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Branch Office Immigration Support

Is a branch a separate legal entity?

No, a branch office is not a separate legal entity but a structural unit of the foreign parent company, which bears full liability.

Do employees need health insurance?

Yes, foreign employees must have health insurance coverage in Georgia to apply for residence permits.

Can I pay salaries in foreign currency?

No, according to Georgian law, salaries must be paid in Georgian Lari (GEL) to local bank accounts, although they can be pegged to foreign currency in the contract.

Do EU citizens need a work permit?

EU citizens can live and work in Georgia visa-free for 1 year. However, obtaining a residence ID is recommended for opening bank accounts and signing long-term contracts.

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Branch Office Immigration Support is a specialized corporate service for international companies opening representation in Georgia. Establishing a branch is often used as a strategic step for regional expansion or creating an IT/outsourcing hub. This service focuses on "Intra-Corporate Transfers" (ICT), where a company needs to bring high-skilled personnel (managers, specialists) to Georgia. Lawyers manage the entire process: from branch registration to obtaining mass work residence permits for employees and legalizing their families.

What Does the Branch Immigration Service Cover?

Our service ensures a smooth corporate relocation process:

  • Branch Registration: Registering the foreign company's branch in the Public Registry, preparing powers of attorney, and legalization/apostille.
  • D1 Category Visas: Obtaining immigration visas for employees before arrival in Georgia.
  • Work Residence: Acquiring residence permits for employees based on employment contracts.
  • Tax Registration: Registering employees with the Revenue Service as income tax payers.
  • Payroll Banking: Opening corporate and personal bank accounts for foreign staff.

Real-World Situations When You Need This Service

International companies face the following challenges:

  • Project Launch: A construction company won a tender in Georgia. Urgent arrival of 50 engineers is needed. The lawyer manages the mass immigration process.
  • Regional Hub: A logistics company is opening a regional office. Management is moving from Dubai to Tbilisi. Legal support for enrolling their families in schools and kindergartens is needed.
  • Tax Optimization: An IT company registers a branch with "International Company" status. The lawyer ensures employees benefit from the 5% income tax.
  • Residency Renewal: Branch employees' residence permits are expiring. Timely renewal is needed to avoid fines.

Georgian Legal Framework

Branch employee immigration is regulated by the "Law on Entrepreneurs" (branch status) and the "Law on the Legal Status of Aliens". The "Labor Code of Georgia" applies to foreign employees as well. Special exemptions apply to citizens of certain countries (e.g., EU, USA), who can work visa-free for 1 year, although residency is recommended for long-term employment.

Process: How a Specialist Works

The lawyer's work includes:

  1. Planning: Drafting the relocation timeline.
  2. Coordination: Working with the HQ HR department to gather documents.
  3. Execution: Submitting applications and collecting cards.

Why Legal.ge?

Legal.ge offers corporate immigration experts experienced with large multinational companies. We understand that time is money for business. With our help, your team will be able to start working in Georgia from day one, without legal delays.

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Specialists for this service

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