Immigration Sponsorship is a process where a company or individual registered in Georgia takes responsibility for the legal status of a foreign employee or family member. The employer's role is decisive for obtaining a work residence permit, as they must confirm the fact of the foreigner's employment, salary amount, and the company's financial stability. A D1 category visa is the first step in the labor migration process, followed by obtaining a residence permit. This service is vital for expats, digital nomads, and investors wishing to live and work legally in Georgia.
Procedures for D1 visas and subsequent residence permits require precise coordination between employer and employee. It is common for consulates or the Public Service Development Agency to refuse visas/residence permits due to documentation errors or unsubstantiated purpose. Lawyers registered on Legal.ge ensure full support: from filling out the visa application to receiving the residence card, guaranteeing your immigration status.
What does the Immigration Sponsorship service cover?
- D1 Visa Support: Preparing necessary documentation (invitation, contract) for obtaining a work visa at Georgian consulates.
- Work Residence Permit: Preparing and submitting applications at the Public Service Hall, auditing employer's financial documents.
- Family Reunification: Obtaining D4 category visas and residence permits for the spouse and children of the employed foreigner.
- Sponsor Obligations: Advising the employer on their legal responsibilities towards the foreigner.
- Status Renewal: Timely filing of new applications before the expiration of the current residence permit.
- Appeal of Refusals: Preparing administrative complaints or lawsuits in case of visa or residence permit refusal.
Common scenarios requiring this service
A typical scenario involves a foreigner who arrived in Georgia as a tourist (visa-free), found a job, and now wants residency. They usually need to leave the country to get a D1 visa (or use legal exceptions) and then apply for residence. Another scenario is a company appointing a foreigner as a director and needing to organize documents for them and their family. A third case involves a freelancer working for a foreign company but living in Georgia, desiring legal status (e.g., via Individual Entrepreneur turnover).
Georgian Legal Framework
The process is regulated by the Law on the Legal Status of Aliens and Stateless Persons. The D1 category visa is issued for labor activities. Obtaining a residence permit requires an employment contract confirming minimum income (5 times the subsistence minimum) and company turnover. Decisions are made by the Public Service Development Agency, and for visas - by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Step-by-step service process
The lawyer analyzes the client's current status. If a visa is needed, an electronic application is prepared for the consulate. After obtaining the visa, the lawyer collects documents for residence (income certificates, turnover, photos) and submits them to the Public Service Hall. The process concludes with obtaining the residence card.
Why choose a specialist on Legal.ge?
Immigration rules are complex and change frequently. On Legal.ge, you will find lawyers experienced in complex immigration cases who can find the optimal path for your legalization.
Updated: ...