Foreign investors looking to do business in Azerbaijan most often choose the limited liability company (LLC) form. Below, we outline the main stages of the process in general terms.
1. Choosing the legal form
LLC, branch, or representative office: the choice depends on the nature of the activity, the tax consequences, and the management model. A representative office generally does not engage in commercial activity, while a branch operates as a division of the parent company.
2. Preparing the documents
- Identity or registration documents of the founders.
- An apostille or consular legalization for foreign documents, together with a certified translation.
- The charter and the founding resolution.
- Registered address details.
3. State registration and tax registration
Once the documents are ready, the state registration and tax registration procedures are carried out. Many steps can be completed remotely under a power of attorney; personal attendance is needed only where the law requires it.
4. After registration
- Opening a bank account.
- Employment contracts and work permits for foreign employees.
- Trademark registration: protecting the brand before it goes to market.