A "business visa" is not the name of a single document in Georgian legislation — it is a common name for two different statuses. The law offers a business visitor two separate tracks: the C3 category ordinary visa for short-term business contacts and the D1 category immigration visa for company representatives, consultants and entrepreneurs. This page explains both categories, shows when each applies, and sets out the visa-free entry rules for business visitors. One note before the details: the Schengen area's type C visa and the American business visa categories do not operate in Georgia — only the categories of Georgian law apply here.
Two tracks: the C3 ordinary and the D1 immigration visa
Under the law, a Georgian visa falls into five categories: diplomatic, special, ordinary, immigration and transit; each visa may be short-term or long-term. Within this system a business visitor has two specific slots. The first is the C3 category ordinary visa, which serves short-term business contacts: meetings, negotiations, conferences. The second is the D1 category immigration visa, intended for those who come to Georgia on a longer-term business basis. Choosing the right category determines which type of visa — and which set of possibilities — the traveller receives.
C3 — the visa for meetings, conferences and events
The C3 category ordinary visa is intended for persons coming to Georgia to hold business meetings and negotiations. The same category covers participants in scientific seminars, conferences and other scientific-research, pedagogical, cultural or sports events; persons coming to Georgia to carry out journalistic activity; and members of the crew of a ship standing in a Georgian port — unless visa-free movement of crew members is defined by an international treaty of Georgia. In addition, the C3 visa applies to the principal and additional drivers of cargo or passenger vehicles during international cargo transportation or passenger transfer. In short, if your purpose is a meeting, an event or transportation rather than long-term work, C3 is your category.
D1 — the visa for company representatives, consultants and entrepreneurs
The D1 category immigration visa covers a broader business background. Under the law, it is intended for a labour immigrant who enters Georgia for labour placement with a local employer and for paid labour activity; for representatives and consultants of companies and firms who travel to perform their official duties; and for persons coming to Georgia to conduct entrepreneurial activity in accordance with the Law of Georgia on Entrepreneurs. Under the wording in force since 1 March 2026, a D1 visa is also issued to an alien who has received the right to labour activity. So if your business visit rests on long-term employment or entrepreneurial activity, your instrument is the D1.