Moving to Georgia in 2026: What Work Permits Are Available to Foreigners

Georgia offers foreigners several ways to obtain a residence permit: through employment, entrepreneurship, education, family ties, investment, or real estate. The requirements, documentation, and processing times depend on the chosen basis. Learn more about the types of residence permits in Georgia, the requirements for applicants, and the application process in 2026

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Foreigners may reside in Georgia under various legal grounds: ranging from long-term visa-free stays to obtaining a temporary or permanent residence permit. Citizens of many countries, including Ukraine, are eligible to stay in the country without a visa for one full year. However, a separate status may be required for work, business, study, family reunification, or long-term relocation.

Georgian law provides for several types of residence permits, each with its own financial, documentary, and procedural requirements. For example, foreigners can obtain a residence permit based on employment or entrepreneurial activity, the purchase of real estate worth more than $150,000, investments, education, or family ties. In this article, we’ll explore the main options for legal residency in Georgia in 2026, the required documents, processing times, costs, and the steps to obtain a residence permit.

Earlier, we talked about the European countries where it is easiest to get a work visa and start a career abroad.

Planning to move to Europe or apply for a residence permit? Migration legislation is changing rapidly, and even a minor error in the documents can cost months of waiting or refusal.

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What types of residence permits are available in Georgia?

The type of residence permit in Georgia depends on the purpose of relocation and the grounds that the applicant can substantiate. For some foreigners, employment or running their own business will be the best option; for others, it will be education, family ties, real estate purchase, or investment.

The main options include:

1. Work Residence Permit. Issued to registered work immigrants who are authorized to work in Georgia, as well as to foreigners engaged in entrepreneurial activities. To apply, you must provide proof of employment or business ownership, sufficient income, and meet the established financial requirements regarding the employer’s or business’s turnover.

2. Study Residence Permit. Intended for foreigners studying at authorized educational institutions in Georgia. The applicant must provide proof of enrollment indicating the expected duration of study and confirm sufficient financial support.

3. Residence Permit for Family Reunification. Available to family members of a foreign national who already holds a residence permit in Georgia. Key documents include proof of family relationship and financial support.

4. Short-Term Residence Permit. This may be obtained by a foreign national who owns real estate in Georgia—excluding agricultural land—with a market value exceeding $150,000 in GEL equivalent. On this basis, the permit may also be granted to the owner’s spouse and children.

5. Investment Residence Permit. Intended for foreigners who have invested at least $300,000 in the Georgian economy or who own real estate—excluding agricultural land—with a market value of over $300,000. The program also applies to the investor’s family members as defined by law.

6. IT Residence Permit. A special temporary permit for certain categories of foreign IT professionals, entrepreneurs with small business status, and representatives of international IT companies. For some applicants, there is a requirement of at least two years of experience in the IT field and income from such activities of at least $25,000 in the past year.

7. Residence Permit for Indefinite Stay. One pathway to indefinite residence is available to holders of an investment permit who have fulfilled the established conditions regarding investment or the retention of ownership of real estate of the specified value for five years.

Certain categories of permits are also available for special cases; however, for most foreigners moving to Georgia to work, study, conduct business, or reside long-term, the options listed above are the most practical.

It is important not to focus solely on the ease of obtaining a residence permit. You should immediately consider its validity period, renewal options, financial requirements, and prospects for transitioning to long-term or indefinite status.

We previously reported that Georgia is launching a new C5 visa for remote workers.

Residence Permits in Georgia Through Employment or Self-Employment

Employment and entrepreneurial activity remain among the main grounds for obtaining a residence permit in Georgia. A Work Residence Permit can be obtained by registered work immigrants who are authorized to work in the country, as well as by foreigners engaged in entrepreneurial activity in accordance with Georgian law.

To obtain such a residence permit, an employment contract or business registration alone is not sufficient. The applicant must confirm actual economic activity and compliance with financial requirements.

The main requirements include:

- Documentary proof of employment or business activity in Georgia

- Monthly income from employment or business of at least five times the subsistence minimum for the average consumer in Georgia

- The employer’s or business’s annual turnover must be at least 50,000 GEL for each foreign national applying for a Work Residence Permit

- A lower threshold applies to educational and medical institutions—at least 35,000 GEL per foreign applicant

If the required income cannot be directly confirmed by documents related to employment or entrepreneurial activity, the agency may take into account funds in the applicant’s personal bank account. The amount must be sufficient to confirm the required monthly income level for the entire duration of the permit.

What documents are required?

The basic package includes an application form, a copy of the passport, a document confirming legal residence in Georgia, proof of employment or business activity, documents regarding income and business turnover, a 3×4 cm digital photo, and a receipt for payment of the state fee. For salaried employees, the application must also include a unique code obtained during the registration of the work immigrant in the relevant government electronic system.

Application processing can be expedited depending on the selected service plan. As of 2026, applying for a Work Residence Permit costs 300 GEL for processing within 30 calendar days, 450 GEL for 20 days, or 600 GEL for 10 days.

Thus, company registration or entrepreneur status alone does not guarantee the issuance of a Work Residence Permit.

For long-term legal residency through employment or business, you must demonstrate that the business is actually operating, generates sufficient income, and meets the established economic criteria.

In a previous article, we reported that Georgia introduced mandatory work permits for foreigners starting in March 2026.

How to Obtain a Residence Permit in Georgia Through Real Estate Purchase?

Purchasing real estate is another way to obtain a residence permit in Georgia; however, simply owning an apartment or house does not automatically grant the right to a residence permit. What matters most is the market value of the property and its category.

To obtain a Short-Term Residence Permit, a foreign national must own real estate in Georgia with a market value exceeding $150,000 in GEL equivalent. Agricultural land does not count toward this requirement. The property’s value must be confirmed by a report from a certified appraiser.

Not only the owners themselves can obtain a permit based on real estate ownership. This right also extends to:

- The owner’s spouse

- Minor children

- Other family members in cases expressly provided for by Georgian law

To submit an application, you typically need a passport, proof of legal residence in the country, a document confirming ownership of the real estate, a market valuation report, a photo, and proof of payment of the state fee. Ownership information is verified through the Georgian State Registry.

A Short-Term Residence Permit is issued for a limited period and may be renewed provided that the foreign national continues to own property that meets the established value threshold. Therefore, before purchasing real estate specifically for the purpose of legalizing one’s status, it is important to verify not only the price in the contract but also the market value confirmed by an official appraisal.

If the property’s value exceeds $300,000, another option may be available to the foreign national: the Investment Residence Permit. It has separate requirements and can be part of the path to permanent residency in Georgia.

We previously reported that Georgia has raised the minimum threshold for a real estate investor visa to $150,000.

Investment Residence Permit and the Path to Permanent Residency

For foreigners willing to invest significant capital in Georgia, there is a separate category—the Investment Residence Permit. This may be of interest not only as a means of legalizing one’s status but also as a long-term path to permanent residency in the country.

An investment residence permit can be obtained on one of two main grounds:

1. Invest at least $300,000 (in GEL equivalent) in the Georgian economy

2. Own real estate in Georgia—excluding agricultural land—with a market value of more than $300,000 in GEL equivalent. The value must be confirmed by a certified appraiser

In the case of a direct investment, the applicant must confirm the investment amount with a report from a certified auditor. The document package also includes a passport, proof of legal residence in Georgia, an application form, a digital photo, a receipt for payment of the fee, and a written recommendation from a member of the Georgian government or three Georgian citizens authorized to represent a Georgian business.

How to obtain permanent residency?

The investment program provides the opportunity to obtain a Residence Permit for Indefinite Stay after five years; however, the conditions depend on the specific basis on which the investment permit was issued.

If the Investment Residence Permit was obtained through an investment of $300,000 or more, the investor must demonstrate the required minimum annual turnover for their business operations in Georgia:

- At least $50,000 in the first year

- At least $100,000 in the second year

- At least $120,000 annually during the third, fourth, and fifth years

If the Investment Residence Permit was obtained through real estate valued at over $300,000, maintaining ownership of the property for five years is required to transition to indefinite status. The law allows for the replacement of the property provided that the established requirements are met.

The investment permit may also extend to the investor’s family members as defined by law, specifically a spouse and minor children. Therefore, for applicants who view Georgia as a country for long-term residence, the investment program offers significantly broader opportunities than a standard short-term residence permit based on real estate.

Learn more about Georgia’s citizenship-by-investment program by following the link.

Residence Permits in Georgia for Study and Family Reunification

Study and family ties can also serve as grounds for obtaining a residence permit in Georgia. Both options require confirmation of a specific purpose of stay and sufficient funds to cover living expenses.

Residence Permit for Students

Foreign nationals studying at an authorized educational institution in Georgia may obtain a Study Residence Permit. The application must be accompanied by a certificate from the educational institution confirming enrollment and the expected duration of studies.

Financial security is a separate requirement. The applicant may confirm legal income in Georgia or funds in their own bank account. In the latter case, the amount, calculated for each month of the permit’s validity, must be no less than twice the minimum subsistence level for the average consumer in Georgia.

The basic set of documents includes a passport, proof of legal residence in the country, a certificate from the educational institution, proof of financial support, a 3×4 cm digital photo, and a receipt for payment of the fee.

Residence Permit for Family Reunification

The Residence Permit for Family Reunification is intended for family members of a foreign national who already holds a valid residence permit in Georgia. The applicant must provide documentary evidence of their family relationship with the residence permit holder and demonstrate sufficient financial means to support themselves.

The required documents include an application, passport, proof of legal residence, documents proving family ties, proof of income or funds in a bank account, a photo, and a receipt for payment. A similar guideline applies to funds in the bank account: for each month of the permit’s validity, there must be an amount equivalent to at least two times the subsistence minimum for the average consumer.

For both categories, the standard processing time is 30 calendar days for 300 GEL. Expedited processing is available for 450 GEL within 20 days or 600 GEL within 10 days.

At the same time, a student residence permit should be viewed specifically as a status tied to education. Periods of residence in Georgia based on studies do not count toward the 10-year period generally required for a foreign national to obtain a permanent residence permit.

We previously reported that Georgia is tightening residence permit rules for students and spouses of foreign nationals.

IT Residence Permit in Georgia

A separate IT Residence Permit is available in Georgia for professionals in the digital sector. This is a temporary residence permit that can be obtained not only by salaried IT specialists but also by certain categories of entrepreneurs and executives of international IT companies.

The following individuals are eligible for this status:

- Foreign IT professionals registered as migrant workers who have obtained the right to work in Georgia

- Foreign nationals registered in Georgia as sole proprietors with small business status who are engaged in specific types of IT activities

- Individuals authorized to manage and represent an international company operating in the IT sector

- Family members of permit holders

There are fairly specific criteria for salaried IT professionals and entrepreneurs. The applicant must demonstrate at least two years of work experience or economic activity in the IT sector, as well as income from such activity over the past 12 months of at least $25,000 in GEL equivalent. Documents must confirm that the applicant received the corresponding remuneration at least twice during the year, with an interval of at least 30 days between payments.

Entrepreneurs must additionally have small business status in Georgia and operate in specific types of economic activities. These include, in particular, software development, IT consulting, computer systems management, data processing, and web portal operations.

What documents are required?

The specific set of documents depends on the applicant’s category, but typically includes a passport, proof of legal residence in Georgia, confirmation of professional experience, income, and the right to work, a 3×4 cm digital photo, and a receipt for payment of the fee.

For migrant workers and entrepreneurs, the application must also include a unique code assigned by the State Agency for Employment Promotion.

Documents issued outside of Georgia must be legalized or apostilled for the purpose of obtaining an IT Residence Permit, unless an international treaty provides for a different procedure.

The IT Residence Permit is particularly interesting because it creates a separate legalization mechanism for technology sector professionals, without requiring them to rely solely on the general rules for work visas. At the same time, compliance with professional and financial criteria must be confirmed with supporting documents, so it’s advisable to start preparing the application package well in advance.

In a previous article, we reported that Georgia is simplifying the process of obtaining a residence permit for foreign IT specialists.

How to Apply for a Residence Permit in Georgia: A Step-by-Step Guide?

The procedure for obtaining a residence permit in Georgia depends on the chosen basis, but the general process is the same for most applicants. Documents can be submitted in person, through an authorized representative, or remotely via the electronic services of the State Agency for Service Development.

1. Determine the basis for the residence permit

First, you must select the category for which the applicant actually meets the requirements: employment or business, study, family reunification, real estate, investment, IT-related activities, or another basis provided for by law.

2. Verify the legality of your stay in Georgia

As a general rule, a residence permit is issued to a foreign national who is legally residing in the country. For most categories, you must apply to the agency no later than 40 calendar days before the expiration of your authorized period of stay. Exceptions to this rule apply to investment, short-term, IT, and a number of special residence permits.

3. Prepare the documents

The basic package typically includes an application form, passport, proof of legal residence, a digital photo, and a receipt for payment of the fee. The remaining documents depend on the basis for the permit: these may include an employment contract, a university transcript, proof of family ties, a real estate title deed, an appraiser’s report, or investment documents.

4. Submit the application

You can apply at a regional office of the Public Service Development Agency, a branch of the Public Service Hall, a community center, or use the agency’s remote service. For many types of permits, a separate online application is available on the official website.

5. Pay the state fee and select a processing timeframe

For most temporary categories, the standard fees are 300 GEL for processing within 30 calendar days, 450 GEL for up to 20 days, and 600 GEL for up to 10 days. Fees may vary for certain types of residence permits.

6. Receive a decision on the residence permit

After reviewing the documents, the agency decides whether to grant or deny the residence permit. It is important to note that a positive decision on the residence permit does not yet complete the legalization process.

7. Obtain a residence card

A foreign national who has been granted a residence permit is required to obtain a residence card regardless of age.

To do this, you must contact a regional office of the Public Service Development Agency or a Public Service Hall. In Georgia, temporary and permanent residence cards are issued depending on the type of status granted.

In our previous article, we discussed the top 5 EU countries for starting an offline business in 2026.

How much does it cost and how long does it take to obtain a residence permit in Georgia?

The cost of obtaining a residence permit in Georgia depends primarily on the speed of application processing and the specific category of residence permit. For most temporary permits, the standard fee schedule of the State Agency for Public Service Development applies.

Basic fees in 2026:

- 300 GEL — application processing within 30 calendar days

- 450 GEL — within 20 calendar days

- 600 GEL — within 10 calendar days

This is only the government fee for processing the application. Additional costs may include translations of documents into Georgian, notarization, an apostille or legalization, and the services of a certified real estate appraiser or auditor. Once the residence permit is approved, a residence card is issued separately, for which a set fee is also payable.

It is important to note that the 10-, 20-, or 30-day timeframe refers specifically to the administrative review period. Preparing the documents may take additional time, especially if the applicant needs to obtain certificates from abroad, have the real estate appraised, or legalize documents.

Therefore, submitting an application at the last minute is risky. For most categories, applicants are required to apply for a residence permit at least 40 calendar days before the end of their legal period of stay in Georgia. Preparing in advance helps avoid a situation where even expedited processing would no longer be enough to meet the deadlines set by law.

If you are planning to legalize, apply for a residence permit or submit migration documents abroad, the assistance of specialized migration lawyers can significantly simplify the process. Specialists will help you assess your chances of obtaining legal status, prepare a package of documents, avoid common mistakes, and accompany you at all stages of the migration procedure: from the initial consultation to obtaining a decision from the migration authorities.

We remind you! New economic indicators show which countries have been able to increase their GDP and which have lost ground due to inflation and slowing growth. Ranking of the richest countries in the world in 2026 — follow the link.

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