Living and working in Azerbaijan: all you need to know
Feeling curious about a new job prospect in Azerbaijan? Or perhaps you’re dreaming about life under sunnier skies? Located on the borders of Eastern Europe and Asia is Azerbaijan. Approximately 90% of the country’s 10 million people are nationals, but thanks to growing economic prospects in oil and gas – as well as other industries – its international community is growing.
Eager to learn more about the ‘Land of Fire’? Here’s everything you need to know about living and working in Azerbaijan.
Promising careers in oil and gas – and other sectors
Rich in natural resources, petroleum and natural gas exports feed Azerbaijan’s rich economy. In fact, it comes as no surprise that the country – the birthplace of oil refineries – was once the world’s leading petroleum producer.
Baku, the country’s capital, offers abundant job opportunities in this sector. Workers find themselves well looked after with lots of opportunities for career growth and high levels of financial security.
But professionals in other fields will not be disappointed. Recent efforts to diversify the economy – primarily through tourism, agriculture and technology – have contributed to this country’s booming status as an international economic powerhouse.
Whatever your industry, however, pay attention to the work culture here. Building relationships and practicing patience are key, and indirect communication is the preferred mode of communication. Direct questioning or criticism may be perceived as confrontational. Colleagues must also be addressed by their last names unless invited otherwise, reflecting a high level of formality in the workplace.
Life as an expat
Most of the country’s inhabitants live in urban areas. The cost of living varies between rural and urban areas, with urban areas, such as Baku, being more expensive. Paired with the relatively low cost of goods, however, generous commensuration packages contribute to a high quality of life for many workers in the country.
Expect a combination of new and more traditional housing. In Baku’s city centre, for example, modern apartments are juxtaposed with older, architecturally stunning buildings. Increasing international communities in areas such as these make many of the country’s cities an exciting place to explore by foot, with an ever-expanding food scene ready to satiate the senses.
Given the growing number of green spaces and urban leisure spots, Azerbaijan shows promise for all the family, too. Citizens praise the country’s many high-quality amenities, such as schooling. Public schools offer lessons in Azeri, the country’s national language, and Russian, but several international private schools offer education in French and English, too.
For those out of office days
Residents enjoy the dry subtropical climate, with summer temperatures averaging 27 °C (81 °F). This is the perfect weather for play, whether solo adventuring or having fun with the family.
The country’s location along the Caspian Sea, the world’s largest inland body of water, is ideal for watersports, from sailing to scuba diving. Or, if you fancy touring the country’s impressive history, visit some of the numerous culturally significant hotspots. Take the impressive 12th-century Maiden Tower and the Palace of Shirvanshahs, located in Baku, for example, which is listed among UNESCO's World Heritage Sites.
