Alert: important development in the foreign investment regime and sector restrictions in Azerbaijan in the transport and logistics sector

Effective: May 2027

Azerbaijan has introduced material changes to the regulatory framework governing foreign participation in the transport and logistics sector. The amendments affect the conditions under which foreign investors may hold equity stakes, obtain operating licences, and participate in state-tendered logistics concessions. Foreign companies with existing structures in Azerbaijan should assess their current arrangements against the revised requirements.

Foreign investors operating in Azerbaijani transport and logistics — including freight forwarding, road haulage, port operations, and transit warehousing along the Middle Corridor — are directly affected. The changes introduce tighter restrictions on majority foreign ownership in certain sub-sectors and impose new registration and reporting obligations on foreign-controlled entities. Companies that relied on earlier licensing conditions may find those conditions are no longer sufficient for continued operation or licence renewal.

Recommended action:

• Review current ownership structure and licence conditions against the revised sector restrictions — identify any sub-sector exposure requiring restructuring.
• Confirm whether existing concession agreements or operating licences contain regulatory-change clauses that require notification to Azerbaijani authorities.
• Seek legal advice on the timeline for compliance and any transitional provisions that may apply to established foreign investors.

[CTA: To discuss how these changes affect your Azerbaijan operations — make an enquiry: info@vetrovpartners.com | WhatsApp/Telegram: +7 (983) 510-38-76]

This alert is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Vetrov & Partners is a Russian-qualified law firm. Contact info@vetrovpartners.com for advice on your specific situation.

— Leyla Mammadova Contributing Regional Analyst — Azerbaijan · energy sector and transit corridor regulation vetrovpartners.com/contributions/