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Freelancer Work Permit

What is the minimum turnover required for a freelancer?

As an Individual Entrepreneur applying for residence, you generally need to demonstrate an annual turnover of at least 50,000 GEL derived from your professional activities.

Do I need to register as a business?

Yes, you must register as an Individual Entrepreneur (IE) at the Public Service Hall. This allows you to operate legally and is the basis for your residence application.

What is the tax rate for freelancers in Georgia?

If you qualify for "Small Business Status," you pay only 1% tax on your turnover (up to 500,000 GEL/year). This makes Georgia very attractive for digital nomads.

Can I apply if my clients are all outside Georgia?

Absolutely. Having foreign clients is standard for this permit type. You just need to receive payments into your Georgian bank account to prove the turnover.

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Obtaining a residence permit for freelancers is one of the most sought-after services in Georgia, especially given the influx of "digital nomads." Legally, this falls under the category of a Labor Residence Permit issued based on entrepreneurial activity. Since a freelancer typically does not have a local employer, they must register themselves as an Individual Entrepreneur (IE) and prove their own income and turnover. This procedure requires detailed planning because the Public Service Development Agency strictly verifies whether the IE's activity is genuine and meets the financial criteria established by law. Legal.ge offers qualified legal support for freelancers to help them legalize their international income and obtain the right to reside in Georgia.

What does this service cover?

The freelancer residence permit service is complex and involves several important steps. Specialists on Legal.ge will assist you with:

  • Individual Entrepreneur (IE) Registration: Going through the registration procedure at the Public Service Hall and selecting appropriate economic activity codes.
  • Tax Status Assignment: Obtaining "Small Business" status (1% tax rate) at the Revenue Service, which is critical for financial efficiency.
  • Bank Account Management: Opening a business account and properly administering funds received from abroad to prove turnover.
  • Turnover Documentation: Auditing bank statements and tax declarations to confirm the statutory annual turnover requirement (50,000 GEL).
  • Contract Preparation: Legally structuring service agreements with foreign clients to ensure compliance with Georgian legislation.
  • Visa Support: Ensuring legal entry into the country and obtaining a D1 category visa if necessary.

Common Scenarios and Needs

Freelancer residence is needed by professionals from various fields:

  • IT Specialist with Foreign Contracts: A programmer working remotely for US or European companies while living in Georgia.
  • Graphic Designer or Marketer: A creative professional with multiple small clients on Upwork or other platforms.
  • Online Teacher/Tutor: A foreigner teaching languages or other subjects online and receiving income via international transfers.
  • Blogger or Content Creator: A person whose income is generated from YouTube, Patreon, or social media ads.
  • Crypto Trader (with caveats): A person managing assets who wants to legalize income through individual entrepreneurship (requires a specific approach).

Georgian Legal Framework

The issuance of residence permits for freelancers is based on the Law of Georgia on the Legal Status of Aliens and Stateless Persons. The law provides for the issuance of a labor residence permit to a person carrying out entrepreneurial activities. In this case, the freelancer is both the employer and the employee. Government Resolution No. 280 establishes that an entity entitled to employ a foreigner (in this case, the Individual Entrepreneur themselves) must have an annual turnover of at least 50,000 GEL. Additionally, the Tax Code of Georgia defines the small business taxation regimes, which are particularly attractive for freelancers. The Agency requires proof that the person has sufficient income to live in Georgia and that their activity is not fictitious.

Step-by-Step Process

The process begins with registering as an Individual Entrepreneur at the Public Service Hall and opening a bank account. The next and longest stage is accumulating turnover or documenting existing turnover (e.g., statements from the last 12 months). Once financial indicators reach the legislative minimum, the lawyer prepares an application for the Public Service Development Agency, attaching Revenue Service certificates and bank statements. The Agency reviews the application (standard 30 days), after which the residence card is issued.

Why Legal.ge?

Obtaining a residence permit for freelancers is often complicated by the difficulty of proving non-standard income. Specialists featured on Legal.ge possess deep knowledge of the specific issues digital nomads face. They know how to present income received from international platforms (Upwork, Fiverr, Google) in a way that satisfies Georgian bureaucratic requirements. Our platform helps you find an expert who will turn your freelance profession into a legal residency status.

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