Foreigners willing to work in Georgia will need to obtain a long-term visa, which functions as a work permit and also allows the owner to obtain a residence permit upon arrival in Georgia.

Category D1 visa (D - category for immigrant visa) is a visa used by individuals who come to the country for work, whether for contract work or for business activities.

Once a foreigner has established that they will start working in the country (an employment contract has been concluded), the employer is required by law to notify the Ministry of Labor, Health and Social Affairs of the immigrant's employment. This notification is sent to the Ministry within 30 days from the date of concluding the employment contract.

However, depending on the type of work, a foreigner may need to apply for another type D visa.

In particular:

• D2 visa is issued for individuals engaged in freelance work (other than business, which falls into category D1), or scientific, sports, cultural or educational activities; trainees and members of the press also apply for this visa;
• D3 visa is issued for individuals who come to the Georgian research center or authorized educational institution for the purpose of engaging in scientific activities.

To apply for a long-stay visa for employment purposes, the following documents must be provided:

For employed foreigners:

• Employment contract (original certificate from the place of work indicating the position in the company and salary);
• Bank statement for the last 6 months;
• Leave approval letter from the employer;
• Income tax return (ITR)

For self-employed individuals / entrepreneurs:

• Confirmation of a business license (company registration);
• Statement from the bank account of the company for the last 6 months;
• Income tax return (ITR)

After approval of the visa application, the employee can travel to Georgia. Once in the country, the employee will need to obtain a residence permit from a civil service development agency.

Spouses and dependents traveling to Georgia with an employee will also need residence permits. Residence permits for foreign workers are valid for one year, after which they are entitled to renewal for up to five years.

A residence permit in Georgia is issued to individuals coming to Georgia for business or employment, as well as to freelancers.