Georgia has announced the launch of a new temporary residence permit program for foreign IT professionals starting September 1, 2025. This initiative will allow qualified professionals to legally live and work in the country for up to 12 years. Find out what requirements will be imposed on candidates, the benefits of the program, the conditions of stay and the government's plan for the country's digital transformation

Georgia is actively transforming into a new digital hub. In particular, from September 1, 2025, a special program for obtaining a temporary residence permit for foreign IT specialists, including citizens of Ireland, Germany and Canada, will be launched in the country, which will allow for a faster and easier process of obtaining residence permits.

The new initiative was developed by the ruling Georgian Dream party. The draft law is already under consideration by the parliament and is expected to be adopted in the first half of 2025.

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Who will be able to obtain a residence permit in Georgia for IT specialists?

The following three categories of applicants will be entitled to obtain a residence permit for IT specialists:

- IT sector employees registered with the Ministry of Labor of Georgia.

- Freelancers and individual entrepreneurs with small business status who are engaged in IT activities approved by the government.

- Representatives of international IT companies and their family members.

Requirements for applicants to obtain a residence permit for IT specialists in Georgia

According to the legislation, an applicant for a Georgian visa for digital nomads must meet the following requirements:

1. Have at least 2 years of work experience in the IT sector.

2. Confirm income in the amount of 25,000 USD per year.

Important! A visa for IT specialists will be issued subject to the submission of official documents confirming qualifications and income (contracts, tax returns, certificates, etc.).

- Requirements for family members of IT specialists in Georgia

Families of specialists are automatically entitled to a residence permit.

Conditions and benefits of a visa for remote workers in Georgia

- A residence permit for IT specialists in Georgia is issued for 3 years with the right to extend it to 12 years (maximum period of stay).

- A foreigner must stay in Georgia for at least 183 days per year. In case of violation, the permit is canceled. Exceptions are possible for medical reasons that must be officially confirmed.

To control the duration of stay, it is planned to introduce electronic monitoring of the stay of IT specialists in the country.

The Georgian government must develop and publish a complete list of documents and the procedure for applying for a Georgian IT visa by July 1, 2025.

Why did Georgia introduce a visa for remote workers?

The main goal of the new visa for digital nomads in Georgia is to turn the country into an attractive center for digital specialists.

According to the government’s plan, the number of IT professionals should increase to 100,000 over the next 5 years.

Economic growth is also expected: over GEL 24 billion (~$8.7 billion) in IT revenue, GEL 159.6 million in budget revenues, and over 33% growth in tax payments in this sector.

Georgia is a country of opportunities for digital nomads

The launch of a remote worker visa is a step that complements existing initiatives, such as:

- Long-term electronic visa for professionals and entrepreneurs.

- “Remotely from Georgia” is a program for remote workers launched during the pandemic.

It is predicted that the approval of a new remote worker permit will create a simple tax environment for freelancers and small businesses.

Is Georgia suitable for digital nomads?

- Benefits for digital nomads in Georgia

1. Easy entry and residence

Most citizens of Europe, North America, Australia and over 90 other countries can stay in Georgia for up to 1 year without a visa. From 2025, there will also be a special program for obtaining a residence permit for IT specialists.

2. Tax benefits for freelancers

If you register as an individual entrepreneur with small business status, you can pay only 1% tax on income up to ~$155,000 per year.

3. Low cost of living

The cost of rent, food and transportation is much lower than in the EU or the USA. You can live comfortably in Tbilisi for $800–1,200/month.

4. Fast internet and growing tech community

Wide fiber coverage (100+ Mbps in cities), coworking spaces, IT conferences, active digital community (especially in Tbilisi and Batumi).

5. Nature, culture, gastronomy

Mountains, sea, historic cities – all within a few hours’ drive. Local cuisine and winemaking are also impressive.

- Possible challenges for remote workers in Georgia

1. Language barrier

While young people often speak English, knowledge of Georgian or Russian may be required in provinces or government institutions.

2. Medical system

Medicine is accessible and inexpensive, but the quality varies. For serious treatment, expats usually choose private clinics or travel abroad.

3. Political instability

From time to time, internal protests or geopolitical tensions arise. It is important to follow the news.

Georgia is a very attractive country for digital nomads, especially considering the new residence permit program, tax benefits, climate and community. But it is important to consider bureaucratic nuances, technical infrastructure and personal needs (for example, access to healthcare or banking).

If you are an IT specialist, freelancer or work for an international company, Georgia can be an ideal destination for relocation from autumn 2025.

Follow the news on the Visit World portal so as not to miss the official launch of the program and the publication of step-by-step instructions for submitting documents.

Get advice from a migration lawyer to find out the current rules for moving to Georgia in 2025.

Reminder! Georgia has launched a program that offers foreigners the opportunity to obtain citizenship of the country by making significant financial contributions to the country's economy. This initiative is aimed at attracting foreign investment and stimulating the economic development of Georgia. We have already told you what investment methods are available to expats, what requirements are imposed on applicants and the advantages of a Georgian passport.

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