The Georgian government has amended the decree governing the procedures for issuing residence permits. The new regulations clarify financial requirements and turnover thresholds needed to obtain a work residence permit.
The amendments mainly affect labor migration, IT employees, and investment residence permits.
The decree updates terminology and specifies that concepts used in the rules are defined according to the Laws On the Legal Status of Foreigners and Stateless Persons and On Labor Migration.
Certain groups no longer need a separate right to labor activity when obtaining a temporary residence permit: Refugees and persons with various protection statuses, employees of diplomatic missions and international organizations, accredited foreign media journalists, persons with special status under international agreement, holders of investment residence permits.
Foreigners applying for a work residence must now provide a unique code from the employment agency, confirm income of at least five times the subsistence minimum, and, if required, prove funds in a bank account.
Employing companies must meet minimum turnover requirements of 50,000 GEL per foreigner per year, 35,000 GEL per foreigner in the education and medical sectors, and companies not registered as VAT payers must confirm turnover through official documents.
The minimum real estate investment is now 150,000 USD, excluding agricultural land. The procedure for family members of investors has also been clarified, with a detailed list of required documents, including proof of kinship.
Foreigners working in IT must meet specific criteria, including at least two years of experience in the IT sector, a minimum income of 25,000 USD in the past year, and income confirmed twice with a 30-day interval.
These rules also apply to individual entrepreneurs with small business status and representatives of international IT companies, with additional documentation requirements.
Applications submitted before the decree’s entry into force will follow the old rules. All new regulations take effect immediately upon publication.
