Georgia Work and Residence Permit: Complete Guide for Foreigners

Georgia offers one of the most foreigner-friendly immigration systems in the world. With visa-free entry for citizens of 95+ countries and a straightforward residence permit process, establishing yourself legally in Georgia is remarkably simple.

Do You Need a Residence Permit?

Visa-Free Stay (Up to 1 Year)

Citizens of most developed countries can stay in Georgia for up to 365 days without any visa or permit. This includes:

• All EU/EEA countries
• United States and Canada
• United Kingdom
• Australia and New Zealand
• Japan, South Korea, Singapore
• Most South American countries

During this period, you can:

• Live and travel freely in Georgia
• Open a bank account
• Register a company
• Work remotely for foreign clients

When You Need a Residence Permit

A residence permit becomes necessary when:

• You want to stay longer than your visa-free allowance
• You need to work for a Georgian employer
• You want to access certain benefits (healthcare, etc.)
• You plan to apply for permanent residence or citizenship

Types of Residence Permits

1. Work Residence Permit

For those employed by Georgian companies:

• Duration: 1 year (renewable)
• Requirements: Employment contract with Georgian entity
• Processing time: 30 days

2. Business/Investment Residence Permit

For business owners and investors:

• Duration: 1 year (renewable)
• Requirements: Own a registered Georgian company or investment
• Processing time: 30 days

3. Study Residence Permit

For students enrolled in Georgian institutions:

• Duration: Duration of studies
• Requirements: Enrollment confirmation
• Processing time: 30 days

4. Family Reunification Permit

For family members of Georgian residents:

• Duration: Matches sponsor's permit
• Requirements: Proof of relationship
• Processing time: 30 days

5. Short-Term Residence Permit

For specific activities (freelancing, remote work):

• Duration: 6-12 months
• Requirements: Proof of income/activity
• Processing time: 10-30 days

The Application Process

Step 1: Gather Documents

Standard requirements for all permit types:

• Valid passport (6+ months validity)
• Completed application form
• Passport-sized photos (3.5 x 4.5 cm)
• Proof of accommodation in Georgia
• Health insurance valid in Georgia
• Proof of sufficient funds

Additional documents by permit type:

Step 2: Submit Application

Applications are submitted to:

• Public Service Hall (in person)
• House of Justice (in person)
• Online portal (for some permit types)

Step 3: Biometrics

After submission:

• Fingerprints taken
• Photo captured
• Documents verified

Step 4: Wait for Decision

• Standard processing: 30 calendar days
• Expedited processing: 10 days (additional fee)

Step 5: Collect Your Permit

Once approved:

• Receive residence card
• Register your address
• Obtain personal number (if not already issued)

Costs and Fees

Work Permit Specifics

Employment by Georgian Company

If a Georgian company wants to hire you:

1. Company applies for work permit on your behalf
2. No labor market test required
3. Permit tied to specific employer
4. Changing jobs requires new permit

Self-Employment / Freelancing

If you work for yourself:

1. Register as Individual Entrepreneur or LLC
2. Apply for business residence permit
3. No restrictions on clients or work type
4. More flexibility than employment permit

Path to Permanent Residence

After holding temporary residence for 6 years, you can apply for permanent residence:

Requirements:

• 6 years of legal residence
• Knowledge of Georgian language (basic)
• Knowledge of Georgian history (basic)
• Clean criminal record
• Sufficient income

Benefits of permanent residence:

• No renewal required
• Work without restrictions
• Access to social services
• Path to citizenship

Path to Citizenship

Georgian citizenship is possible after 5 years of permanent residence (or 10 years total legal residence):

Requirements:

• Pass Georgian language exam
• Pass history/civics exam
• Have income or property in Georgia
• Clean criminal record

Benefits:

• Georgian passport (visa-free to 115+ countries)
• Full rights to live and work in Georgia
• Dual citizenship allowed (in most cases)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overstaying visa-free period - Even by one day can cause problems
2. Insufficient documentation - Missing documents delay processing
3. Wrong permit type - Choose the right category from the start
4. Expired health insurance - Must be valid throughout permit period
5. Address changes - Must be reported within 10 days

Special Programs

Remotely from Georgia

A special program for digital nomads and remote workers:

• Streamlined application process
• 1-year permit
• Proof of remote employment/income required
• Minimum income threshold applies

Investment Fast-Track

For significant investors:

• Investment of 300,000+ GEL
• Expedited processing
• Family members included
• Path to permanent residence accelerated

How TaxWizzards Can Help

We provide comprehensive immigration support:

• Document preparation and review
• Application submission
• Communication with authorities
• Status tracking
• Renewal reminders
• Compliance monitoring

Contact us to discuss your residence permit needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my permit is being processed?

If you're within your visa-free period, you can continue working remotely. For Georgian employment, you need to wait for work permit approval.

Can my family join me?

Yes. Spouse and minor children can apply for family reunification permits.

What if my application is rejected?

You can appeal within 30 days or reapply with corrected documentation.

Do I need to be in Georgia to apply?

Initial applications typically require your presence. Renewals may be possible remotely in some cases.

Ready to secure your legal status in Georgia? Book a consultation with our immigration specialists.