Ready to move to the Caspian Sea? At the crossroads of Asia and the Middle East, the glittering city of Baku beckons. Once part of the USSR, Baku has experienced a renaissance in recent decades. Known as the ‘City of Winds’, Baku is the cultural, economic, industrial and scientific centre of Azerbaijan. In recent years, it has become a very promising destination for expatriates, not least because of the country’s considerable energy resources.
Foyer Global Health will accompany you on your relocation to Azerbaijan’s largest and most peaceful city.
Why should you move to Baku?
- A dynamic, cosmopolitan capital
- A rich and unique cultural and architectural heritage where East meets West; tradition meets modernity
- Safety and security
- Affordable cost of living compared to other capitals
- A strategic geographical location
- An attractive lifestyle
- Professional opportunities, particularly in the energy sector (gas and oil), high technology, construction and international organisations.
- Baku is a beautiful wine-growing region (Georgia is not far away!)
Accommodation in Baku
Before you leave, check if your employer is taking care of your accommodation, as it is not uncommon for expatriate employment contracts to include an accommodation package. Many expats are housed in modern, gated residences with full amenities.
However, if you need to find your own accommodation, here are some key points to consider:
- The most important search criteria to take into account are: the proximity of the accommodation to your place of work, your children’s school (if you have any) and to a reputable health infrastructure.
- Use an estate agent who knows the property market, speaks your language(s) and can help you find accommodation that meets your requirements.
- The rental market consists mainly of furnished flats in large buildings
- The closer you are to the city centre, the more expensive the accommodation becomes
- Tenancies are usually for one year and must be registered with a notary to be valid
- There is no written inventory of the furnishings, no deposit, and sometimes the rent must be paid in cash
- Check with the agency that the electrical, gas and water installations are up to standard and who pays?
Which neighbourhoods best suit your lifestyle?
- The city centre and the Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) for culture vultures and urban souls who want to live in very modern buildings and get around on foot.
- Located to the west of the city, Yasamal is a quiet, residential area ideal for family holidays.
- White City, a new, fast-growing district currently undergoing renovation, offers high-quality accommodation near the Lycée français de Bakou.
- The very dynamic Nizami district is ideal for those who enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city and its vibrant cultural life
- About ten kilometres from the city centre, Binagadi is a quiet, leafy district, far from the busy city and popular with families.
Working in Baku
Most expatriates who move to Azerbaijan do so for professional reasons and settle in Baku. Although the Azeri capital is not the most popular destination in Europe and Asia, the Azerbaijani capital is attracting an increasing number of expat workers and foreign investors, particularly in the energy, construction and education sectors.
Which sectors?
Due to the country’s large oil and gas reserves, the energy sector has traditionally been a mainstay of Azerbaijan’s economy, recruiting a very large proportion of expatriates. Thanks to the government’s efforts to diversify the economy, the communications technology, construction and education sectors are increasingly offering professional opportunities.
Baku is also home to a number of international organisations, including agencies of the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. The Azeri capital recently hosted the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 29), demonstrating its growing engagement on the international stage.
Business culture
Baku’s workplaces reflect the capital’s cultural mix. Respect for hierarchy, mutual respect and hospitality are highly valued, and it is important to be involved in relationships with colleagues.
In addition, although Islam is the majority religion, Azerbaijan is a secular state. Secularism also permeates the workplace.
Do you speak Russian or Azeri?
While English and, more rarely, French are used in certain sectors and organisations, learning the basics of Azeri and Russian can improve your career prospects and facilitate communication.
Baku and daily life
At the crossroads of tradition and modernity, between East and West
With the allure of an ultra-modern European metropolis, Baku is a unique blend of tradition rooted in an old social order and modernity, where architectural treasures rub shoulders with extravagant skyscrapers. In this vibrant and unique atmosphere, a cultural melting pot between East and West, Baku’s warm hospitality will help you feel at ease when settling in.
What languages are spoken in Baku?
- Azeri is the official language of Azerbaijan and the most widely spoken (like Turkish, it is written in the Latin alphabet, having previously been written in the Arabic and Cyrillic alphabets).
- Russian remains the most widely spoken language after Azeri, particularly in business and the media
- English is becoming increasingly popular as more expatriates relocate to the country. It is one of the working languages in multinational companies, particularly in the energy sector.
Cost of living
The cost of living in Baku is higher than in the rest of the country. With the exception of certain types of property, however, the cost of living is much more affordable than in many European cities. For example, a three-room apartment costs around 900 euros; monthly utilities (water, gas, electricity) cost around 56 euros for an 85 m2 apartment; a full meal in a restaurant for two people costs around 33 euros. As an expatriate, don’t forget to include international school fees and the cost of private international health insurance in your budget.
Thanks to attractive salaries, most expatriates in Baku can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle
Getting around Baku
If they live and work in the city centre, most expatriates get around on foot. Others may prefer the services of a chauffeur or drive their own car which is very useful outside the capital. It’s important to remember that traffic in Baku is very heavy and driving can sometimes be quite dangerous.
Others use the city’s extensive public transport network, which is very cheap. For some, the metro is still the most efficient and cheapest way to get around.
Is Baku a dangerous city?
No! Even as an expatriate woman, you can feel safe! Baku is completely safe and, in fact, one of the safest cities in the Caucasus. The Azerbaijani capital is a safe place to live, with a low crime rate and very few crimes against foreigners. However, as in other cities around the world, you should remain vigilant for pickpockets in crowded places!
Expat family life in Baku
Childcare
Before sending their children to school, expat families can choose between two types of childcare:
- International nurseries and kindergartens. Expats often avoid putting their children in local Azeri crèches because of the language barrier.
- In-home nannies. Seek out your expat networks for recommendations or contact local agencies.
Schools
State schools in the capital offer education in both Azeri and Russian. As a result, expatriate parents turn to private international schools or send their children to boarding schools abroad. In Baku, you can choose between the Baku International School (BIS), The International School of Azerbaijan (TISA), which follows the International Baccalaureate curriculum, and the Lycée français de Bakou.
Healthcare in Baku
Expatriates can turn to the capital’s private healthcare facilities, which have proliferated in recent years. Find out more about the healthcare system in Azerbaijan here. Most of these facilities meet high medical standards, are well-equipped and have qualified medical staff. However, in some cases, it may be preferable to consider medical evacuation abroad or to seek treatment in countries such as Turkey.
Baku’s top healthcare facilities include the Liv Bona Dea Hospital (Liv Hospital Network), Baku Medical Plaza and Caspian International Hospital.