Legal employment of foreign citizens in Georgia and obtaining a work permit or work residence permit is a complex process requiring detailed legal knowledge. Recent stricter immigration policies have imposed new obligations on businesses, including the mandatory registration of foreign employees in a special database of the Ministry of Health. Obtaining a work permit (more precisely, a work residence permit) is essential for foreigners planning long-term employment in Georgia whose visa-free stay is insufficient.
An incorrectly completed application or incomplete documentation can lead to rejection, disrupting business processes and risking the foreigner's legal status. Specialists registered on Legal.ge offer comprehensive services: from documentation audit to representation at the Public Service Development Agency (PSDA). This service is designed for both individuals and companies wishing to attract international talent.
What does the Work Permit Applications service cover?
- Document Preparation: Drafting employment contracts, salary certificates, and other mandatory documents in compliance with legal requirements.
- Turnover Verification: Analyzing company financial documents to confirm the statutory annual turnover (35,000 or 50,000 GEL per foreigner).
- Online Registration: Registering the employer and foreign employee on the Ministry of Health, Labour and Social Affairs portal.
- Representation at Public Service Hall: Filing applications and monitoring the process, with immediate response to any identified deficiencies.
- Appeal Procedures: Appealing negative decisions in court or with a superior administrative body.
- D1 Category Visa: Assistance in obtaining an immigration visa (D1) at Georgian consulates abroad, often a prerequisite for a residence permit.
Common scenarios requiring this service
A typical scenario is an IT company wanting to bring in a foreign developer. The company must have sufficient turnover, and the employee must have a contract meeting minimum salary requirements (at least 5 times the subsistence minimum). Another scenario is a foreign investor appointed as a director of a Georgian company needing a residence permit. A third case involves a student who graduated from a Georgian university and is starting work; they need to switch from a student to a work residence permit.
Georgian Legal Framework
The process is regulated by the Law on the Legal Status of Aliens and Stateless Persons and the Law on Labor Migration. Government decrees defining the minimum salary and company turnover amount for obtaining a residence permit are crucial. Regulations effective from 2023 mandate prior announcement of vacancies and confirmation of inability to find local staff in certain cases.
Step-by-step service process
First, the lawyer assesses the company's and candidate's compliance with criteria (Eligibility Check). Then, an employment contract with specific terms is prepared. Registration in the Ministry of Health database follows. With the received confirmation and other documents, the lawyer applies to the Public Service Development Agency. The process concludes with obtaining the Residence Card (Bina).
Why choose a specialist on Legal.ge?
Immigration procedures are full of bureaucratic details that, if ignored, can be costly for employers. On Legal.ge, you will find lawyers specializing in immigration law who ensure the process runs smoothly.
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