Georgia Work Permits & Visas: Employer Guide to Types & Sponsorship

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.

Work Permit Application Process in Georgia (Step-by-step)

In Georgia, the right to work is generally tied to a residence permit rather than a standalone work permit, so most employment-related cases involve obtaining a Temporary Residence Permit based on employment or another eligible ground. The process usually requires coordination between the employer, the foreign national, and Georgian authorities such as the Public Service Hall.

• Step 1: The employer defines the role and confirms that hiring a foreign national is appropriate for the business. This includes preparing a clear job description, proposed salary, and confirming that the role aligns with the company’s registered activities and business needs.
• Step 2: The parties determine the correct immigration route, such as entering visa-free (if eligible), obtaining a C-category short-term visa, or relying on an existing residence permit. At this stage, you should check current rules with the Public Service Development Agency or a local immigration advisor, as practice and eligibility lists can change.
• Step 3: The employer prepares corporate documentation to support the application. This typically includes the company’s registration extract, tax registration details, and, where relevant, licenses or permits showing that the business is lawfully operating in Georgia.
• Step 4: The employer and employee sign an employment contract or offer letter that meets Georgian labor law standards. This document is usually required as evidence of the purpose of stay when applying for a Temporary Residence Permit based on employment.
• Step 5: The foreign national gathers personal documents such as a valid passport, photographs, proof of legal entry into Georgia, and, where applicable, proof of accommodation and financial means. Documents issued abroad may need to be legalized or apostilled and translated into Georgian by a certified translator.
• Step 6: The residence permit application is submitted, typically through the Public Service Hall or online via the Public Service Development Agency portal, within the permitted timeframe after entry. The applicant usually files personally, but the employer often assists with scheduling, documentation, and payment of state fees.
• Step 7: Authorities review the application, may request additional documents, and make a decision within the statutory timeframe. Once approved, the foreign national receives a residence card, which serves as proof of lawful stay and work authorization for the duration of the permit.
• Step 8: After approval, the employer registers the employee for payroll, tax, and social contributions with the Revenue Service. Ongoing compliance includes tracking permit expiry dates, ensuring the employee’s role matches the basis of the permit, and initiating renewals in good time.

Requirements and Eligibility for a Work Permit

Eligibility to work in Georgia is mainly based on holding the correct residence permit and meeting general immigration and labor law standards. Both the employer and the foreign national must satisfy documentary and compliance requirements.

Common requirments inlcude:

• Valid passport and lawful entry: The employee must hold a passport that is valid for the required period and must have entered Georgia lawfully, whether visa-free or on an appropriate C-category visa. Proof of entry and legal stay is typically required when applying for a residence permit.
• Employment contract with a Georgian entity: A signed employment contract or binding offer from a Georgian employer is usually needed for a Temporary Residence Permit based on employment. This helps authorities confirm the purpose of stay and that the role is genuine.
• Company registration and good standing: The sponsoring employer should be properly registered in Georgia and in good standing with tax and regulatory authorities. This reassures immigration officials that the business is legitimate and capable of employing foreign staff.
• Proof of financial means or salary level: Authorities may look at the proposed salary or other financial evidence to ensure the foreign national can support themselves in Georgia. This can also be relevant for certain residence categories that have minimum income thresholds.
• Accommodation details in Georgia: Some applications require proof of address, such as a lease agreement or ownership document. This helps confirm that the applicant has a place of residence for the duration of their stay.
• Clean criminal record and security considerations: In some cases, background information or declarations regarding criminal history may be requested. Georgia, like many countries, reserves the right to refuse residence where security or public order concerns arise.
• Compliance with health or insurance requirements: While not always strictly enforced in the same way as in some other jurisdictions, applicants may be asked to show health insurance or meet basic health-related conditions. Practice may vary, so it is advisable to confirm current expectations with local authorities.

Work Permit Processing Time in Georgia

Processing times for residence permits and related work authorization in Georgia can vary depending on the category, whether you choose standard or expedited processing, and how quickly you respond to any requests for additional information. Seasonal workload and changes in practice can also influence timelines.

The typical processing time for a work permit or visa in Georgia can vary depending on the type of residence permit, whether the applicant is already in Georgia, and the service level chosen with the Public Service Hall or Public Service Development Agency. Generally, you can expect the following timelines:

• Temporary Residence or Work Permit: Often processed in roughly 1 to 2 months after all documents are submitted, though expedited options may shorten this to around 10 to 20 calendar days if available.
• Permanent Residence: Frequently takes around 3 to 6 months or longer, reflecting more extensive background checks, eligibility assessments, and the need for complete documentation.
• Short-Term Business or Work Visas: Typically issued within about 2 to 4 weeks after submission, assuming the application is complete and relates to short business visits, meetings, or brief work assignments.

Expected Processing Timeline: Employer vs Employee

From a practical standpoint, you should plan for several weeks of preparation and coordination before and after the formal application is filed. Below is a rough, illustrative timeline that many employers use for planning purposes.

• Week 1: Employer finalizes the role, confirms the immigration route, and gathers basic company documents and draft employment terms.
• Week 2: Employee collects personal documents, arranges translations and legalizations if needed, and the parties finalize and sign the employment contract.
• Week 3: Application for the relevant residence permit is submitted at the Public Service Hall or online, and state fees are paid.
• Week 4: Authorities conduct initial review, may request clarifications or additional documents, and the employer and employee respond promptly.
• Week 5: Many standard applications are decided within this period or shortly thereafter, especially if expedited processing was chosen and documentation was complete.
• Week 6: Employee receives the residence card (if approved), and the employer completes onboarding, tax registration, and payroll setup.
• Weeks 7–8: Buffer period for any delays, corrections, or follow-up steps, which is useful when planning start dates and relocation logistics.

Who Does What During Georgia Work Permit Sponsorship?

• Employers are responsible for: Defining the role, confirming that hiring a foreign national is appropriate, preparing corporate documents, issuing a compliant employment contract, and often assisting with the residence permit application and related fees. They must also ensure registration for tax and social contributions, monitor permit expiry dates, and maintain compliance with Georgian labor and immigration laws.
• Employee is responsible for: Providing accurate personal information and supporting documents, including a valid passport, photos, and proof of address, and arranging any required translations or legalizations. They must also submit the residence permit application where required, attend appointments, keep their immigration status valid, and comply with the specific terms of their permit, including role, employer, and duration of stay.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in Georgia

Residence permits that allow work in Georgia, such as employment-based Temporary Residence Permits, are typically granted for a limited period (often up to one year or more) and can be renewed if the underlying employment and other conditions remain in place. Employers and employees should track expiry dates carefully and start the renewal process well in advance, commonly at least 30 to 60 days before the permit expires, to avoid gaps in status.

Renewal usually involves submitting updated documents, such as a current employment contract, confirmation that the company remains active and compliant, and proof that the employee continues to meet eligibility criteria. Practice may vary depending on the type of permit and the specific Public Service Hall or office handling the case, so it is advisable to confirm current renewal rules and timelines with local authorities or qualified immigration counsel.

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 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.

Employer Compliance & Obligations 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.