Azerbaijan

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Azerbaijan, facilitating international productions of every scale with a full range of services, including location scouting, obtaining permits, full range of logistic support and connecting production teams with local talent and experienced crew.

Ultimate Filming Guide for Azerbaijan

Capital

Baku

Main Cities

Ganja, Sumqayit

Local Languages

Azerbaijani, Russia, English

Currency

Azerbaijani Manat (AZN)

Climate

Varied Climate

General Visa Requirements:

Foreign film crews must apply for a visa before entering Azerbaijan. A standard application requires a letter of intent, full script and synopsis, equipment list, crew list, company registration documents, and any required location permissions. These documents support the visa review and confirm the purpose of the visit.

Required Documents:

Valid passport (minimum six months’ validity)
Completed visa application form
Recent passport-sized photo (3x4 cm)
Flight booking or travel itinerary
Proof of visa-fee payment
Invitation letter from a local partner, sponsor, or production company
Health insurance valid in Azerbaijan

Visa Application Process:

To apply for a visa, you can use the official online platform: Azerbaijan Visa Application.

Processing Time:

Processing Time: 1-2 weeks

Cost:

USD $25

Accreditation Requirements:

Accreditation is issued by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Crews must submit required production documents, pay the accreditation fee, and wait for approval. Once approved, the ministry issues a formal accreditation certificate.

Required Documents:

Letter of intent from production company
Full script and synopsis
Crew list with nationalities, roles, and passport copies
Equipment list with serial numbers and values
Proof of professional credentials
Health-insurance policy
Passport valid for at least six months

Processing Time:

Document submission: 1 day Review and verification: 2–5 days Certificate issuance: 1–3 days Collection: 1 day

Cost:

Individual accreditation: USD $20–$50 (valid 3–6 months) Group accreditation (5+ crew): USD $50–$100 (valid 3–6 months)

Issuing Organization:

Film permits are facilitated by the Azerbaijan Film Commission, which coordinates with ministries, municipalities, and location owners to issue approvals for foreign crews.

Required Documents:

Film Crew Documentation

Passport copies
Visas
Script and synopsis
Crew list
Equipment list
Professional credentials
Health insurance
Location approvals
Accreditation certificate
Letter of intent

Company Documentation

Company registration
Business licence
Tax identification
Proof of financial capability

Other Requirements

Detailed filming schedule
Location maps
List of special equipment/vehicles

Processing Time:

5–10 working days

Cost:

USD $20–$50 (valid 3–6 months)

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Private properties are arranged through a local location manager or fixer. The process involves location scouting, script review, budgeting, secure approvals, and meeting all local compliance standards.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Villas / houses: $500–$5,000 per day
Hotels / resorts: $1,000–$10,000 per day
Restaurants / cafés: $200–$2,000 per day
Historical sites / monuments: $500–$5,000 per day
Government buildings: $1,000–$10,000 per day
Outdoor public areas: $100–$1,000 per day

Drone Regulations:

All drone activity is regulated by the State Civil Aviation Agency (SCAA). Requirements include drone registration, technical documentation, liability insurance, pilot certification, approved flight plan, and full compliance with national no-fly zones.

Drone Importation Regulations:

Drone weight under 25 kg
Max altitude 150 m
Maintain 50 m distance from people, vehicles, and structures
No flying over restricted or sensitive areas
Non-compliance may result in fines up to USD $10,000, confiscation, or deportation

Drone importation requires prior acceptance by Azerbaijani authorities before customs will release the equipment.

Permit Issuance:

Ministry of Culture & Information (in coordination with SCAA)

Timing:

8–15 working days total

Cost:

USD $59–$295 depending on drone type

Carnet Status:

Azerbaijan is not an ATA Carnet country.

Foreign productions must secure a local bank guarantee/insurance bond, submit detailed documentation, and ensure all equipment is re-exported or duties are paid.

Required Documents:

Commercial invoice
List of Equipment
Packing list
Certificate of origin

Issuing Organization:

State Customs Committee (SCC)

Timing:

Media equipment must be cleared 72 hours before arrival.

Cost:

USD $29–$118 0–20% of equipment value (temporary import exemptions may apply)

General Overview:

Azerbaijan is considered safe for foreign productions. Crime rates are low, political conditions stable, and infrastructure modern—particularly in Baku. Crews should still follow international safety protocols.