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Georgia Work Permits & Visas: Processes for Employers

Looking to sponsor an international hire in Georgia? This guide breaks down what employers need to know — from visa types to employer obligations and timelines. Whether you're hiring locally or relocating international talent, we've got you covered.

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Capital City

Tbilisi

Currency

Georgian Lari

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₾

)

Timezone

GET

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GMT+4

)

Payroll

Monthly

Employment Cost

Milani Notshe

Research Specialist

Last Updated

July 11, 2025

In This Guide

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Hiring Foreign Talent in Georgia: What Employers Need to Know

Are you an employer looking to sponsor international talent in Georgia? Navigating Georgia’s visa and work permit process can be complex — especially without a local legal entity or dedicated HR team.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about employer-sponsored work visas in Georgia, including processing times, documentation, and local compliance rules. Whether relocating a team member or hiring locally, Playroll simplifies visa sponsorship through an end-to-end employer of record platform.

Key Takeaways

Employers must be registered with the Ministry of Justice to sponsor foreign workers.

The process usually takes about 15 to 30 business days.

Common work visas include the Temporary Resident Visa for Employment and the Investor Visa.

Independent contractors follow a separate process, generally without the need for employer sponsorship.

Work permits are location-specific, and employees may need approval for changes in employment or location.

Who Needs a Work Permit in Georgia

Foreign nationals intending to engage in employment or entrepreneurial activities in Georgia are required to obtain a work permit. This requirement applies to individuals entering the country for contracted work, self-employment, or business ventures. Employers must ensure that their international hires possess the appropriate authorization to work legally in Georgia.

Types of Work Visas in Georgia

Georgia offers several categories of work visas tailored to different professional activities.

Visa Type	Description
D1 Visa	Issued to individuals entering Georgia for employment or entrepreneurial purposes.
D2 Visa	For those engaging in freelancing, scientific, sports, cultural, or educational activities, including interns and press workers.
D3 Visa	Granted to individuals involved in research activities at Georgian research centers or authorized educational institutions.
D4 Visa	Designed for family reunification purposes.
D5 Visa	Issued to individuals who own immovable property in Georgia under specific conditions.

Common Hiring Scenarios for Georgia

When hiring talent in Georgia, employers typically choose one of three pathways depending on the role, duration, & legal requirements. Below are the most common models.

Use Case 1: Sponsoring a Foreign Employee via Work Permit or Visa

This is the most common route for companies hiring full-time foreign talent in Georgia. To sponsor this visa, an employer (or Playroll as the Employer of Record) must have a registered legal entity in-country and issue a compliant offer of employment.

Key Employer Considerations:

Sponsorship is required — contractors or freelancers cannot apply under this visa.
Employees must remain in the approved work location unless authorized to relocate or change employers.
Processing timelines vary (approximately 15 to 30 business days on average), depending on the consulate or embassy.

This is best for: Long-term roles with in-office or hybrid presence in Georgia.

Use Case 2: Hiring a Foreign Contractor in Georgia

Independent professionals in Georgia can legally work with international clients without employer sponsorship, but must comply with local tax registration and reporting laws.

With Playroll’s Contractor Management solution, you can:

Draft fully compliant local contractor agreements.
Automate contractor invoicing and cross-border payments, in Georgian Lari (GEL) or USD.
Mitigate risk of permanent establishment and contractor misclassification.

This is best for: Freelancers, consultants or project-based roles, especially if the worker already lives in Georgia.

Use Case 3: Relocating an Existing Employee to Georgia

Transferring an existing team member to Georgia? You’ll still need to navigate the same visa and payroll setup process. Even if the employee works for you elsewhere, a local employer of record is required to stay compliant.

EOR’s, like Playroll, handle all local steps, including:

Work permit sponsorship and immigration paperwork,
Registration with local authorities and payroll systems,
Enrollment in mandatory benefits and statutory schemes.

This is best for: Internal transfers or remote-first companies looking to expand into Asia, or talent retention offerings for global mobility programs.

Not Sure What to Pay in Georgia? Compare fair, local salaries with our free benchmarking tool.

Requirements for a Work Permit in Georgia

To obtain a work permit in Georgia, applicants must meet specific criteria:

Valid Passport: The applicant's passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay and contain at least one blank page for entry stamps.
Employment Contract: A signed employment contract with a Georgian employer is mandatory, detailing the job role, salary, and duration of employment.
Proof of Accommodation: Applicants must provide evidence of accommodation arrangements in Georgia.
Medical Insurance: Proof of medical insurance coverage for the duration of the stay is required.
Background Checks: Certificates of good conduct or background checks may be necessary, depending on the visa category.

Georgia Work Permit Application Process

Step 1: Secure a job offer from a Georgian employer willing to sponsor the visa application.
Step 2: Gather required documents, including a valid passport, passport-size photos, completed visa application form, employment contract, proof of accommodation, medical insurance, and any required background checks.
Step 3: Complete the application form accurately.
Step 4: Submit the completed application and documents to the nearest Georgian consulate or embassy, either online or in person.
Step 5: Attend an interview at the consulate, if required.
Step 6: Await processing and monitor the application status.
Step 7: Apply for a residence permit upon arrival in Georgia from the Public Service Development Agency.

Process for Visa Sponsorship in Georgia

Employers in Georgia play a crucial role in sponsoring work visas for foreign employees. This process involves demonstrating that the position cannot be filled by a local candidate and ensuring compliance with Georgian labor laws. Employers must submit necessary documentation to the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labor, Health, and Social Affairs. Accurate and timely submission of documents is essential to avoid delays.

What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in Georgia

The fees associated with work permits and visas in Georgia vary depending on the visa type and processing time.

Visa Type	Application Fee
Work Visa	200 GEL (approximately $70)
Business Visa	150 GEL (approximately $53)
Student Visa	120 GEL (approximately $42)
Family Reunification Visa	150 GEL (approximately $53)

Processing Time for a Work Permit or Visa in Georgia

Processing times for work permits and visas in Georgia can vary depending on the visa type and individual circumstances. Generally, work visas are processed within 15 to 30 business days. Applicants are encouraged to apply well in advance of their intended start date to accommodate potential delays.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in Georgia

Renewing a work permit in Georgia requires adherence to specific procedures to ensure continued legal employment for foreign nationals. Employers should initiate the renewal process at least 40 days before the current permit's expiration to avoid complications.

Temporary residence permits are issued for 6 to 12 months and can be extended for up to 11 years, depending on circumstances. After 10 years of continuous residency, individuals may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.

Visa Requirements for Digital Nomads in Georgia

Georgia offers a unique "Remotely from Georgia" program for digital nomads, enabling them to reside and work remotely in the country for up to one year. This program is tailored for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and remote employees.

Valid Passport: Applicants must have a passport valid for the duration of their stay.
Proof of Remote Work: Evidence of employment or business activities conducted outside of Georgia is required.
Financial Stability: Applicants must demonstrate a monthly income of $2,000 or savings of at least $24,000.
Health Insurance: Valid health insurance for at least six months is mandatory.

The application process involves gathering necessary documents, submitting an online application through Georgia’s official Nomad Visa portal, and awaiting approval. Processing typically takes around ten business days.

Common Challenges and Tips for Employers Hiring in Georgia

Employers hiring foreign nationals in Georgia often face unique challenges. Proactively addressing these issues can simplify the hiring process and create a more inclusive work environment.

Navigating Bureaucracy: Complying with Georgia's labor and immigration laws can be complex and time-consuming.
Cultural Differences: Employers should foster an inclusive workplace to ease cultural transitions for international employees.
Language Barriers: Offering language training or translation services can help bridge communication gaps in the workplace.

Engaging legal expertise, providing cultural sensitivity training, and implementing language support can address these challenges effectively.

Hire Global employees without hassle with an EOR solution

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be a logistical nightmare to hire and pay employees in different countries. That’s the advantage of using a trusted Employer of Record like Playroll. They can:

Handle your international payroll: An EOR will act as your payroll provider, paying your employees on your behalf in the local currency. The company will also have in-depth knowledge of local tax codes, regulatory practices, and everything else that goes into managing global payroll.
Alleviate compliance concerns: Different countries each have their own federal and local laws governing employee payments. An EOR helps ensure that you are compliant with the unique set of laws for any country in which your company operates. This is extremely important since a compliance slip-up can result in heavy fines or even a lawsuit.
Hire and pay international contractors: Sometimes a particular project or role doesn’t require hiring a full-time employee. An EOR gives employers the flexibility to also hire contractors as needed, and avoid the potential for misclassification under local labor law.

Disclaimer

THIS CONTENT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE. You should always consult with and rely on your own legal and/or tax advisor(s). Playroll does not provide legal or tax advice. The information is general and not tailored to a specific company or workforce and does not reflect Playroll’s product delivery in any given jurisdiction. Playroll makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of this information and shall have no liability arising out of or in connection with it, including any loss caused by use of, or reliance on, the information.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Milani Notshe

Milani is a seasoned research and content specialist at Playroll, a leading Employer Of Record (EOR) provider. Backed by a strong background in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, she specializes in identifying emerging compliance and global HR trends to keep employers up to date on the global employment landscape.

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FAQs about Work Permits & Visas in Georgia

Can Playroll sponsor a visa in Georgia?

We don’t currently sponsor visas in Georgia — but we can still help. Our in-house compliance team supports employers through every stage of the visa process: helping you compile documentation, set timelines, and coordinate with our network of trusted local immigration advisors.

If you’re looking to hire in Georgia, book a demo and we’ll help you prepare, flag potential issues, and streamline the path to compliant onboarding.

What is the difference between a work permit and a work visa in Georgia?

In Georgia, a work visa (such as the D1 Visa) allows foreign nationals to enter the country for employment purposes, while a work permit grants the legal authorization to engage in employment activities within Georgia. Obtaining a work visa is typically the first step, followed by securing a work permit upon arrival.

How long does it take to process a work permit or visa in Georgia?

Processing times for work visas in Georgia generally range from 15 to 30 business days, depending on the visa type and individual circumstances. Applicants are advised to apply well in advance of their intended start date to accommodate potential delays.

What are the requirements for sponsoring a work permit or visa in Georgia?

Employers sponsoring a work permit or visa in Georgia must provide a formal job offer, demonstrate that the position cannot be filled by a local candidate, and ensure compliance with Georgian labor laws. Necessary documentation includes the employment contract, proof of the company's registration, and evidence of the employee's qualifications.

What types of work permits and visas are available in Georgia?

Georgia offers various work visas, including the D1 Visa for employment or entrepreneurial purposes, the D2 Visa for freelancers and individuals engaged in cultural or educational activities, and the "Remotely from Georgia" program designed for digital nomads.