What do I need for a work residence permit in Georgia?

Checked on 2026-10-25

Georgian law issues a work residence permit to a foreigner who has the right to work. The agency's guidance also asks for monthly income of at least five times the subsistence minimum and proof that the employer or your own company turns over at least GEL 50,000 a year per foreigner. The first permit lasts 6 months to 1 year.

Key facts

What	The law says	Source
Who gets it	A foreigner who has obtained the right to labour activities; the documents are set by a government ordinance	Law on the Legal Status of Aliens, art. 15(a)
First permit	6 months to 1 year	Law on the Legal Status of Aliens, art. 16(1)(a)
Extensions	On the same conditions, up to a limit of 12 years	Law on the Legal Status of Aliens, art. 16(3)
Your income	PSDA guidance: at least five times the subsistence minimum for an average consumer in Georgia per month; bank savings can count instead	PSDA questions and answers, documents for a work residence permit
Employer turnover	PSDA guidance: at least GEL 50,000 a year per foreigner applying; GEL 35,000 for educational institutions and medical facilities	PSDA questions and answers, documents for a work residence permit
New company	PSDA guidance: no turnover proof if no more than 3 foreign workers and no more than 3 months since registration; permit then lasts 6 months	PSDA questions and answers, documents for a work residence permit
Time and fee	PSDA guidance: 30 calendar days, GEL 300; GEL 450 for 20 days; GEL 600 for 10 days	PSDA questions and answers, labour residence permit term and fee
If the job ends	The employer must tell the Agency within 5 days; ending the activity the permit was based on can end your stay	Law on the Legal Status of Aliens, arts. 20¹(5), 21(1)(d)

The right to work comes first

The law issues a work residence permit to a foreigner “who obtained the right to labour activities” (art. 15(a)). The agency’s list of documents includes the decision granting you the right to work, unless the agency can verify it electronically with the State Employment Support Agency, and the online application must include the unique code that agency assigned.

The agency’s guidance also lists people to whom the right-to-work rule does not apply. Among them: holders of a valid investment residence permit; people working fully remotely for a local employer without needing to enter Georgia; people working for or serving a non-resident in connection with that non-resident’s activities outside Georgia; and managers of first-, second- or third-category enterprises under the Law on Accounting, Reporting and Audit.

Documents the agency asks for

A copy of your travel document and of the document showing you stay in Georgia lawfully.
Proof of employment or business in Georgia, such as a labour contract.
The decision granting the right to work (see above).
Proof that your monthly income from work or business in Georgia is at least five times the subsistence minimum for an average consumer. If your contract can’t show it, money in your personal bank account (with a bank reference) can count, with the monthly amount at that level over the permit’s term.
A Revenue Service document showing your employer’s (or your own company’s) annual turnover is at least GEL 50,000 per foreigner applying for a work permit, or GEL 35,000 for an educational institution or medical facility. A company that is not a VAT payer submits certificates showing that, and the turnover for the 12 months before the certificate.
A certificate of how many foreigners the company employs, and a 3×4 cm colour photo.

A company registered no more than 3 months ago with no more than 3 foreign workers doesn’t need the turnover proof; the first permit is then issued for 6 months.

When the job ends

The law requires the employer to inform the Agency within 5 days of ending the employment of a permit holder (art. 20¹(5)). Ending the activity or relationship your permit was based on is a ground for the Agency to end your stay (art. 21(1)(d)).

Processing and fees for all permit types: see the PSDA questions and answers.
Moving to another permit type: a foreigner who stays lawfully and holds any residence permit may apply for another type if they meet its requirements (Law on the Legal Status of Aliens, art. 14(2)).

Sources

Change history

2026-10-25: Page created

This is general information, not legal advice, and Lumen is not a law firm. Rules change and offices differ: check the official sources above before you act. Found something wrong or out of date? Write to support@lumen.observer.