As of April 22, 2025, Azerbaijan has implemented a new regulation affecting foreign nationals applying for work permits from abroad. Under this updated rule, individuals who secure a work permit while outside the country are now required to submit a medical certificate to Azerbaijan’s migration authority within 10 days of arrival, or risk automatic cancellation of their work permit.
This new requirement mandates that work permit holders must provide:
These health documents must be submitted directly to the State Migration Service and can be delivered through one of the following channels:
Prior to this update, foreign nationals did not need to submit a medical certificate unless they were applying for a temporary residence permit separately. The absence of such a requirement made the initial arrival process smoother for foreign workers.
However, with this policy shift, the Azerbaijani government has signaled a stronger emphasis on public health compliance and documentation transparency among foreign residents.
Additionally, applicants will no longer be able to download the electronic version of their work permit through the migration authority’s online system until the medical documentation is submitted. This effectively ties the accessibility of the work permit to fulfillment of the new medical requirements.
This rule change necessitates greater planning on the part of both employers and foreign employees. Employers must now ensure that new hires are:
Applicants, in turn, must:
Failure to submit the required documents in time will result in revocation of the work permit, potentially delaying employment and leading to legal complications for both the worker and sponsoring organization.
Pros:
Cons:
Foreign nationals planning to work in Azerbaijan should now include medical certification logistics as a key part of their relocation strategy. Employers and immigration advisors alike must remain updated and proactive to ensure compliance with these evolving regulations.
What the New Rule Entails
This new requirement mandates that work permit holders must provide:
- A general statement of health, and
- Certificates relating to specific viruses (though the exact list of viruses has not yet been publicly specified).
These health documents must be submitted directly to the State Migration Service and can be delivered through one of the following channels:
- In person at a designated migration office
- By email
- As part of a temporary residence permit application
What’s Changed?
Prior to this update, foreign nationals did not need to submit a medical certificate unless they were applying for a temporary residence permit separately. The absence of such a requirement made the initial arrival process smoother for foreign workers.
However, with this policy shift, the Azerbaijani government has signaled a stronger emphasis on public health compliance and documentation transparency among foreign residents.
Additionally, applicants will no longer be able to download the electronic version of their work permit through the migration authority’s online system until the medical documentation is submitted. This effectively ties the accessibility of the work permit to fulfillment of the new medical requirements.
Implications for Employers and Applicants
This rule change necessitates greater planning on the part of both employers and foreign employees. Employers must now ensure that new hires are:
- Informed of the new requirement
- Provided with support to complete necessary medical evaluations quickly after arrival
Applicants, in turn, must:
- Prepare for prompt medical examination after entering Azerbaijan
- Ensure compliance within the 10-day window to avoid jeopardizing their legal work status
Failure to submit the required documents in time will result in revocation of the work permit, potentially delaying employment and leading to legal complications for both the worker and sponsoring organization.
Pros and Cons of the New Regulation
Pros:
- Enhances public health safeguards by ensuring foreign workers are medically fit
- Aligns with global trends in health and immigration policy post-COVID
- Encourages greater integration of work and residence permit processes
Cons:
- Adds administrative burden for new arrivals, especially those unfamiliar with local procedures
- May delay the start of employment or access to work permit documentation
- Creates potential for permit revocation due to miscommunication or logistical delays
Foreign nationals planning to work in Azerbaijan should now include medical certification logistics as a key part of their relocation strategy. Employers and immigration advisors alike must remain updated and proactive to ensure compliance with these evolving regulations.