Restaurant is a very profitable business in Azerbaijan taxes, gas & electricity prices are very cheap

When Natalia Kovalenko went to Gabala, a Pakistani chef told her about the food industry. She learnt about how restaurants are founded and run in Azerbaijan and spoke about real-life experiences, problems, and chances in the food business. She sought straightforward and practical guidance from a seasoned chef who has worked in a variety of nations on how to launch the firm, recruit personnel, and manage daily operations.

Where should we start a restaurant?

First of all, you should start from Baku, because when you start from Baku, there is the income tax department, after that the fire alarm department, then the COVID department. After passing through these departments, you will understand the process, and then you will know how to start a restaurant.

What type of chef should be hired?

You should hire a chef from Pakistan or India. The main thing is that most of the tourists coming to Baku are from India, and there are also tourists from Pakistan, but Indian tourists are the majority. To match Indian food taste, you should import groceries and spices from Pakistan or India. Then you will be successful. Having a chef is very important.

Who succeeds in the restaurant business?

The one who sits at the cash counter wins. The owner who sits at the cash counter succeeds, but those who come and then keep moving around cannot succeed.

What is the normal rent for restaurants in Nizami Street?

Normally, in Nizami Street, rent can be 1000 manat, 4000 manat, 5000 manat, or even 2000–3000 manat. But whoever knows how to run the business will succeed.

There is also a small example: a husband and wife opened a small shop in Nizami Street where they make parathas and curries. Their rent is 500 manat, but they still earn well.

In contrast, those paying 8000 manat face difficulty during the off-season in recovering costs. So it is better to start small. When you understand the business and have enough capital, then you can expand. Sometimes big places become vacant or go up for sale, and you can take them and succeed. The first step to success is always a normal step.

Can you help with staff like cleaners and waiters?

Yes, cleaners can be provided. Efforts can be made to provide staff without tax issues, including Pakistani asylum seekers who are chefs and looking for jobs. Many people ask for job opportunities, especially active chefs. They can be referred to you because they already know how to work.

If you take a restaurant, everything can be made ready from the next day. You just sit at the cash counter, and your staff will be arranged. This is not a big issue in Baku. There is no need to worry about finding chefs or cleaning staff.

Can your team support us in Azerbaijan?

Yes, support can be provided. There are strong accounts and experienced teams in Azerbaijan who can help.

Do I need a lawyer or accountant for taxes?

It is better to go directly to the tax department yourself in Azerbaijan. You can provide your password and email, and they will show you everything about your tax.

There is no need to hire a lawyer or accountant every month and pay 100, 150, or 200 manat. When I was there, I always paid my taxes myself. I never hired a lawyer or accountant. Everything is handled through the system, and billing is automatically recorded. So there is no need for extra expense.

Is language a barrier in Azerbaijan?

Language is a barrier, but it is not very difficult. If you spend one or two months learning it, you can manage.

If you plan to live, do business, open a restaurant, or shift your family, it is better to learn the language. There are private schools where you can learn easily.

Is Azerbaijan safe for families?

If you bring your wife and children from Pakistan, the environment is very good for children. Safety is high. You can move around even at 2 or 3 AM, and no one will disturb you.

Even my wife and children are here. There is no problem. Everything is safe and comfortable.

Can someone help manage and train staff?

There is support available. We work with World Immigration Hub, and they help us with staff management and training. With 3–4 days of training, everything can be handled smoothly.