Foreign media representatives must obtain accreditation to work as journalists or camera operators in Azerbaijan, which requires submitting specific documents to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).

Operativ Media reports that the required documents for accreditation include an application letter to the MFA from the head of the media outlet's representative office (or their acting representative), a completed application form, two 3x4 cm color photographs, a copy of a passport or other travel document, a copy of a press card, and a CV.

Documents can be submitted to the MFA by mail, through Azerbaijan's diplomatic missions or consulates, via the electronic service on the ministry's website, or in person.

Accreditation applications for foreign media representatives are processed within 30 days. If approved, the journalist or camera operator is issued an accreditation card, which grants them the right to conduct professional activities in Azerbaijan for the duration of its validity.

Accreditation is granted for the period required to carry out the professional activity, up to a maximum of one year. Long-term accreditation is issued for one year, while short-term accreditation is issued for the duration of a specific visit.

Upon expiration, foreign media representatives can apply to the MFA for an extension or reaccreditation.

Accreditation may be denied if the submitted documents do not meet requirements, if false or misleading information is provided, or if there is information that the journalist entered Azerbaijan in violation of the law, either currently or in the past.

Additionally, any activity by a foreign media representative directed against Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, independence, interests, and sovereignty is grounds for denying accreditation.

The accreditation card is issued directly to the journalist by the MFA and cannot be transferred to another person. If the card is lost, the MFA Press Service Department must be notified immediately.

To obtain a duplicate card, the journalist must submit an application stating the card was lost, along with two 3x4 cm color photographs. Applications for duplicates are processed within three working days.

Accreditation can be revoked for violating accreditation rules, acting against Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, independence, interests, and sovereignty, entering the country illegally (currently or in the past), or disseminating distorted or false information.

The card must be returned to the MFA if the foreign media representative's professional activity ends prematurely, upon expiration of the card, or if the accreditation is revoked.

The entry, exit, temporary stay, registration, and issuance of temporary or permanent residence permits for foreign media representatives who are foreign citizens or stateless persons are regulated by the Migration Code.