Announcement
IABA to launch the Ireland–Azerbaijan Business Survey this November
This November we’re asking Irish businesses in Azerbaijan to tell us what’s working, what’s hard and what would…
Guide
A short guide to doing business between Ireland and Azerbaijan
Thinking about Azerbaijan? A few practical tips from members who have been there and done it.
17 August 2026 · 2 min read
Every month someone asks us the same question: where do I start? There’s no single answer, but after many conversations with members who have done it, the same pieces of advice keep coming up.
Go and visit
Relationships matter a great deal in Azerbaijani business, and they’re built face to face. Plan at least one trip before you expect anything to happen, and try to go back more than once.
Find a good local partner
A trusted partner, adviser or distributor on the ground can save you months. Ask other members for introductions. That’s exactly what we’re here for.
Be patient
Things can move slowly at the start, then very quickly once trust is in place. Build that into your plans and your budget.
Mind the clock and the calendar
Baku is three hours ahead of Dublin in summer and four hours ahead in winter. Novruz, the spring holiday in March, is a big occasion, so don’t plan your launch for that week.
Think about language
Azerbaijani is the official language, and Russian is still widely used in business. English is more and more common, especially among younger professionals, but a good interpreter for important meetings and documents is money well spent.
Get proper advice
For anything involving tax, contracts or regulations, talk to a qualified adviser and check the latest official guidance. Rules change, and what was true for a member five years ago may not be true today.
If you’re thinking about the market and would like to talk to someone who has been there, get in touch. We’ll happily put you in contact with the right member.
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