A work or business residence permit lets a foreigner live in Georgia while working for a Georgian employer or running a business. This guide summarises the official Public Service Development Agency (SDA) conditions: income, company turnover, documents and fees.
Who can apply?
The permit is issued to a labour immigrant registered with the relevant ministry, or to a foreigner who carries out entrepreneurial activity in Georgia under Georgian law.
Income requirement
The monthly income from work or business must be at least five times the minimum subsistence level for the average consumer in Georgia. Personal bank deposits can be counted with the same threshold. The subsistence figure is updated by the state, so check the current amount.
Employer or company turnover
- At least GEL 50,000 annual turnover for each foreigner who applies.
- For educational institutions and medical facilities, at least GEL 35,000 per foreigner.
Documents
- Application form with the unique registration code
- Copy of the travel document
- Proof of lawful stay in Georgia
- Proof of employment or business activity
- Proof of income
- Revenue Service document confirming turnover
- Certificate of the number of foreigners employed
- Colour photo 3×4 cm in electronic form
- Proof of payment of the fee
State fees
- 30 calendar days: GEL 300
- 20 calendar days: GEL 450
- 10 calendar days: GEL 600
Common mistakes
- Company turnover that is below the required level for the number of foreign employees.
- Income proof that does not match the required multiple of the subsistence level.
- Applying late, when the lawful stay is about to end.
Related guides
Read our guides to the temporary residence permit, Georgia employee residency and the complete guide to immigrating to Georgia.
MITC can prepare your company documents, the Revenue Service turnover certificate and the application itself.
Source: Public Service Development Agency of Georgia (sda.gov.ge). Rules and amounts can change; verify them on the official website before applying.
