incorporation. They stand ready to provide guidance, recommendations, and support throughout the document drafting process for company registration.
For international entrepreneurs seeking to initiate operations in Azerbaijan, a range of legal entities is available:
Sole proprietorships, ideal for small-scale endeavors managed by a single individual.
Partnerships, which may be general or limited, and are well-suited for small business activities.
Private and public companies, recognized as the most prevalent business structures in Azerbaijan.
Subsidiaries and branch offices, regarded as the optimal means for establishing foreign company operations in Azerbaijan.
It is advisable to carefully select the business structure before commencing the incorporation process. Our experts in company formation in Azerbaijan are available to aid international entrepreneurs looking to establish businesses in the region and guide them in choosing the most suitable business form.
The sole trader or proprietorship stands as the most basic non-corporate legal structure available to those embarking on a business venture in Azerbaijan. Its primary features include:
It can be established by a single entrepreneur.
It is not bound by any mandatory share capital prerequisites.
The individual creating it assumes responsibility for the business obligations without any restrictions on personal assets.
It is suited for particular activities, typically associated with crafts or professional services like accounting and consulting.
Partnerships in Azerbaijan:
The partnership represents another non-corporate legal structure suitable for conducting small-scale operations in Azerbaijan. Two types of partnerships are available: the general and the limited partnership. Both necessitate a minimum of two participants known as partners.
In a general partnership, both participants share equal rights and responsibilities in the business. In a limited partnership, there must be at least one general partner and several limited partners. Notably, limited partners possess specific rights and obligations tied to the business's activities.
Setting up a partnership in Azerbaijan doesn't entail share capital requirements; instead, its establishment relies on a partnership deed. While the partnership structure is less commonly chosen by local business starters, foreign investors can benefit from partnering with local entrepreneurs, facilitating a quicker understanding of the local market.
Entrepreneurs looking to commence business operations in Azerbaijan often favor the limited liability company (LLC). This business structure can be established by a single individual and proves well-suited for small to medium-sized enterprises, eliminating the necessity for a minimum share capital. It is important to highlight that shares within an Azerbaijani limited liability company cannot be freely transferred.
Investors can direct their attention to joint stock companies, available entities for larger businesses in Azerbaijan. This body can be incorporated by one or several persons and shares can be transferred freely and traded on the public market. The stockholders of a joint stock company in Azerbaijan are responsible for the level of their contributions regarding the firm’s commitments and also debts. A board of directors and a supervisory council must be established when starting a business in Azerbaijan and a joint stock company is registered.
Closed joint stock company in Azerbaijan:
Entrepreneurs looking to commence business operations in Azerbaijan often favor the limited liability company (LLC). This business structure can be established by a single individual and proves well-suited for small to medium-sized enterprises, eliminating the necessity for a minimum share capital. It is important to highlight that shares within an Azerbaijani limited liability company cannot be freely transferred.
The subsidiary and the branch for foreign companies operating in Azerbaijan:
Foreign corporations looking to establish a presence in Azerbaijan can opt for either a branch office or a subsidiary, each offering distinct advantages.
A subsidiary is treated akin to a local company, often taking the form of a private limited liability company. It possesses the flexibility to engage in activities similar to the parent company, in addition to those aligning well with the Azerbaijani market.
Conversely, a branch office is confined to undertaking activities mirroring those of the parent company, functioning essentially as a satellite business. This characteristic makes it a preferred choice, particularly for financial companies operating in Azerbaijan.
For comprehensive details on initiating a business in Azerbaijan as a foreign entity, you can depend on the expertise of our local representatives.
Similar to the process in any other nation, establishing a company in Azerbaijan involves a straightforward sequence of steps:
Selecting and reserving the company name, adhering to specific requirements.
Drafting the company's statutory documents (excluding this step for sole traders).
Submitting the documents to the local office of the Trade Register in Azerbaijan.
Registering for taxation, VAT, and social security contributions with the relevant authorities.
Applying for the requisite business licenses based on the planned activities.
For those looking to initiate a business in Azerbaijan, the incorporation of the chosen legal entity is made uncomplicated with the assistance of our specialists, who can prepare all necessary documents.
When commencing a business in Azerbaijan, an investor needs to compile the following documents and fulfill specific requirements:
Articles of association
Information regarding the company's name and business address
A notarized lease contract, if applicable
A bank contract containing details about the account
VAT certificate
The company registration certificate in Azerbaijan can typically be issued within one week. Subsequently, applications for special licenses and permits must be submitted before initiating any activities. A company seal is a requisite element for various contracts and agreements to ensure their reliability and legality. It's essential to note that if you intend to establish a company in Azerbaijan from abroad, appointing a representative with power of attorney is necessary before proceeding with the documentation for registration.
Types of legal entities that can be established in this country:
the joint venture
the entirely owned local subsidiary
the representative office of a foreign parent company
In Azerbaijan, certain steps must be undertaken prior to initiating a company
Establish a legal address and secure official confirmation of the lease;
Notarize the company documents;
Fulfill the requirement of acquiring the minimum capital.
In accordance with local laws, the company's permanent office address is acknowledged as its location. Subsequently, information about this location is recorded in the Unified State Register of Companies.
The director of a legal entity in Azerbaijan may be either a local resident or a foreign individual.
Should a legal entity aim to employ foreign professionals; it is required to obtain authorization for their employment in the country.
A work permit in Azerbaijan can typically be granted within approximately 20 days, and a corresponding state fee must be paid.
Note: Following the establishment of a company, a few months after the company registration in Azerbaijan, it is necessary to contact the Fiscal Administration authorities to report the profits generated by the entity.
|
Types of companies |
Limited liability company Joint stock company Closed stock company General or limited partnership |
|
Minimum share capital for IBC |
No minimum share capital |
|
Minimum number of shareholders for IBC |
1 |
|
Time frame for the incorporation (approx.) |
3 days |
|
Corporate tax rate |
20% |
|
Dividend tax rate |
10% |
|
VAT rate |
18% |
|
Number of double taxation treaties (approx.) |
53 |
|
Do you supply a registered address? |
Yes |
|
Local director required |
No |
|
Annual meeting required |
Yes |
|
Redomiciliation permitted |
No |
|
Electronic signature |
No |
|
Is accounting/annual return required? |
Yes |
|
Foreign-ownership allowed |
Yes |
|
Any tax exemptions available? |
– for small and medium enterprise members and companies; – for startups classified as a micro or small enterprises. |
|
Tax incentives |
– small and medium enterprise members and companies enjoy several tax exemptions for seven years; – startups classified as a micro or small enterprise are exempt from certain taxes for three years. |
Updated on Wednesday , December , 27th , 2023