Azerbaijan's Central Bank boosts foreign startup investment opportunities

In a significant move to encourage international investments, the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) has amended its foreign exchange regulations, allowing both residents and non-residents to invest in foreign startups using their accounts in Azerbaijani banks.

According to Report, the decision, signed by CBA Chairman Taleh Kazimov, permits investments of up to $100,000 per year.

According to the new rules, investors can transfer foreign currency from their bank accounts to acquire future equity stakes in foreign startups through Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) contracts. These transfers will be carried out based on agreements between the relevant investment object and the investor, with an annual limit of $100,000 per investor.

Furthermore, the updated regulations allow residents and non-residents to make foreign currency transfers from their bank accounts for payment by third parties, including electronic document management intermediaries, for the cost of goods purchased from abroad through e-commerce platforms, with accumulation on the payment account of that person.