Obtain electronic signature for online registration
Agency: Data Processing Center under the Ministry of Transport, Communication and High Technologies
An electronic signature is a pre-requisite to online registration. The most common type of electronic signature is ASAN Imza, which can be activated on a sim-card. ASAN Imza costs AZN 18 and is valid for 3 years. Each founder is required to obtain e-signature (alternatively, a PoA needs to be issued and notarized, which will then require only one person to obtain e-signature).
As of January 1, 2019, online registration of legal entities can be done using a PIN issued on the national ID card. This method is becoming more popular; however, the majority of entrepreneurs are not fully aware of the option and continue obtaining ASAN Imza signatures.
Time and cost: 1 day, AZN 18 (e-signature ASAN-Imza, per person)
Apply for registration; obtain TIN number and register for VAT
Agency: ASAN service centers
Online application for registration is available at https://www.e-taxes.gov.az/ as of February 2012 (Article 5-1. has been added to the Law of Azerbaijan Republic “On state registration of legal entities and state registry.”) Online application for registration is exempted from state fee and is completely free (Article 20-1.3 of the Law of Azerbaijan Republic “On State Fee”).
To register a commercial entity online a digital signature ASAN-Imza is required. The government of Azerbaijan passed new amendments to the Law “On state registration of legal entities and state registry” (dated 28.12.2018, 1447-VQD). In accordance with these amendments, as of January 1, 2019 the online registration of the commercial legal entity can be carried out using the PIN number from a national ID card and a mobile phone number. The online registration using a PIN is becoming more popular; however, the majority of entrepreneurs still get the ASAN-Imza signature and prefer to register a company at ASAN centers. The only document required to be submitted online is company charter.
The online registration is done within 1-2 days. According to the amendment made to the Law “on Administrative Procedure” (28.12.2018, 1446-VQD), all registration documents are encoded by the relevant Bar Code and are electronically sent to commercial legal entities, and are sufficient to start company operations. Expedited registration is available for companies that have one founder.
Documents required for paper registration include the following:
- Payment of a State fee – AZN 11 (applicable for paper application only);
- Standard application form;
- Founding documents – the charter of the entity approved by the founder or his/her legal representative, minutes of the foundation meeting;
- Resolution of establishment;
- If the founder is an individual – copy of his/her identity card (notarization of the signature is optional).
Time and cost: 2 days, no charge
Register employees with the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection
Agency: Ministry of Labor and Social Protection
As of February 9, 2014, all employment agreements must be registered with the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection. Registration is done at the website of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection (accessible through www.e-gov.az). After that, immediate confirmation is obtained and employees can start actual employment.
A fine of AZN 20,000 – 25,000 applies to legal entities if employment agreements were not registered.
Time and cost: Less than 1 day (online procedure), no charge
