Introduction
Starting a business in Azerbaijan has many rewards for sponsors with mercantile holders. The nation occupies an analytical region at the intersection of Asia with Europe, making it a hub for transnational trade with stratagem endeavors. The nation's policy focuses on making the climate apt to venture expansion with enticing transnational speculation.
Entrepreneurs love Azerbaijan because of its low tax rates. For example, the individual obligation rate is simply 20%, which is basically better stood out from various countries in the district. Additionally, the 18 percent ad valorem rate propels economic activity with venture expansion.
Another significant advantage for international sponsors who desire to manage their business from a distance is the capacity to register a company without the initiator's personal presence. Azerbaijan also proffers a lot of electronic services, like ASAN Imza, which is important for venture with charge exchanges.
Basic statute forms of organizations
Legal form |
Description |
Characteristic |
Limited Liability Company (LLC) |
Owing to the initiators' limited liability up to their donations, suitable for small and medium-category ventures. |
The approved capital doesn't have a proper least edge; The amount might differ. A TIN with registration with the levy authorities are required for registration, which takes two to three days. |
Joint Stock Company (JSC) |
Ordered into open and closed types. Closed ones are restricted in this regard, whereas open ones can freely trade bond on the stock transpose. |
The base measure of wherewithal is settled separately and isn't fixed by statutory. A supervisory board with board of executives are needed, and registration takes three to four days. |
Individual entrepreneur |
Reasonable for solo venture people who bear full moral duties regarding the commitments of the venture. |
There is no minimal amount of wherewithal needed. A TIN with a residence warrant are needed, as is registration with the assess ministration. It takes 1-2 days to register. |
General partnership |
All accomplices bear full with joint duty for the commitments of the organization. |
There is no need for authorized capital. Obligations are entirely mutual by partners. A composed understanding is required. It takes 3 to 4 days to register. |
Limited partnership |
A partnership in which some partners bear some responsibility but others bear all responsibility. |
Authorized capital is not needed at all. Restricted accomplices are obligated exclusively to the degree of their commitments, general accomplices - with all their property. A composed understanding is required. Enrollment 3-4 days. |
Starting a business in Azerbaijan stipulates the chance to pick one of numerous authoritative indentures of comunion, every one of which has its own one of a kind qualities with imperatives. In this nation, bureau initiatives optimize and encourage venture matriculation, alleviating the routine for every native with transnational sponsors.
The process of registering a company in Azerbaijan
Picking the firm title
So as to register a business in Azerbaijan, a handful of important requisites regarding the choice of a name ought to be fulfiled. It is vital that the picked title is special and doesn't cover the titles of currently enrolled organizations, which forestalls legitimate struggles and false impressions on the lookout. So as to abide by the nation's statutes with public morals, avoid using words with phrases that are reckoned to be inappropriate or illegal.
The title should plainly show the authoritative indenture of the communion. For instance, the abbreviation "LLC" ought to be included in the name of a limited liability company. Simultaneously, the nomenclature should be written in the Azerbaijani language, yet it may incorporate international components, dependent upon their satisfactory interpretation into the open language.
The most important step in registering a business in Azerbaijan is to reserve a name, which proves that the name is unique and can be used legally. Reservation is helped out via the state library, where the uniqueness of the name is assessed. This strategy takes roughly 1-2 work days and bills around 10 manats (around 6 US dollars).
After the name of the organization is reserved, no one else can use it for up to 30 days. This time span is expected for the arrangement and accommodation of all fundamental records for organization enlistment. The name will once again be available to other applicants in the event that the company registration is not completed within this time frame.
A careful approach to selecting and reserving a name is necessary for opening a business in Azerbaijan to insure its statute protection and avoid possible statute concerns. Choosing with saving a name is a significant stage in guaranteeing the distinctiveness with legitimacy of utilizing the organization name, which thus adds to the effective directness of business later on.
Procedure for collecting and processing the imperative documentation
List of basic indentures for registering LLCs and JSCs in Azerbaijan
- Indenture that constitutes the venture: The fundamental venture frame with edicts are outlined in this indenture. The constituent record ought to be ready in Azerbaijani and contain data about the name of the organization, its objectives, how much approved capital with strategies for the executives.
- The founding rendezvous's minutes: a record mirroring the choices of the pioneers on the making of the organization, the determination of chiefs with the conveyance of offers.
- Application for registration: this record is finished up as per the laid out layout and endorsed by the pioneers or their approved agents, after which it is authorized.
- Affirmation of installment of the approved capital: as a feature of opening an organization in Azerbaijan, giving ratification of installment of the sanctioned wherewithal is fundamental.
- State Charge Installment Receipt: A state bill, which varies contingent on the type of ownership and is approximately $11.00, is needed to complete the registration process.
- Legal authority: A sanctioned proxy is needed if registration indentures are given by a representative of the initiators.
Additional requirements for international initiators
- Authorized duplicates of travel papers: duplicates of visas of every single international pioneer, converted into Azerbaijani and authorized, are needed.
- Certificate of registration for the company from the nation of origin: For international legitimate elements wishing to enlist an organization in Azerbaijan , presenting a deciphered and guaranteed duplicate of the declaration of enrollment from the nation of origin is needed.
- Indenture of intent to start a venture: it is important to give a legally approved record from an international statutory substance affirming the goal to make an endeavor in Azerbaijan.
This way to deal with planning reports and consenting to legitimate systems insures the lawfulness with fruitful beginning of a business in Azerbaijan.
Payment methods for government fees
Installment of government obligations is a significant part of the most quotidian way of beginning a business in Azerbaijan. When indentures are filed to register a company, fees ought to be paid, with all fiscal with statute procedures must be strictly followed.
There are multiple ways of paying government charges. The bank transfer, which does not require cash, is the most quotidian method. The originators can move assets to the record of the pertinent government body. One needs to get information about your bank account from the State Tax Service of Azerbaijan in order to do this. Installment through a bank permits you to hold narrative proof of the exchange, which might be needed during ensuing confirmation.
Another way is to pay by means of internet banking. Because it renders it possible to complete the transaction from a distance, this approach is convenient for initiators from other countries. You must enter the necessary information and the amount to be paid into your personal online banking account before the payment can be processed. Installment affirmation is likewise put away electronically, enhancing on the documentation cycle.
Self-service terminals have been installed in a variety of establishments, encompassing banks and citizen service centers, so that customers can pay for government fees there as well. You can use a bank card to pay using these terminals. To effectively do the activity, you should enter the organization's subtleties and how much the expense. The terminal issues a receipt as payment confirmation after the payment is completed.
If there should be an occurrence of inquiries or issues with paying government expenses, pioneers can look for exhortation from government specialists associated with enrolling organizations. These authorities will gives one the data one needs and aid one render payments.
Consequently, effectively laying out a business in Azerbaijan integrated opportune installment of government obligations via helpful with reasonable strategies. Throughout the process of registering your company, it is essential to keep all supporting indentures for future reference.
Submitting an application and obtaining a certificate of registration
Submitting an application through a “single window”
The "one window" system, which significantly simplifies and speeds up the company registration process, is the first step in establishing a business in Azerbaijan. You can submit all necessary indentures in a single location using the "one window" system, whether you're at a physical citizen service center or an online portal for government services.
Scannable copies of all indentures must be uploaded and electronic forms must be filled out before an application can be submitted via the online government services portal. The founders are informed when the application is submitted that the indentures have been accepted and the registration process has begun.
Procedure for considering an application and issuing a registration certificate
The most common way of laying out an organization in Azerbaijan covers the phases of evaluating submitted records and giving an enlistment declaration. After all of the necessary paperwork has been submitted, this procedure typically takes two to three business days. During this time, government agencies make sure that the documentation is accurate and complete, as well as that the company's name and charter indentures meet statute requirements.
Endless supply of all customs, the organizers get an authority testament of enrollment. This declaration affirms that the organization is remembered for the state register of legitimate substances and is prepared to start tasks. The certificate, which is given out on paper, contains basic information about the business, such as its name, statute address, authorized capital amount, and statute form.
Opening a bank account
Documentation required to open an account
One of the most common steps in registering a business in Azerbaijan is opening a bank account because it is necessary for all fiscal transactions. Depending on the bank, the list of required indentures for opening an account may include the following:
- Constituent records of the organization: This incorporates the articles of affiliation, minutes of the consolidation meeting and declaration of joining.
- The selection of a director: confirmation that the director is competent to handle the account.
- copies of the directors' passports that have been notarized.
- Application for opening a record: completed and authenticated by an authorized individual.
- Signing examples: legally approved example marks of people approved to deal with the record.
These reports should be given in unique or as legally approved duplicates. Additional documentation, such as a business plan or recommendations from other fiscal institutions, may be required, depending on the bank.
How to choose a bank for business in Azerbaijan ?
While sorting out a business in Azerbaijan, we suggest that you adopt a mindful strategy to picking a bank to open a record, as this straightforwardly influences the comfort of monetary exchanges and the security of assets.
The bank's reputation and fiscal stability should be your first priority. Analyses of the bank's fiscal statements, customer reviews, and fiscal institution ratings can all be used to evaluate these parameters. Saving money with a laid out history and positive picture will offer you the unwavering quality and wellbeing of your speculations.
The cost of maintaining the account is the second crucial factor to consider when choosing a bank to open a corporate account in Azerbaijan. Examine and contrast the fees charged by various banks for opening and maintaining accounts, making transactions, and utilizing additional services like Internet banking.
The fourth thing to consider is the comfort of the area of branches and ATMs. This will give simple admittance to banking administrations and the capacity to determine arising monetary issues rapidly.
As a result, selecting the appropriate bank for your business in Azerbaijan is an essential step that necessitates careful consideration. Picking the right bank won't just work on the administration of your funds, yet will likewise assist with guaranteeing steady and productive business.
Post-registration procedures
Obtaining an electronic signature (ASAN Imza)
Stages of obtaining an electronic signature
In Azerbaijan, obtaining a digital signature for ASAN Imza is crucial to the operation of a business online. This signature gives electronic indentures statute weight and makes many online transactions, like signing contracts and filing tax returns, easier.
There are a few steps you need to take to register for ASAN Imza:
Registration in the ASAN Imza system
To begin, you must register on the ASAN Imza service's official website. Enlistment requires the arrangement of individual data, for example, a citizen taxpayer identification number (TIN), identification subtleties and contact data.
Visit to the ASAN center
Following registration, a personal visit to one of the ASAN service centers is required. You should have an ID archive (visa) and enrollment information on the site with you.
Application submission
At the ASAN Center, you must apply for an electronic signature. The application can be filled out right away or you can download it from the website and fill it out yourself.
Installment for administrations
Getting an electronic mark is a paid help. The amount of the payment is determined by the user's category (individual or statute entity) and the electronic signature's validity period. For individuals, the annual fee is approximately $18, and for businesses, it is approximately $72.
Acquiring an electronic signature
The applicant receives an electronic signature in the form of a SIM card that is inserted into the mobile phone following the processing of the application and payment for services. In online systems, this SIM card can be used to sign and authorize indentures.
Importance of ASAN Imza for tax and corporate activities
ASAN Imza is crucial for business and tax transactions in Azerbaijan. An electronic mark gives a serious level of safety and legitimate meaning of electronic records, which streamlines and accelerates numerous business processes.
The means to electronically give access returns is a major feature of ASAN Imza. Businesses are able to submit tax declarations and reports online as a result of ASAN Imza, which cuts down on the time and money spent going to tax authorities. This is particularly significant for little and medium-sized organizations, as it considers more proficient administration of monetary and statutory assets.
Additionally, ASAN Imza lets you sign contracts and agreements electronically, which speeds up and simplifies the agreement-making process. Electronic marks have similar statutory power as manually written marks, safeguarding the interests of all gatherings and diminishing the gamble of debates.
In the corporate circle, ASAN Imza is utilized to submit reports to different government organizations, make changes to statute records, acquire licenses and permits. This multitude of methodology can be finished on the web, which fundamentally accelerates the interaction and decreases managerial hindrances.
In this manner, the fruitful creation and activity of an organization in Azerbaijan fundamentally relies upon the utilization of the ASAN Imza electronic mark. This apparatus gives legitimate power to electronic records, yet additionally works with connection with government offices and accomplices, advancing business advancement in the cutting edge computerized economy.
Taxation and accounting
Basic tax rates in Azerbaijan
Enrolled VAT payers should remember this duty for the expense of labor and products to clients, and the gathered VAT is moved to the state fiscal plan. To avoid double taxation, businesses can also deduct VAT paid on goods and services they purchase to run their businesses.
VAT is paid quarterly and organizations are expected to present the significant expense forms to the assessment specialists by the twentieth day of the next month after the revealing quarter.
Enrolling a business in Azerbaijan requires cautious thought of all duty commitments, which adds to more effective monetary administration and supports the reasonable improvement of the venture.
Accounting and reporting
In accordance with national legislation, starting a business in Azerbaijan necessitates adhering to established accounting standards. Companies ought to carefully consider all of their fiscal transactions and adhere to the fundamental principles listed below:
- Two-Step Entry: To ensure that the balance sheet is accurate, each transaction must be recorded as a debit and a credit to the appropriate ledger accounts.
- Documentary proof: Contracts, invoices, receipts, payment orders, and other pertinent documentation must back up every fiscal record.
- Yearly Report: In accordance with international and national fiscal standards, businesses are required to prepare an annual fiscal report that includes a balance sheet, profit and loss account, cash flow statement, and note.
In Azerbaijan, the timely filing of fiscal statements is critical to a company's continued success. The company's fiscal condition is reflected in the annual fiscal report, which must be submitted by March 31 of the year following the reporting period. By the 20th of the month following the reporting quarter, they are required to submit quarterly tax reports containing information on VAT paid and accrued. Moreover, at times, for example, finance charges, month to month government forms are expected toward the next month's end. In addition to assisting you in complying with statute regulations, proper bookkeeping and accurate reporting also improve the process of making management decisions based on accurate fiscal information and increase the transparency and dependability of fiscal information, thereby avoiding fiscal penalties and other statute issues.
Business licensing in Azerbaijan
Requirements for certain types of activities
Kind of activity |
Description |
Authorized bodies |
Primary requirements |
Fiscal services |
Activities of banks, insurance companies, investment funds and other fiscal institutions. |
Central Bank of Azerbaijan, Ministry of Finance |
Company charter, fiscal statements, employee qualifications, compliance with international standards. |
Construction and real estate |
Construction, repair of buildings and structures, real estate transactions. |
State Committee for Construction and Architecture of Azerbaijan |
Project documentation, confirmation of employee qualifications, compliance with building codes and regulations. |
Energy and natural resources |
Extraction of oil, gas, minerals, production and distribution of electricity. |
Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan, State Oil Company (SOCAR) |
Licenses for exploration and extraction of resources, environmental assessment, compliance with safety standards. |
Medical activities |
Medical institutions, hospitals, clinics and private medical practices. |
Ministry of Health of Azerbaijan |
License for medical activities, confirmation of qualifications of medical personnel, compliance with sanitary standards. |
Educational services |
Educational institutions, courses and educational centers. |
Ministry of Education of Azerbaijan |
License for educational activities, training programs, qualifications of teaching staff. |
Procedure for obtaining licenses
The most common way of getting licenses to do specific kinds of business in Azerbaijan includes various consecutive advances. Here are the fundamental stages:
The cycle is started by presenting a conventional application to the important government organization. The application should demonstrate the field of action for which a permit is required and connect every expected report.
The application ought to be accompanied by a set of indentures that may include:
- Statute archives of the association (sanction, declaration of enlistment).
- indentures (such as diplomas and certificates) that attest to employees' qualifications
- Information regarding the company's capital and fiscal statements
- confirmation that the facility complies with all applicable health and safety regulations.
The authorized body then examines the application and supporting indentures for a business license in Azerbaijan. This body checks whether the data and reports given go along with legitimate prerequisites. The specifics of the government agency's work and workload determine how long the assessment will take.
In the event that the check result is positive, the candidate is given a permit to take part in the picked movement. Depending on the nature of the activity, the license may or may not have a limited validity period.
Associations that have gotten a permit are under consistent control of the important government organizations. This includes checking for compliance with established norms and standards as well as fiscal audits.
In this way, making an organization in Azerbaijan requires a cautious way to deal with the issue of permitting and getting licenses, which guarantees consistency with statutory prerequisites and effective business in different areas of the economy.
Conclusion
Azerbaijan's favorable geographical location, attractive tax policy, and government support make it an appealing option for entrepreneurs to register a business there. The enlistment interaction incorporates various significant stages, from picking an organization name and gathering the essential reports to getting explicit licenses and allows for particular kinds of exercises.
In Azerbaijan, starting a business necessitates thorough preparation and strict adherence to all statute requirements, including registration with fiscal authorities and payment of government fees. Important steps to ensure that business operations are open and statute include opening a business bank account and obtaining a Tax Identification Number (TIN). It is likewise critical to keep up with bookkeeping records and give details in understanding guidelines to stay away from potential fines and different authorizations.
Our experts are prepared to offer you full help and the important data at all phases of opening your organization in Azerbaijan. Get in touch with us in a way helpful for you, shown in the "Contacts" part of our site.
Limited liability companies (LLCs), joint-stock companies (JSCs), partnerships, international company branches, and representative offices can all be registered in Azerbaijan.
What are the major necessities for organization enrollment in Azerbaijan?
Having a registered office in Azerbaijan, having at least one director (for LLCs), a statute representative (for branches and representative offices), and meeting the minimum share capital requirements stipulated by law are basic requirements.
How long does the company registration process typically take in Azerbaijan?
By and large, the enrollment interaction takes around 7-10 work days, it is accurately ready and submitted to expect every important record.
What are the means engaged with the enrollment of a company?
The interaction regularly includes choosing a novel organization name, confirming its accessibility, planning fundamental reports (like articles of affiliation and rent arrangements), opening a fiscal balance, presenting the enrollment application to the Service of Charges, getting a duty recognizable proof number (TIN), and enlisting with pertinent specialists.
Does Azerbaijan have any particular requirements for international sponsors?
International sponsors generally have the same rights as local sponsors, but depending on the industry in which they operate, they might need to get additional permits or licenses.