Azerbaijan
Location: Eastern Europe
Visas & Permits
Visas & Work Permits
Azerbaijan is not a Schengen area member state.
Crew entering as tourists can apply for an E-visa. Processing time is usually around three days. Visas are valid for stays of up to 30 days.
Technically, Azerbaijan requires work permits for film and photography crews. This entails first arriving on a regular visa and then having a local company apply to be the visa holder’s employer. Getting this approval is very difficult and the process can take up to a month.
Please contact a local embassy, consulate or representative for more information. Alternatively, there are specialist companies that provide visa and immigration support to the media industry, and may be able to assist.
Film Location Permits
Most locations are possible given time, money and the right approach.
Unlike some oil producing countries, filming oil facilities in Azerbaijan is possible. Having a good, well connected producer or fixer can be advantageous.
Customs
For productions looking to bring in film equipment, Azerbaijan is not an ATA carnet country.
Crews looking to bring in their own equipment will need advance customs clearance, which can be tricky and very expensive. Alternatively, this can be done through either a local production service company or customs broker.
When to Film
When to Film
Generally, summers are hot, and winters are mild and wet with snow in the mountainous areas. The best time to film for warm and dry weather is between April and October.
Baku in the summer is very hot and humid.
In Azerbaijan, Ramadan is observed by the majority Muslim population, with some services closed during this period.
Public Holidays
Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in Azerbaijan.
Costs & VAT
Being an oil-based economy, goods in Azerbaijan are generally on the more expensive side. But film crew labour is comparatively inexpensive.
The standard VAT rate in Azerbaijan, at the time of writing, is set at 18%.
Funding & Tax Incentives
At the time of writing, this country does not have any filming incentives. However, up-to-date information on global filming incentives may be found on the Entertainment Partners' Production Incentives Map.
Treaty Documents
At the time of writing, the UK does not have a trade agreement with this country. However, up-to-date information about UK trade agreements can be found on the GOV.UK website.