The legalisation of foreign medical personnel in Georgia fits within the general labour-migration frame, but with one sector-specific feature written directly into the statute: medical institutions enjoy a reduced turnover threshold. This page explains the full route for medical personnel — from the visa category to the validity terms of the residence permit — on the basis of the Law of Georgia on the Legal Status of Aliens and Stateless Persons, and shows where the medical sector stands compared with others. The comparison of thresholds is the starting point of the plan.
The visa stage — the D1 category
The appropriate visa route for medical personnel is the D1 category immigration visa: the law links it to labour immigrants and to representatives and consultants of companies, and it is precisely in that format that an alien employed by a medical institution enters. Under the wording in force since 1 March 2026, a D1 is issued to an alien who has received the right to labour activity — a formulation tying the employment-based route even more clearly to the real working relationship. When preparing the application it matters that the connection with the institution and the position be documented in detail, since this categorical fit is the basis of the decision.
The work residence permit and the income threshold
Staying for work rests on a work residence permit. An applicant submits to the Agency a document confirming labour or entrepreneurial activity and a certificate confirming that his or her monthly income is not less than five times the average consumer subsistence minimum. This threshold is universal and does not vary by sector — the sector-specific feature lies in the turnover requirement. Turnover data are prepared in advance.
The preferential threshold for medical institutions
The law's direct norm: the annual turnover of an alien's employer or founding educational or medical institution is, for these purposes, at least 35 000 GEL per each alien seeking a work residence permit. By comparison: under the general rule, the annual turnover of an enterprise — other than an educational or medical institution — must not be less than 50 000 GEL per each applicant. This difference is a real preference for the medical sector: a clinic or medical centre can legalise a foreign employee with a lower turnover than an employer in another field. The difference in thresholds is what makes the sectoral route distinct.
Permit validity
The work residence permit sits in the general regime of temporary permits: it is first issued for 6 months to 1 year, and its validity may be extended up to a maximum of 12 years — for the alien's expected period of stay in Georgia and on the same conditions as those of the permit whose extension is requested. In a special case the first permit is issued for up to 5 years. Extension must be planned in advance, because the termination of employment also terminates the period of stay.
What does not operate in Georgia
The medical-migration models of other states — including the special instruments of the American medical visa — are not applicable in Georgia: only the frame of Georgian law exists here — the D1 visa, the work residence permit and the preferential 35 000 GEL threshold. We also note: the recognition of professional qualifications in medicine proceeds under separate regulations and does not replace the migration status — these two processes run in parallel but independently. The plan is therefore built on two tracks at once — the sectoral and the general one.
Frequently asked questions
Below we answer the most common questions about medical personnel legalisation. The answers are aimed at practical application rather than theory.
Which visa does medical personnel need?
The D1 category immigration visa; since 1 March 2026 also in the format of holders of the right to labour activity. The format rests on the list of specialties defined by law.
What turnover does a clinic need for an alien?
For a medical institution — annual turnover of at least 35 000 GEL per each applicant alien; under the general rule an enterprise needs 50 000 GEL. The threshold is computed in advance and confirmed by documents.
What income must the employee have?
Monthly income not less than five times the average consumer subsistence minimum — confirmed by certificate. The certificate is prepared before the application is filed.
For what term is the permit issued?
First for 6 months to 1 year, in a special case for 5 years; extension up to 12 years. The periods are tied to the employment relationship and end together with its termination.
How We Help on Legal.ge
The Legal.ge team assembles the full chain of medical personnel legalisation: selecting the visa category, the application documentation, verifying the use of the preferential 35 000 GEL threshold, and the timeline schedule. In a written consultation you receive a plan based on your institution's profile. Contact us through the Legal.ge website.