A Business Visa (Categories C3 and D1/D2) is an essential legal instrument for foreign entrepreneurs, investors, and employees wishing to conduct economic activities in Georgia. While Georgia is known for its ease of doing business, correctly navigating immigration procedures is a prerequisite for successful operations. Business visas fall into two main types: short-term for business visits (negotiations, conferences) and long-term immigration visas, which serve as the basis for a Work Residence Permit. Foreigners often make the mistake of starting work on a tourist visa, which carries legal risks. Our service ensures that your business activities are fully compliant with Georgian immigration legislation.
The business visa application service includes full legal support tailored to the specifics of the business:
- Visa Category Selection: Determining the optimal category among D1 (employment), D2 (entrepreneurship/freelance), or C3 (short-term business visit).
- Drafting Employment Contracts: Preparing employment agreements compliant with standards, which are mandatory for the D1 visa.
- Business Documentation: Registration as an Individual Entrepreneur or preparing LLC extracts for obtaining a D2 visa.
- Proof of Income: Preparing documents confirming turnover or salary (bank statements, tax declarations) in accordance with legal requirements.
- Health Insurance: Selecting appropriate travel insurance packages for business visitors.
- Consular Support: Booking appointments at Georgian consulates abroad and preparing the client for the interview.
- Registration in Employee Database: Registering foreign employees in the Ministry of Health's unified database by the employer (which is mandatory).
This service is critical in the following scenarios: First, an international IT company opens an office in Tbilisi and wants to bring in foreign specialists — they need D1 visas. Second, a foreign freelancer or "Digital Nomad" plans to work from Georgia and wants to regularize their legal status via a D2 visa. Third, an investor comes to Georgia for a few weeks to sign contracts with partners and needs a C3 business visa. Fourth, a director managing a Georgian company remotely plans to obtain residency and needs to acquire an immigration visa for this purpose.
The legal framework is based on the "Law of Georgia on the Legal Status of Aliens and Stateless Persons." According to the law, the D1 category is issued to persons arriving for employment activities, while D2 is for entrepreneurial activities. It is important to consider the "Law on Labor Migration," which obliges employers to register foreign employees in a special electronic system. To obtain a visa, it must be proven that the foreigner has sufficient financial funds (salary or business income) to live in Georgia. An immigration visa is usually issued for 90 days, which is subsequently a prerequisite for obtaining a residence permit.
The process begins with collecting documents. If the person is employed, the employer prepares an invitation and contract. If the person is an entrepreneur, a Public Registry extract and bank certificates are needed. Documents are uploaded to the visa portal or submitted to the consulate. Upon a positive decision, the visa is placed in the passport. After arriving in Georgia, the holder of a D category visa must apply to the Public Service Hall for a Work Residence Permit before the visa expires. The lawyer ensures this process runs smoothly, eliminating deadline violations and fines.
Through Legal.ge, you connect with business immigration experts who help turn your business plans into reality. Our specialists ensure that your focus remains on business development rather than bureaucracy. Whether it's a startup, a large corporation, or individual entrepreneurship, Legal.ge offers precise and effective immigration solutions.
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