The application is filed with the Public Service Development Agency (SDA) through a Public Service Hall. It must be filed no later than 40 calendar days before your lawful stay in Georgia expires. Changing employers requires a fresh application with the migration authority.
A work-based residence permit grants the right to reside in Georgia but does not replace the right to work. The work residence permit application carries the unique code assigned by the State Employment Support Agency and the decision on the right to work, so the foreign national first registers in the labour migration system. The procedure is described on our work permit in Georgia page.
Required Documents
- Application form with the unique code assigned by the State Employment Support Agency
- Copy of the travel document and a document confirming lawful stay in Georgia
- Proof of employment or business activity in Georgia, such as a labour contract
- The decision granting the right to work. It need not be submitted if the Agency can verify that right through the electronic system
- Proof of monthly income of at least five times the subsistence minimum for an average consumer in Georgia. If income cannot be shown through employment documents, bank deposits are taken into account
- Revenue Service document on the employer's or enterprise's annual turnover. A company no more than 3 months old may not need it, see the conditions below
- Certificate stating the number of foreign nationals working for the employer
- Colour 3×4 photo in electronic form and proof of fee payment
The employer's or enterprise's annual turnover must be at least GEL 50,000 per foreign national seeking a work residence permit. For educational institutions and medical facilities the threshold is GEL 35,000 per foreign national.
Decision times and state fee
| Review period | State fee |
|---|---|
| 30 calendar days | GEL 300 |
| 20 calendar days | GEL 450 |
| 10 calendar days | GEL 600 |
The fees are set by the Public Service Development Agency. If the company has not yet reached the required turnover, it can apply only under the rule for new companies described below. Other grounds for a residence permit are listed on our residence permit in Georgia page.
Work residence permit for a new company without a turnover certificate
Since 10 July 2026, the turnover certificates are not required if three conditions are met (Article 5(5) of the rules as amended by Government Resolution No 317 of 9 July 2026):
- The company has no more than 3 foreign employees.
- No more than 3 months have passed since the company was founded or registered.
- A work residence permit is issued through this company without the turnover certificate for the first time.
Instead of the turnover certificate, a certificate from the company itself on the number of foreign employees is submitted. In this case the permit is issued for 6 months, and for the next one turnover has to be proven on the general terms. The text names a founder, an entrepreneur and an employee, and does not mention a director or an individual entrepreneur separately. A detailed breakdown is in our article on a work residence permit for a new company.
The Agency's decision can be appealed in court within 10 calendar days of receiving it (Article 17 of the rules as amended by Resolution No 416).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a foreign national work in Georgia on a tourist stay?
Citizens of many countries may remain in Georgia visa-free for up to one year, but this does not automatically confer the right to formal employment. A residence permit based on employment is required to work legally.
Is a separate work permit required in addition to the residence permit?
The work residence permit application carries the unique code assigned by the State Employment Support Agency, so registration in the labour migration system comes first. Whether you also need a separate work permit depends on the type of activity. The procedure is described on our work permit page.
What happens to the residence permit if employment ends?
The residence permit is tied to the employment contract. Early termination of the employment relationship removes the basis for the permit. The SDA must be notified, and the holder must either establish a new basis for residence or depart before the existing status expires.
Can an employee work for multiple employers under a single residence permit?
No. A work-based residence permit is linked to the specific employer named in the contract. Working for a different employer requires a separate permit.
Does this permit apply to remote employees of foreign companies?
Since July 2026, in some cases yes. If a foreign national provides services to a non-resident in connection with its activities outside Georgia, the Law on Labour Migration does not apply to them (Article 1(4)). For a work residence permit they submit a document confirming that activity, without the unique code and the decision on the right to work (Article 5(1¹) of the rules as amended by Resolution No 317). The income and turnover requirements still apply. How the Agency applies this to a specific remote job is worth confirming before you apply.
What income do I need to show for a work residence permit?
Monthly income of at least five times the subsistence minimum for an average consumer in Georgia. If income cannot be shown through employment documents, the SDA takes bank deposits into account, considering the term for which the permit is issued.
What turnover must the employer have?
At least GEL 50,000 a year per foreign national seeking a work residence permit. For educational institutions and medical facilities the threshold is lower: GEL 35,000 per foreign national. Turnover is confirmed by a Revenue Service document. The exception since July 2026: a company no more than 3 months past registration and with no more than 3 foreign employees does not need the turnover certificate for its first work residence permit.
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
The state fee depends on the review period: GEL 300 for 30 calendar days, GEL 450 for 20 days and GEL 600 for 10 days. The application must be filed no later than 40 calendar days before your lawful stay in Georgia expires.
Can I get a work residence permit through a newly opened company?
Yes, since 10 July 2026. If no more than 3 months have passed since the company was registered, it has no more than 3 foreign employees, and the work residence permit is issued through it for the first time, the turnover certificate is not needed. A certificate from the company on the number of foreign employees is submitted instead, and the permit is issued for 6 months.