Georgia · work sponsored · Leads to settlement
Work Residence Permit
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Source check: all 3 official citations reconfirmed 11 July 2026
Georgia's main residence permit for foreign nationals working for, or carrying out entrepreneurial activity through, a Georgian-registered entity.
- Processing time
- Indicative only - the Agency publishes standard and expedited timelines; confirm current processing on the official portal.
- Government fees
- Indicative only - a state fee applies and varies with the chosen processing speed; confirm current amounts on the official page.
- Typical duration
- Issued as a temporary residence permit, commonly for up to a year at a time and renewable; longer initial validity can apply - confirm on the official page.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
In short
As of 10 July 2026, the Work Residence Permit for Georgia is a sponsor-led Georgia immigration route. Sources: official Georgia government pages, reviewed 10 July 2026.
Cite this: https://visaatlas.org/visas/georgia/work-residence-permit#answer
What is the Work Residence Permit in Georgia?
Work Residence Permit is a sponsor-led Georgia route. Indicative government fees are Indicative only - a state fee applies and varies with the chosen processing speed; confirm current amounts on the official page; indicative processing time is Indicative only - the Agency publishes standard and expedited timelines; confirm current processing on the official portal; typical duration is Issued as a temporary residence permit, commonly for up to a year at a time and renewable; longer initial validity can apply - confirm on the official page. This route can lead to permanent residence.
Verified against Public Service Development Agency (Ministry of Justice of Georgia) on 1 June 2026.
Overview
The work (labour) residence permit is issued to foreign nationals who carry out entrepreneurial or labour activity in Georgia, normally on the basis of employment by, or engagement with, a locally registered entity. It is decided by the Public Service Development Agency and is typically tied to evidence that the role and the employing entity are genuine. Time held on a temporary residence permit counts toward eligibility for permanent residence after around ten years.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓The applicant carries out labour or entrepreneurial activity in Georgia, normally evidenced by engagement with a locally registered entity.Public Service Development Agency (Ministry of Justice of Georgia) ↗
- ✓The employing or engaging entity meets the turnover and employment conditions the Agency applies when assessing the genuineness of the role.Public Service Development Agency (Ministry of Justice of Georgia) ↗
- ✓The applicant holds a valid passport and is not subject to grounds for refusal under Georgian migration rules.Public Service Development Agency (Ministry of Justice of Georgia) ↗
- ✓A complete document set is submitted to the Public Service Development Agency in person or online.Public Service Development Agency (Ministry of Justice of Georgia) ↗
Common blockers
- !No genuine Georgian employer or registered entrepreneurial activity behind the application.Public Service Development Agency (Ministry of Justice of Georgia) ↗
- !The employing entity cannot show the turnover or staffing the Agency expects for a work permit.Public Service Development Agency (Ministry of Justice of Georgia) ↗
- !Grounds for refusal under Georgian migration law, such as prior breaches of stay conditions.Public Service Development Agency (Ministry of Justice of Georgia) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Valid passport and a recent photograph.Public Service Development Agency (Ministry of Justice of Georgia) ↗
- ·Employment contract or proof of entrepreneurial activity with the Georgian entity.Public Service Development Agency (Ministry of Justice of Georgia) ↗
- ·Documents on the entity's registration, turnover and employment as required by the Agency.Public Service Development Agency (Ministry of Justice of Georgia) ↗
- ·Proof of payment of the applicable state fee.Public Service Development Agency (Ministry of Justice of Georgia) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm you have, or can secure, a genuine employment or entrepreneurial relationship with a Georgian-registered entity that meets the Agency's conditions.
Build the evidence pack
Assemble the contract or business documents, entity turnover and staffing proof, passport and photograph.
Submit through the official channel
File the application with the Public Service Development Agency in person or via its online service and pay the state fee.
After approval
Collect the residence card, comply with stay conditions, and renew before expiry; track time held toward permanent residence.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicant + sponsorUse official Work Residence Permit route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Work Residence Permit.
Public Service Development Agency (Ministry of Justice of Georgia) · verified
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Investment Residence Permit
A longer-validity residence permit for foreign nationals who make a qualifying investment in Georgia above an official threshold.
Permanent Residence Permit
Georgia's settlement permit, generally available after holding temporary residence permits for around ten years, or sooner for certain family members of Georgian citizens.
Frequently asked questions
Does the work residence permit lead to permanent residence?+
Time lawfully held on temporary residence permits counts toward permanent residence, which is generally available after around ten years. Confirm the current rule on the official SDA page.
Can I apply from inside Georgia?+
Applications are made to the Public Service Development Agency and can often be submitted in person or online while lawfully present. Confirm where and how to apply on the official SDA page.
Can I get a Georgian work permit by setting up my own company instead of being hired?+
Yes - the Work Residence Permit covers foreign nationals carrying out entrepreneurial activity through a Georgian-registered entity, not only those employed by one. The Agency assesses whether the role and entity are genuine, including the entity's turnover and employment conditions. Confirm the requirements on the official SDA page.
As a remote worker, can I formalise my status with a work permit instead of staying visa-free?+
The Work Residence Permit is for foreign nationals carrying out labour or entrepreneurial activity through a Georgian-registered entity, so it normally requires a genuine local employer or registered business. Remote workers formalising a local employment relationship are listed among those it suits, but it is not designed for those earning solely from foreign clients without a Georgian entity. Confirm the conditions on the official SDA page.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor in GeorgiaHow we verified this
We check every figure on this page against the primary government source, record the date it was last checked, and re-check it on a regular schedule. Rules change, so always confirm time-sensitive details with the official source before you rely on them. Visa Atlas is an information-only publication and does not give legal advice.
Primary source: Public Service Development Agency (Ministry of Justice of Georgia)
Last checked: 1 June 2026